I just realized I resorted to the same generalizations and name-calling tactics that I was annoyed at others for using on this thread. Perhaps I shouldn't have grouped all that were defending the MT as simple-minded and unwilling to accept new tech, but it was an observation after reading through the thread. A case of where the few idiots out there ruined it for all I suppose. My first three cars were MTs, and my last one was a AT. I am a decent stick driver, but am not by any means a race car driver. I am still relatively young (at least I have two good legs, but I am just a little mentally disabled =P) and live in an area with traffic (L.A.). After reading up on the FRS/BRZ AT and how sophisticated it is, I just think it narrows the gap between MT and AT. We obviously all have driven uneventful ATs in our lives (rentals or our own), but from the short test drive I took in the FRS, this Auto is just pretty special. Do I want the option to have the full MT for 15% of the time, sure. But the FRS will be my DD and sometimes I don't mind having a "Camry" mode or even a "Sport" mode that can perhaps make better (or at least more consistent) shifting decisions than I would. I like people bringing up data and numbers like 0-60 times, weight diff between AT & MT, MPG discussions, shift responsiveness, gear ratios, etc instead of just pride of being a man and controlling your stick
. To each his own... Still on the fence between MT and AT... But just pointing out the folks sharing their experience with the FRS AT bring more to the table than the few who jump in pounding their chest about great of a MT driver you are. All this talk about feel and control in the MT, I get it cause I know how to drive stick and I'm kind of over it. I'm sure all the MT advocates are making tons of $ winning races.