[DeTomaso] NPC: Commentary on the state of manual transmissions

[Joseph F. Byrd, Jr.]

And here is an App for your phone where you can use a smart shift knob :(

https://www.wired.com/2013/07/ford-shifter/


-----Original Message-----
From: DeTomaso [mailto:detomaso-bounces at server.detomasolist.com] On Behalf Of audionut at hushmail.com
Sent: Monday, May 28, 2018 23:50 PM
To: detomaso at server.detomasolist.com
Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] NPC: Commentary on the state of manual transmissions

The good ol' stick shift--  a good metaphor for remembering how important it is for us real live humans to "not lose touch".  We absolutely must remain integral elements of all our machinery/technology. 
Overzealous and blind application of/reliance on technology definitely carries infinite potential to turn the human race into utter idiotic fools.
 Sent using Hushmail
On 5/28/2018 at 2:06 PM, "Charles Engles"  wrote:Dear Forum,
               FYI:  An excerpt from the May 26th Wall Street Journal article, "Stick with What Works", by Jonathan Welsh "There is still something transcendental about manually shifting your way through a car's gear box-pulling it into fourth, throwing it into fifth as you control a rumbling machine.  
This mighty high has flouted the odds.  Over time, many other antiquated auto features have been ruthlessly abandoned-hand-crank starters and windows, carburetors and cassette decks.  But stick-shifting has defiantly stuck around, joining ax throwing, rock climbing and ultramarathons as an activity people stubbornly enjoy despite its needless difficulty. 
Drivers
choose to shift because it is an ever-rarer skill that is a challenge to learn and ---face it---fun to show-off.
While many car owners would love to kick back with a good book while the family minivan whisks their brood down the interstate, driving stick appeals to those who seek tangible experiences in an era of digital assistants and apps for just about everything.  These die-hards fear that the car, long a symbol of freedom and spontaneity, is becoming just another numbing high-tech appliance.  Meanwhile, vehicles that still offer stick shifts telegraph an image of high performance, toughness, nostalgia and fun---all factors that can seduce new customers..."
"...But many people still buy stick shift cars for 'emotional reasons.' Mr.
Plucinsky said.  'They enjoy the mechanical feedback, which is part of the fun of driving even if they are just commuting to work.'
There certainly is joy in changing gears in rhythm with the car.  Some people get a tingle from the sound of the engine revving as they slide down into a lower gear while threading winding roads..."
              Maybe there is hope for a future with manual transmissions.
In any event, we still have the Panteras and the ZFs.
                                Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles