Question in GM's Art Center presentation

[zx4000]

Among Q&A with Mr. Gordon Murray

Q2: What is your take on the new paddle-shifting mechanisms?
GM: I think there's going to be a backlash. They don't add anything, and in many cases they detract from control and from the overall experience. People are told by manufacturers that they are being given formula racing technology, but they are not. You reach a point of no returns and begin to see that it's not getting you anywhere.

Could anyone explain the backlash of new paddle-shifting mechanism in detial, which Mr.GM saying ?

Thanks in advance (Sorry for a bit off topic)

[F1 monster]

He meant that consumers would stop asking for (buying) this technology, because it takes away from the control experience, and because it is not real F1 technology even though manufacturers want consumers to believe that it is. He doesn't see any advantage to it.

[zx4000]

Umm.. I have understood "backlash" as mechanical term rather in term of its behavior. Thanks F1 Monster..

[pimp349]

Originally Posted by F1 monster

He meant that consumers would stop asking for (buying) this technology, because it takes away from the control experience, and because it is not real F1 technology even though manufacturers want consumers to believe that it is. He doesn't see any advantage to it.

The F1-style transmission is expected to account for more than 80 percent of sales, but traditionalists can opt for a six-speed manual.

...from Automobile Magazine's article on the F430, seems to me more and more people prefer F1 type transmissions. I see most M3's with that rather than the manual...my friend works valet and took one for a ride on the highway. He said its much better when you need quick shifting than a manual, especially for inexperienced drivers. Lets you have control when you want to, but when you don't, it takes over...makes sense.

[tortoise]

With no disrespect meant, most of the people who buy these cars are not involved, enthusiast drivers. Using a manual shift properly is not only not a pleasure to them, it is often beyond their skills.
Then you have the fact that for many of these folk the significant other's support is sought for what is an unnecessary extravagance. If the SO might drive the car occasionally, her support is much more likely to be forthcoming.