The Endangered Clutch Pedal

Not even a decade ago, the world's light-vehicle transmission sector was placid and staying true to its tradition for careful investment and incremental developments.
Probably the most unique — or riskiest, if you prefer — production effort was the continuously variable transmission, which was enjoying increased use by chief proponent Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. after a history of fitful development dating back to the 1980s.

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silver1 - 4/24/2008 7:48:13 PM

+1 Boost

I'm just waiting to drive the New Nissan Maxima CVT engine...Nissan said it's an experience and you have to drive it to believe it.....
290 horses on a CVT....Thats going to be interesting....
Hurry Up Maxima!

njshift - 4/26/2008 8:43:06 AM

+3 Boost

You sound way too excited about a Maxima, regardless o what engine it will have next.

Htay7500 - 4/24/2008 8:12:22 PM

+8 Boost

I'll be screaming and kicking if manuals are gone.

Need4Speed - 4/24/2008 8:55:14 PM

+3 Boost

With cars like the GT-R coming around...you can add the steering wheel and gas pedal to that too! The car pretty does all the control work for you...hell it will even give you a gauranteed 3.3 second 0-60...everytime! Hey...what do we need to drive for...just sit back and enjoy the ride!

DWolff - 4/24/2008 11:16:52 PM

+5 Boost

Although an automatic transmission is easier and more convenient a manual transmission is way more fun to drive. And once you've gone manual you dont want to go back it just puts the fun back into driving. So although the manual transmission may be fading I dont think it will competely dissapear for a long time.

Monk - 4/25/2008 12:37:05 AM

+2 Boost

CVT transmissions are just awkward - I will never get used to the engine sound.
Automatics are very convenient. However, a manual is cheaper, more engaging, and more fuel-efficient all at the same time.

Matthew1 - 4/25/2008 6:40:25 AM

+3 Boost

Manuals aren't going anywhere soon- roughly 80% of cars sold in Europe are manual.

mpls - 4/25/2008 7:36:17 AM

+1 Boost

Really ? Most people who drives BMWs have them in Automatic, that's says so much about their snobbery driving dynamics ! no ?

DexDiamonds - 4/25/2008 2:31:13 PM

+1 Boost

Without a manual shifter what am I to do with my right hand now...

M53R - 4/25/2008 4:58:47 PM

+1 Boost

Although a manual is more engaging, it becomes a big pain to use daily especially in traffic. So the best thing imo is a dual clutch transmission with pedals. This way, you can switch between automatic when you're in traffic and manumatic when you want to have some fun.

StickShiftCamry - 4/27/2008 3:20:09 AM

+1 Boost

I have one of these, over 200k miles. V6, 4doors, leather and a STICK! and still hits the limiter everytime w/o breathing hard.