Automatic gearboxes are becoming increasingly popular with car manufacturers. They can make cars faster and also improve fuel economy. Now, it appears that BMW is considering ditching manual gearboxes in their future BMW M vehicles. This potential shift marks a significant change in the automotive landscape, especially for enthusiasts who have long cherished the manual transmission for its engaging driving experience.
The news comes from BMW’s Frank van Meel, who recently told Auto Car that the company is considering producing automatic-only versions of their BMW M cars at some point in the future. This revelation has sparked a lot of discussions among car enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
The Technical Advantages of Automatic Gearboxes
Van Meel said: “From a technical standpoint, the future doesn’t look bright for manual gearboxes. The DCT and auto ’boxes are faster and they have better fuel consumption.”
The Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) and automatic gearboxes offer several advantages over manual transmissions. For one, they can shift gears more quickly and efficiently than a human can, which translates to better performance and acceleration. Additionally, these gearboxes are designed to optimize fuel consumption, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.
Moreover, modern automatic transmissions come with advanced features such as adaptive shift patterns and launch control, which further enhance the driving experience. These features are particularly beneficial in high-performance vehicles like the BMW M series, where every millisecond counts.
The Emotional Connection to Manual Gearboxes
“It’s difficult to say we’ll stick to the manual, but we still have a big fan community for manuals and we are not going to take away something the customer wants to have,” Van Meel added.
Despite the technical advantages of automatic gearboxes, there is still a strong emotional connection to manual transmissions among many driving enthusiasts. The tactile feedback and control offered by a manual gearbox provide a more engaging and immersive driving experience. For many, the act of shifting gears manually is a fundamental part of the joy of driving.
BMW acknowledges this emotional connection and the strong fan base for manual transmissions. While the company is considering a shift towards automatic gearboxes, they are also mindful of their customers’ preferences. This balancing act between technological advancement and customer satisfaction is crucial for maintaining brand loyalty.
He also suggested that BMW will be putting a cap of 600 HP on their BMW M range of cars. All of the current M cars are below this figure at the moment, so there is some room for future performance improvements.
The decision to cap the horsepower at 600 HP is likely a strategic move to ensure that the vehicles remain manageable and safe for everyday driving. High horsepower figures can be impressive, but they also come with challenges such as increased wear and tear on the engine and drivetrain, as well as higher fuel consumption and emissions.
In conclusion, while the future of manual gearboxes in BMW M cars looks uncertain, the company is committed to delivering high-performance vehicles that meet the evolving needs and preferences of their customers. The shift towards automatic gearboxes is driven by technical advantages and the quest for better performance and fuel efficiency. However, BMW is also aware of the emotional connection that many drivers have with manual transmissions and is unlikely to make any drastic changes without considering their loyal fan base.
Source Auto Car
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