I think this is a very good move from Subaru.

 

I don't even know how to respond to this. What high schooler doesn't want to do this.




Being a 22 year old I'd like to point out something. I am confident that most people of Marshall's generation can indeed drive stick. That's not what I'm worried about. I don't really see that age group buying STis anway. What bothers me is that I only have 3 or 4 friends that can drive stick. It's becoming a lost ability because their parents are buying automatics. So while it is nice for me now cause my roomates can't borrow my car, it is inconvient in that I a limited to being the only driver on road trips (which isn't so bad).

Furthermore, 20 years down the road I don't want to not be able to get a stick because you have this whole generation of kids who never learned how to drive it and thus automakers don't offer them anymore. But that appears to be unstoppable now. The 7 series used to be offered in a MT. I wouldn't be surprised if the V8 5 series only came in AT in the near future.

 

Yes, I too drive an auto daily, and a stick on the weekend. Variety is good.

But there is a American generation much younger than us that includes many that have never driven a stick, wow.

 

The EVO X MR is only offered in a DSG type transmission.
The GSR is offered in 5 speed manual.
The Ralliart (WRX competition) is offered only in DSG as well (with a 5 speed possibly later).

 

I have finally learned to drive stick over vacation in Las Vegas, but still not the greatest, and while it is a lot of fun, i don't think i could drive a manual everyday, specially since most of my driving will be in traffic, not curvy roads. This is definetly a car i'd buy, same goes for the automatic 911, faster then the manual

 

Some cars should stay stick to keep their image and purity. However I guess at 30, I'm old in views b/c hardly anyone is listening.

Hope this helps sales then lol.

 

As far as I'm concerned, you're correct. The STI's suspension and tires tires, manual or automatic, are just too harsh for my tastes. Same with the Evo....even more so.

The main problem is that traffic density is getting worse all over the world, especially in and around cities. That is working against conventional manuals.

I think, though, that you will probably see the V8 5-series with SMT/DSG-type transmissions that offer the advantages of both manuals and automatics.

 

You're right. Good catch. I forgot the Evo MR has an automanual.

I know that the Ralliart has one, though.......I reviewed one a few months ago. It works well, but not quite as well as VW's superb DSG.

 

lol I was going to say, THE mmarshall forgot about the twin-clutch tranny in the X-MR. Had one too many drinks today before CL jk.

I'm pretty happy to see the STi in AT form. Alot of people pick the EVO/STi over cars like S2000/350Z because of their practicality, such as 4 doors, backseats, and a usable trunk. If throwing an AT in the STi would add even more to this practicality plus, it would be a huge advantage, and could help sales, and even potentially steal from the S2000/370Zs' target consumers.

Even though I can drive a manual, if the STi comes in both AT and MT I would probably pick AT. I got a wagon for utility and practicality, what's wrong with an automatic in it? It's not like I got a hardcore racetrack vehicle like the Elise.

 

it's really not that bad. most people who complain about a manual in a stop-and-go condition needs to learn how to drive.

 

Friend, I'm just as human as anyone else. I can occasionally forget things WITHOUT drinking. .

No arguments there. I agree with all of your points here.

 

I wish you were my dad. When I was around 17 years old (4 years ago), my uncle had an S2000, didn't let me try it. Looked and felt really fun being a passenger in it. Couldn't believe your son didn't want to ride that beast.

 

Subaru is making a logical business decision that could have a positive impact even in this economy. I appreciate that they will give the customer the choice of tranny.

 

Yup, first thing that came to mind was: well that seems a little un-Subi-ish.

 

I could deffinetly see the Evo becoming fully auto..
I would think that this would make sales go for Mitsubishi