Tiptronic transmission

[Mark R]

I agree with Dan.  Furthermore, Tiptronics and similar automatic
transmissions (or transaxles... grouping them as transmissions for
this discussion) tend to upshift in steady state or increasing revs. 
This is all about programming, some are much better than others. 
Anyhow, they can upshift mid-corner or at corner exit past the apex,
very much unsettling the car's suspension by shifting weight (any
shift of a transmission will shift weight).  That's the downside.

The upside- modern tiptronics are smooth and relatively fun
(especially combined with paddles and/or wheel buttons).  If I lived
in traffic (think NYC/Long Island) it would be an ideal compromise. 
Also, for towing purposes, automatics tend to last longer and be
better suited.

I'm a die-hard manual transmission guy (expect for tow vehicles). 
That said, the DSG type of transmissions (paddle-shift F1, etc.) are
the wave of the future.  Smooth, perfect shifts every time, complete
with rev matching due to cheap processing power in the computers and
electronic throttle.  You can even program the computer for a full
automatic mode.  Cost of manufacturing, packaging, and consumer
education are the holdbacks right now.  In the future, I think we'll
see these commonplace, with 3 or 4 shift modes.  Ultra economy
automatic.  Normal automatic, manual, and manual sport modes.  Ultra
economy would short-shift automatically as long as the accelerator
isn't mashed, and manual sport mode would shorten the shift time for a
firmer shift (think increased line pressure in an automatic).

I adore technology, but will be saddened when I purchase my first
sports car without a clutch pedal.

Off to get cars ready for ACCNA-NEQ at Watkins Glen,
Mark Rosenkrantz