Re: Future BMWs : M3 and Z3 evol.

Subject: Re: Future BMWs : M3 and Z3 evol.
From: ZNGL%mimi@domain.elided
Date: Tue, 3 Sep 96 04:47:07 CDT
From: Peter Zangl                     ZNGL
 
Subj: Re: Future BMWs : M3 and Z3 evol.
 
Jonathan Forbes <jforbes@domain.elided> wrote:
>>- - NEW sequential 6-speed gearbox for 97' Euro M3. You can use it in two
>>  modes : auto (like others auto. cars) or Sport mode. In that case, you
>>  only have to push (shift down) or pull (shift up) the lever, and THAT'S
>>  IT. And you can do it while your accelerator pedal is still 'full open'.
>>  It has some refinements like :
>>  - automaticly shift to 1st gear when you stop
>>  - you can shift from 5 to 2 for instance, if you do 3 impulses
>>  - automatic double-declutching when you shift down
>
>>  Technically, it uses hydraulic stuff (so, no more clutch pedal), and
>>  needs 0.25 second for shifting.... Seems like perfect !
>
>The trouble with the semi-automatics is that they're not any faster than a
>fully automatic, because of the power loss through the transmission, so if
>you were to drag race someone from a stoplight, you'd still get smoked,
>whether you shifted yourself or let the transmission do it.
>
>I think SAAB has a transmission which is a manual with an automatic clutch
>which gets around this problem, since it's not an automatic transmission.
 
The nice thing to hear is: You don't have any trouble
with the semi-automatic in the new M3 because it isn't
an automatic at all! It is still the same gear-box.
The difference is: You don't use it with manpower but
with a well developed hydraulic. The gear-box gets the
command to shift from the electronic and changes the
gear the same way the driver would do it per hand. The
electronic controls the hydraulic clutch and the
acceleration pedal too, so you don't even have to
lift your foot when accelerating.
 
The advantage is: It can be used the same way as the
Porsche Tiptronic (full automated or manually controled)
but it doesn't loose power like a automatic. It is much
faster than most automatics, too.
The disadvantage: It is'nt so smooth like a real automatic.
 
The first article I read in a german magazine stated it
as to be real fascinating to drive, but you have to
get used to it.
 
Sounds like another good reason to buy an M3. Now the
only thing I have to do is to play lottery   =:-(  .
 
Greetings,
 
Peter Zangl
zngl@domain.elided