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In Reply to: Yes, so look at what this means! (m) posted by lk on May 08, 2000 at 12:01:13:
To say the Steptronic is "not the same as racing teams use" is a huge understatement! Race teams that use clutchless paddle shifters (like Formula 1) use a full MANUAL TRANSMISSION that is simply mechanially/hydraulically shifted. You are comparing apples to oranges. Yes, a F1 paddle shifted transmission will result in faster times that an old F1 "stick and clutch" car, but your comparison between an F1 paddle shifted car and your Steptronic is ludicrous! To answer your question, F1 does not use stick and clutch anymore because they have something better. But what they have HAS ABSOLUTELY NO MECHANICAL RELATIONSHIP to your Steptronic slushbox. That's where your logic falls on its face.
Again, there is nothing wrong with an automatic transmission (i.e. Steptronic). But you should not kid yourself by comparing it to F1 transmissions. You should also not kid yourself into thinking that mechanically, it is any different than any other automatic transmission on the market today. Its just a plain old slushbox with a gimmicky way of shifting it (its a gimmick because it offers nothing over shifting any other automatic transmission by simply using the shift handle).
: Racing teams have NO qualms admitting that the old "gas off-clutch-shift-gas on" method of shifting a car is so much slower in competitive events--where you measure success or failure by fractions of a second.
: now, stick drivers need to get past the notion that they can shift faster than a computer. it's no contest, as any step driver can attest. granted, the GM-built BMW step trans is not the same as what racing teams use, but it's DAMN FAST, especially under spirited acceleration. there is no lag on my car, i can promise you.
: it's amazing to be able to have your foot planted on the floor, and click thru the gears within seconds.
: so, the most you can look to (imo) is the driveline losses associated w/ step. granted, they are unavoidable, but i'd be willing to bet that most drivers are still faster. racing teams with huge bankrolls are able to develop and use true clutchless direct-drive manuals to make up this difference, but seeing how these F1 and touring car drivers are shifting their cars these days, how can ANYONE think that they are so good that they can shift faster? you guys think you're better than the F1 driver? why don't they use a clutch anymore then?
: cmon you guys, you win on the driveline losses, but please, you can't hope to win the "i can shift faster than a computer". please, go drive a step trans.
: as far as your CCA training goes rudy, keep in mind that this is the FIRST YEAR the step has been available on the 3-er's, right? revolutionary ideas often take years to filter down and overcome ingrained preconceived notions. look no further than this board for evidence of that. i'll wager a year's pay that within 5 years, more steps will be at those training schools than manuals. mark it down!
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