Why no manual trans?
#3
There are not as many buyers for manual transmissions is the main reason. Is it worth the design effort and having to stand behind the transmission for a long time when only 5-10% would buy it on a small production car? Ferrari and Lamborghini say it's not worth it, and the flappy's are state-of-the-art and are just plain faster.
I too wish they had it as an option (in the XK too). Drove a Lotus Evora today in a standard; looking to be my next car but most likely have to wait until spring.
I too wish they had it as an option (in the XK too). Drove a Lotus Evora today in a standard; looking to be my next car but most likely have to wait until spring.
#4
I think maybe it's the discouraging statistics that show that when given a choice, consumers of high-end sports cars choose automatics/PDK type transmissions overwhelmingly over manuals. At some point, the economics for manuals no longer compute.
That, and the reality that the newer boxes are now faster and more accurate than manuals, even when the manuals are in the hands of the best drivers.
That, and the reality that the newer boxes are now faster and more accurate than manuals, even when the manuals are in the hands of the best drivers.
#5
Back in the day, I converted an XJS-C 5.3 and an XJR-S to manuals, and the improvement was vast. But as commented above, We're past the day of slush boxes, and it's just one of those things that have become practically redundant.
I miss it as well tbh, but you don't hear people saying "I miss double declutching"..
I miss it as well tbh, but you don't hear people saying "I miss double declutching"..
#6
#7
Back in the day, I converted an XJS-C 5.3 and an XJR-S to manuals, and the improvement was vast. But as commented above, We're past the day of slush boxes, and it's just one of those things that have become practically redundant.
I miss it as well tbh, but you don't hear people saying "I miss double declutching"..
I miss it as well tbh, but you don't hear people saying "I miss double declutching"..
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#8
As much as I enjoyed a manual in my youth I am now not to concerned about getting one again. I just sold my last (gated) 5 speed 3 pedal car and although I enjoyed it , it's time has pasted. When I did an engine/transmission conversion in my old XJS I went with a 4sp OD auto box which worked well . It seems the technology has gone to multiply clutch paddle shift cars that maybe a hair quicker then some of the new 6 speed auto boxes. I also see that the frequency of clutch replacement has gone up and the cost the same. Only having my XKR for 2 months I am impressed with the transmission both in full auto mode as well as in S mode. As I think I mentioned there is a shop in Mass. that will install a manual in the XK but I don't see a need for it for the casual driver.
#9
We all bought Manuals because they used to be faster. Not anymore. If a proper DCT was available on my Evora, I wouldn't have gone with the manual.
The auto tranny on my XK is wonderful. Only niggle is going downhill in lower gears its a bit jumpy as I guess it tries to lock up then unlock when gas is touched. Same as going downhill with cruise on. Is there a remedy??
The auto tranny on my XK is wonderful. Only niggle is going downhill in lower gears its a bit jumpy as I guess it tries to lock up then unlock when gas is touched. Same as going downhill with cruise on. Is there a remedy??
#11
The transmission is my biggest gripe with the XKR.
#13
I usually attend the Vintage Car races at Lime Rock Park in Ct. A few years ago in the Donovan Motor cars pit (they race XKE's) there was a late model XKR coupe and it had a 6 peed manual transmission in it. It also had a roll cage in it but it was not there to race. Pretty slick setup.
#16
I usually attend the Vintage Car races at Lime Rock Park in Ct. A few years ago in the Donovan Motor cars pit (they race XKE's) there was a late model XKR coupe and it had a 6 peed manual transmission in it. It also had a roll cage in it but it was not there to race. Pretty slick setup.
If you want to keep all of that integrated functionality like cruise control and an instrument cluster that works, then you need to make an electronic box that pretends to be a ZF transmission. One that passes through the necessary information and spoofs the rest with plausible values to keep the rest of the system happy.
Not impossible, but it means first decoding what the actual transmission is communicating to other systems and then implementing something that looks like that, but isn't. It is time consuming, and therefore expensive.
#17
FYI, I emailed Donovan Motor Cars about the X150 manual conversion, and this was their response:
Originally Posted by Brian@DonovanMotorcars
Alan,
We have converted numerous vintage Jags to modern 5 speed transmissions and we have converted XJ models from the '80s and 90's to manual transmissions. We have not converted a newer XK yet. The challenge will be the electronic engine and transmission control units and how they interface.
You may want to check with The Driven Man to ask what is their newest model conversion. They are a division of American Powertrain that does manual conversions.
Best,
Brian
We have converted numerous vintage Jags to modern 5 speed transmissions and we have converted XJ models from the '80s and 90's to manual transmissions. We have not converted a newer XK yet. The challenge will be the electronic engine and transmission control units and how they interface.
You may want to check with The Driven Man to ask what is their newest model conversion. They are a division of American Powertrain that does manual conversions.
Best,
Brian
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jagtoes (07-19-2014)
#18
#19
#20
I understand the many snooty remarks that the Flappies are Better/Faster/ blah blah blah, but the reality for many is that there is a certain JOY in rowing gears.... It may not be the fastest way to shift, but then, the Jag isnt the fastest car out there, so speed is irrelevant. To me Rowing the gears takes you to that one extra level of passion as you bond with your machine. Not all want it (at 54, I still do), but I am saddened that my love of my Jag is missing that little extra something that makes me smile.... Auston Martin understands this very well...