Magnetti Marelli autoboxes

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Someone asked about auto shifting manual boxes. Well, those Euro 
manufacturers are at it again. Take a manual gearbox and clutch and add 
electro hydraulic actuators controlled by a computer and you have an 
automatic transmission that has all the advantages of a manual box.

You need excellent computing power integrated with the engine management 
computer. You need slick high pressure hydraulics with reliable electrical 
controllers. You need an electronic throttle control.

The latest R&T article complains that the Maserati GT with Cambiocorsa 
option is "clunky" on the downshifts when approaching a traffic light (for 
example) and suggests that this is unacceptable. Ha, even skilled drivers 
will be making all manner of noises and stuff as they shift down 
approaching a light, if they still do, which would be wrong anyway 
nowadays. The correct method today is to shift into neutral and use the 
brakes to slow the car. Many, if not most jurisdictions still make coasting 
in a car illegal, which is totally bone headed. There is absolutely no 
reason to use engine braking nowadays. Anyway, at least the tranny shifts 
down for you, unlike the old type autobox which shifts up!!! If you are in 
manual mode it will hold the gear you were in when you began slowing down. 
Sheesh, sometimes I think the North American car market is the most 
primitive and backward in the world. Wait a minute, it IS!

Magnetti Marelli produces these boxes for FIAT Group, Ferrari and Maserati. 
BMW has a system. SAAB is still working on their version (they should 
probably go to the major manufacturers on this one) and even Ford uses the 
Magnetti box on the latest Aston. GM/Ford? Daimler Chrysler have no such 
technology. Americans don't really want an automatic that is as tight and 
efficient as a manual box. Plus, the North American market still thinks a 
manual shift automatic makes sense (excuse me? but who thought of that 
stupid idea? all the drawbacks of a manual shift with none of the 
advantages plus all the drawbacks of an autobox... really!)

These new manual automatics are the answer to the sporting driver's dreams. 
They provide the real answer for the enthusiast who has to drive in real 
traffic. A fully automatic manual type gearbox with a real manual shift 
option. I cannot wait until I can get one here in a car I can afford.

Cheers



Michael Smith
White 1991 164L
Original owner
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