I have NEVER owned an automatic transmission car. (I lie. I did have a Dodge truck for a few months...it was an auto) All of my other cars have been manual. I probably would have sworn that I would never own an automatic.

I was in the market for a 245, and I knew that's what I wanted. There weren't too many manual trans versions, so I 'settled' for an auto. This is my type of transmission.

What I hate about automatic transmissions is that they downshift too easily, and sometimes upshift too easily. They hunt around for gears, and I don't feel like I have any meaningful control over them. Sometimes I want to get pretty heavy into the pedal without it kicking down. Boy, oh boy! The AW70 gives me that. Cruising in 4th on the highway, I want to speed up a little? No problem. I can be confident in putting my foot to the (floor - 1) position without a downshift. But make no mistake about it, if I want third gear, it's just a 1/2" away. PLUS, I've got the magic button. I can engage third gear at will (and I often do)

I think the way it functions is great, and the interface is excellent. I've never driven another car that has the pedal travel / kickdown so well laid out.

I guess I never thought I would get very excited about an automatic transmission, but hell, I like this one.

Anyone else ready to marry their AW7x?

-Steve