Jakpro1

Not the dual clutch thing, but a real manual tranny.

Just in a C Class sedan right now but sure more is planned.

How long before an AMG stick is released.


I have never driven a Mercedes-Benz as aggressively as I have the new C300 Sport. And I've never enjoyed a Mercedes more.

For the first time in a long time, Mercedes has put a manual transmission in its entry-level C-class, or any sedan.

The C-class is new this year with Sport and Luxury models.

The midsize sedan is sold in three trim levels with two V-6 engines, a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.




Article here.

What's your thoughts on driving a stick guys?

Yacht Master

Shifting interferes with my drinking.

My little spyder is fun to drive and shift in the mountains of Colorado. For the day in day out, caught up in commuter traffic of south Florida, an auto is the only way.

BTW Jakpro we need to see if your 55 can go 200 MPH, you have the most mods and are the closest to the salt flats. What do you think?

chiromikey

i think mb should quit chasing bmw...since when did they become followers instead of leaders. they've cornered the market on luxury power and now it seems they've given up on their niche. those of us that chose amg, chose it for specific reasons and could have easily bought the bimmer if we wanted to.

as much fun as manuals are, if i want a stick or a firm suspension i'll get the pcar or z06.

Blue_Monster

They have always had a C class in a stick. Its standard, nothing new

KrisKeeney

Nah. I get "shift involvement" with the paddles and the stick. I don't see the need or desire to move my left foot any more. My left foot is often hovering near the brake while gassing with my right.

As I see it: manual shifting/clutching offers two things:

1. ability to control the gearing; i.e. ability to put it in the gear I want to be in at any given time/speed/rpm:
2. the physical movement/sensation of synchronizing my left foot with my right hand/arm.

I already have #1 and I don't want/need #2

So with the paddles and shifting stick, I get the gearing control, but then with the auto, I can chill when I want/need a more passive moment.

I love the current automatic: especially at high speeds in 5th gear: it just sounds like it is begging me to either shift up (to a non-existent next gear), or punch it......."DO SOMETHING" it is telling me.......so I usually punch it.

I'm good where it is now.

KrisKeeney

Exactly: keep the niche that we have grown to love. No need to try to be the others. If we wanted the others, we'd be driving the others.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

There was an episode of Top Gear where Clarkson listed a littany of innovations that the Mercedes S-Class has brought into the forefront of auto manufacturing. It was pretty amazing how many things we consider standard on cars today have come from MB innovation. Personally I think putting a stickshift into a Merc is a step backwards. Let's face it, the days of the manual tranny are dwindling. Computers do it better, faster, and don't melt clutches like us humans do.

Now I don't really like Autoboxes in sports cars. My Supra's a 6-speed. I love my Supra, I love driving it, I love the way people's windows roll down and the look of awe as clouds of CFC's plume from my 4" titanium exhaust. But god do I HATE my clutch. I want to bite it. My left leg shakes at the thought of another shift. Being in that car is like being on stage, all eyes are on me and I'd better not bog or miss a shift. And god forbid I get stopped on a steep hill, then the sweating starts.

My point is that the new innovations in SMG and DSG technology are truly pointing straight for the future. Virtually all the control of a manual box is available with the proper programming, and unless you're planning on competing in Formula D it's very hard to justify a manual with today's innovations.

blackbenzz

I would like to see a DSG in an AMG. I would also like to see them work on weight saving.

Blacksport350

According to my contact who is high up at AMG in Germany...."there never will be a manual tranny fitted to any AMG". Even the CLK GTR was an automated sequential with paddles. I have only seen one AMG fitted with a manual, it was a CLK55 driven on the street by one of the factory team drivers that had a 6 speed manual.

rflow306

Not to bash but I had a new 997 6sp for two days and the car gets old quick. It is only fun to drive when you are pushing it to the limit imho.

F_Porsche

Entry Level Mercs have always been stick. That goes for the E and CLK
aswell.

I don't think there is so much great stuff about a stick. I have to deal
with it everyday and it just rides my nervs! Driving an Auto is so much
more comfortable and the newer ones are very economic aswell.