Quote:
Originally Posted by B-1Pilot
I just wish all these MT guys would go back to sending letters through the mail -- its way more rewarding, anyways -- and get off our technologically advanced internet 
For the people who think the P-car GT4 is a manual because of performance you are way wrong. It is about a business decision to reduce it's performance. If you don't understand this, you don't understand the automotive business. You probably also don't understand that the M5/M6 is the BMW apex car for performance, not the M3 or M4, and always has been. In the business sense, and in very typical German fashion, the lesser car (in price) will not exceed the performance capabilities of the higher one. There will always be a performance progression from 1M -> M2-> M3/4 -> M5/M6.
Similarly, the only way manual stays around is if the take rates make it economically feasible for BMW to continue building them.
For who was asking on the MT vs DCT take rates --
E9X M3s in US, take rate was about 45% Manual
E60 M5 and E63 M6 in US, take rate was about 15% which is why it was dropped for the F10/F12
i dont know what the F80 take rate is currently, but if its anywhere above I would say 30% they should offer a manual for the M2. If they are going to do more than a limited run, they will have to do a DCT of some sort as well...
Scott's post above confirms that market demand for MT in the M2/3/4 will keep it alive for at least another generation.. I suspect if the Fxx and Gxx take rates work out to be high enough they will continue making MTs for the customers that want them.
Why we keep getting our collective panties in a twist on this before the unveil of the M2 is beside me -- its gonna have an MT variant, the real question is whether its going to be a ZF AT or an M-DCT as well. |
I'm curious Why do you or anyone else want to kill the manual? It's not stopping you from having your silly computer do your shifting at exactly the wrong time or not downshifting enough etc. You still have your crappy boring obtrusive dct. We just don't want the jot of driving sucked out of our lives. I guess if it isn't the way you like it shouldn't exist. Guess any car that isn't just like yours shouldn't exist either
As for rates and business sense, if BMW wants to kill the manual, of the 45% who bought them. More than half would probably go elsewhere. If BM W thinks loosing 25% of its sales is cheaper than offering the manual, have at it. Manual sales for corvettes and hellcats will spike I'm sure.