Saab Unveils Concept Crossover Vehicle

[campgottagopee]

Yes, but a sexy pig...

Did I really just type that?

I agree, manual transmission driver here. When I was buying my VW I was having trouble finding a wagon with stick. People would say tell me all the time that I should just get the auto (tiptronic or whatever it is), "you can shift it just like a manual". Uh no, it's NOT just like a manual. It's about more just than the efficiency or the ability to select which gear I want for me...

I too like driving bolt action for the same reason. I have a very steep driveway so it's nice to have those RPM's up there when ther's a foot of snow on the ground. I will say this though that "sport shift" is IMO the same "feeling" but without a clutch. I think we stick drivers need to get used to it because soon manual will be long gone. (except for sportscars)

 

[campgottagopee]

You know you want one...

Wher didja find her---she's a keeper

 

[bvibert]

I will say this though that "sport shift" is IMO the same "feeling" but without a clutch. I think we stick drivers need to get used to it because soon manual will be long gone. (except for sportscars)

Heresy! The "without a clutch" part is what I don't like...

 

[Marc]

I too like driving bolt action for the same reason. I have a very steep driveway so it's nice to have those RPM's up there when ther's a foot of snow on the ground. I will say this though that "sport shift" is IMO the same "feeling" but without a clutch. I think we stick drivers need to get used to it because soon manual will be long gone. (except for sportscars)

Don't hold your breath. As long as there are internal combustion engines that require geared transmissions.... in Europe the ratio of sticks to automatics is about opposite of what it is here.

Now if you mean the probability of successful electric car and IC/generator cars is high enough that we'll all be driving one of those before long, then I'd agree with you. Both manual and automatic transmission's days are numbered.

 

[campgottagopee]

Now if you mean the probability of successful electric car and IC/generator cars is high enough that we'll all be driving one of those before long, then I'd agree with you. Both manual and automatic transmission's days are numbered.

That's ed-zachary what I mean. the auto as we see/know it today will change very quickly in the next 10 or so years. Gonna be an intersting ride for sure.

 

[riverc0il]

Is SUBARU the offical car of Vermont????

Vermont certainly creates that perception. But after having lived in VT for a few years, it is decidedly not the official car of the entire state but rather certain sections, those with the more well to do. Drive around the NEK or other economically deprived areas and you will notice a striking absence of subarus, generally in favor of family sedans or trucks. With exception of places like the Colleges and Hospitals at which a surprisingly high percentage of workers drive Subarus. A striking economic variance if I have ever seen one. If you saw a lot of Subs at Smuggs, you were probably seeing a lot of folks from Burlington's more well to do areas such as Burlington area.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

makes sense...in VT I would imagine you have to drive pretty far for even basic nesessities, so having a gas guzzler just does not make sense, unless it doubles as a work vechicle....its funny, most of the VT plates (if not a subie) was a FWD car with dedicated snows....not the big SUV's like everyone from NY/CT/Mass drives up in....hey, I'm not knocking SUV's, I wish I still had my Armada and hope to again, but with gas prices the way they are, I couldnt justify spending $85/week in gas even though i can afford it....but man, they are nice for long trips and hauling gear!!!

 

[Edd]

I drive an 02 Legacy, but I wish I could squeeze more mileage out of it. Seriously, you only need AWD less than 1% of the time, even skiers. I'd love it if Subaru designed a system where you can turn AWD off when not needed.

 

[Marc]

I drive an 02 Legacy, but I wish I could squeeze more mileage out of it. Seriously, you only need AWD less than 1% of the time, even skiers. I'd love it if Subaru designed a system where you can turn AWD off when not needed.

Short of locking hubs, the extra friction and inertia in the drive train still exists, even if two of the wheels aren't being driven by the engine. And locking hubs add complexity and lots of unsprung weight and inconvenience factors to the equation. They're only used to eliminate the use of a decoupler in elsewhere in the drive train.

Plus, most AWD cars do drive only two wheel under non slip conditions.

It's just the nature of the beast, my friend. However, before too long we'll all be basking in the use of vehicles with four independent motors per wheel (or at least one per axle).