Not everyone drives on a road course every time they are in their G. In fact, I find it funny that most of the people pushing manuals probably can't drive them as well as they like to think. I'm still undecided, but since this is a luxury sports car, and I live in Southern California, the 5-speed automatic isn't out of the question. Rowing through the gears in traffic isn't my idea of fun. I'm not sure where you got your data that "nobody likes" the paddle shifters.

 

Yeah - there's the regular old tiptronic shifting on the gear-selector...you click it over into the M mode, and then click it up for shifting up, and down for shifting down.

Paddle shifters on the other hand, take care of this on the steering wheel. Pull the right side (+) for up, and the left side (-) for down...like an F1 or Ferrari.

 

If the paddles used advanced technology and a 6 speed, I'd opt for it - like SMG or DSG.

But with 5 speeds and likely-to-be-very-slow shifts, I'll stick with a 6MT even if I do live downtown.

The shifts in my FX in manual mode (same tranny as G) are so damn slow and laggy it's a joke.

 

If the G37 is the same as the 07 Sedan (which I assuming it will be), you will also have DS Mode. If you move your shifter to the left, you are automatically in DS Mode, which is Drive Sport mode. DS Mode allows you to run up to the redline without manually shifting. Once you manually shift up or down via the shifter or the paddles, DS Mode disengages and you are in full manual mode.

 

You've obviously never driven the 07 Sedan Sport with the paddle shifters. Shifts are extremely quick with virtually no lag whatsoever.

 

You're obviously correct.

Still a 5spd with minimal modern technology IMO.

I'll give one a test drive, but I'm probably still going with the 6MT.

 

Really? Most of the tiptronic style cars I have driven have had so much lag between gear changes that it defeated the purpose. I'm still not set on a 5AT, but I live in Orange County where there's always a decent amount of traffic, I don't think I'd get my moneys worth out of a 6MT, overall I think i'd enjoy an automatic more and it would be great if the paddle shifters had some decent performance.

 

Go drive a 335 and you will see it shifts much faster than you possibly can with an MT. The G AT is slightly slower but still quick.

 

I wouldn't count .01s of a second in a shift - it can barely be felt. If I can feel lag, I'm frustrated. 6MT isn't just for the speed of shifts, but for the fun of rowing through the gears. As long as the shifts are PRETTY quick, I could be happy... But I think these days it should have 6 gears also. Lexus and Mercedes are both in or moving to 7 speed autos.

 

Yep, seriously just go drive an 07 Sedan and I am sure you won't be disappointed. We had a thread in the 07 Sedan section (which I am not able to find unfortunately) where people gave there thoughts on how quick the paddles shifted, and pretty much everyone agreed that they were extremely quick. If you live in the OC with lots of traffic, I think the 5AT Sport will be a very satisfactory experience for you. If you end up test driving an 07 Sedan Sport, let me know what you think.

 

I can't wait until the car finally releases. I have already put down my deposit and chosen what options I want. The paddle shifters sound awesome, can't wait to try them out on some nice deserted interstate, late at night!!

 

My AMG had the SPEEDSHIFT transmission and with it in DRIVE gear and under hard acceleration it would take the rpms right to redline and shift faster than you could ever do it manually. It would also hold the gear under hard cornering, etc. I've owned lots of manual transmissions over the years and that SPEEDSHIFT was wicked-fast. This transmission technology has really advanced and I'm through with working the stick. Hey, if it's good enough for F1, it works for me!

 

Actually, I'm have only heard from the reviewers (top gear, car and driver, motor trend). I actually met a couple of guys on the skyline drive this past weekend and they've driven the 07 with the paddle shifters and they love it. I take back most of my original statement if you will allow it lol.

 

Well I guess we will forgive you this one time, but don't let it happen again, LOL!!

 

Only fools don't change their mind .

I've driven MT for quite some time and I still don't shift properly. Well I don't race either so I never felt the need to learn how to get those crazy numbers magazine gets. I mean clutches are expensive so I don't overabuse it to get 1 or 2 seconds more then an AT. I however agree that in winter, the control using an MT is so much better then AT.