not reading all the posts..

auto for me? NO for purpose of selling the car? sure.

THATS what i think.

Buttons or autostick could be offered 1st year -- they have that tech down. Paddle shifters would be cool too, but I think that's more for a DSG... which would be awesome, but I doubt that will even be an option.

Well if they do paddle shifters I hope that it's tied into a true DSG tranny and not just a lame way to override an auto transmission's usual shift points. I always hated those setups. :thumbdown:

I don't think DSG will be an option either, at least initially. The price target they set for this car is too low to include a fancy (expensive) DSG option IMO.

I plan on rowing my own gears anyway.

well how much does a dsg equipped GTI sell for, i dont think its much more then the pricethey want to keep it at. however, i havnt seen or heard anywhere that toyoa was even working on a dual clutch setup, they thought about it with the isf but decided otherwise

Good point. I'd be surprised to see the FT86 with DSG but not the ISF.

But DSG option isn't necessarily expensive. Maybe on a BMW yea but on a GTI for example it's only $1,100 more. That's like what an automatic transmission option costs. If they don't offer it for this car I don't think it'll be because of pricing.

a DSG is also close to 70 lbs more than a manual... not to mention the trinkets you need uptop to control all that crap; i personally don't see the appeal to an automatic unless you need it (missing arm, damn kids in the back, long nails?)

check out the pro's and con's here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox

I wonder what Toyota ever did with the SMT that came in the MR-S? It was pretty good, just slow on the up-shifts. It wouldn't be a bad option if they made some improvements to it.

I was thinking that too... I'd really like to see that as an option. Hell, even the newer GTI's come with a SMT.

Even a 6-speed tipronic would be a half decent option. They really dropped the ball with the 4-speed AT on the last gen Celica...

The 4AT is still used on the 2010 Matrix / Corolla (I think even the entry level Camry). You can only get the 5AT if you go "balls out" for the XRS (in Canada anways). IMO, 5AT should be Standard Equipment on anything newer than 2009. Theres no reason they shouldn't, this day and age.

Regardless, I still drive my MT. Only way to make driving fun IMO. My 04 XRS has a 6 speed and I thourougly enjoy driving it.

People who are saying a sports car needs to be a manual need to stop being so dogmatic. Technology has come to a point where these fancy automatics and paddle shifters are faster than a manual transmission.

If you want a cult following eco-sports car with manual only, get an Si.

They may be faster but they are not as much fun. There is a connection that you get with the vehicle when you row your own gears that can not be replaced even with the new dual clutch transmissions. I will gladly trade those .2 seconds I lose during shifting for the feeling I get when working a really good manual box like a miata or s2000.

Plus most people I know who have DCT transmissions, after the novelty has worn off, leave it in auto mode 99% of the time anyway. DCT will eventually replace torque converter automatics but will never be able to replicate a traditional 3 pedal H pattern manual driving experience.

I don't judge auto drivers but I just want to row my own gears because sportscars are supposed to be all about the driving experience and fun.

After owning an Acura with the Honda(Grenade)-o-matic H5 auto. I really have no desire to own another shiftable Auto. Not to mention recent recalls for the DSG.

Do i think there should be an auto version, yes for sales purpose.

Will i buy one? Fuck no!

As far as the Si goes, its an enthusiast's car (read a niche car), if you can't drive a three pedal setup then your not an enthusiast.:burnrubber:

I read this as "I can't drive a 5speed, so stop hatin' yo."


course I'm an asshole.