Article Link! The Great American EV Fire Sale Is About to Begin

All of them, actually. They are sequential manual transmissions. They have a clutch. Yes... a computer actuates the clutch when the driver uses the paddle shifters. The computer also does the "rev-matching" on the downshifts. Very cool. But they are NOT automatic (torque converter) transmissions. They are very much manuals, or some call them "auto-manuals." But they are not "slush box" automatic transmissions.
Not exactly. Depends on the type of race car. Formula one uses a semi-automatic sequential gear box and not a manual sequential. They work differently but your definition is of a semi-automatic sequential and not a manual sequential.
 
Not exactly. Depends on the type of race car. Formula one uses a semi-automatic sequential gear box and not a manual sequential. They work differently but your definition is of a semi-automatic sequential and not a manual sequential.
Yes... the computer actuates the clutch as I said. It is a manual transmission in the way that there is no torque converter. It is NOT an automatic transmission. You might call it an "automatic clutch" in the case of the "semi-auto."

I've driven both true manual sequentials (I learned how to heel-toe / rev-match in a race car with a "dog box" tranny) and semi-auto sequentials (where the computer does the clutching and rev-matching). They're BOTH sequential manual transmissions. They are not automatic transmissions with a torque converter. An automatic transmission, by definition, has a torque converter and does all the shifting. Sequentials have a clutch. Two types... one where the driver actuates the clutch... the other a computer does it. In both cases, the driver is initiating the shift up / down.

Most factory road cars today have automatic transmissions (with a torque converter). Some of the higher end sports cars are available with sequential transmissions. They sometimes get conflated because both come with "paddles." But the paddles on most of the cars (with auto transmissions) are just marketing affectations that simulate / pretend to be "paddle shifters." Even my Subaru Outback has "paddle shifters." They're pointless because they're connected to a CVT automatic transmission. They're NOT the same as the paddle shifters in a Ferrari or Porsche. The Porsches and Ferraris have the "real deal" sequential transmissions with computer-actuated clutches.

<---- Often engages in pedantry! ;) But I think we're both saying the same thing.
 
Last edited:
From my understanding and I did spot check myself, semi-automatic sequential is not the same as a manual sequential. Lots of automakers use semi-automatic sequential transmissions and it’s not just limited to Ferrari or Porsche. The early ones were kind of crude and could have very rough shifts but now they are virtually seamless and can change gears in fractions of seconds. Manual sequential transmissions require use of a clutch while semi-automatic sequential transmissions have automated clutches that are computer controlled by elctro-hydraulic actuators.

Semi-automatic transmissions have been around for over 75 years but over the last 20 years is when we’ve seen huge leaps in efficiency and speed. Now, most don’t even bother to use the old manual unless it is a really cheap car. Heck, even some Kia’s have semi-automatic sequential transmissions.
 
I think you guys are getting confused over a DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) and something else. The 6-speed DSG (as offered by VAG) began as a dual wet-clutch (like a motorcycle clutch) with one clutch connected to 1-3-5 and the other connected to 2-4-6. Shifting and clutching were controlled by a Mechantronic unit with non-planetary gearsets and forks. They later upgraded to 7-speed with dual dry-clutches but very similar. Since the Mech can pre-stage the gears, gear-changes are quite fast. Read the pdf, it will explain better...
 

Attachments

  • DSG_02E.pdf
    2 MB · Views: 40
I think you guys are getting confused over a DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) and something else. The 6-speed DSG (as offered by VAG) began as a dual wet-clutch (like a motorcycle clutch) with one clutch connected to 1-3-5 and the other connected to 2-4-6. Shifting and clutching were controlled by a Mechantronic unit with non-planetary gearsets and forks. They later upgraded to 7-speed with dual dry-clutches but very similar. Since the Mech can pre-stage the gears, gear-changes are quite fast. Read the pdf, it will explain better...
My point was that race cars do NOT use automatic transmissions... as in slushboxes with torque converters.

There are various types of sequential transmissions. The first I drove required a clutch to start from a stop. Then upshifts where done without using the clutch at all. Downshifts required rev-matching (heel-toe) with the clutch. Actually double-clutching. The shifter was linear (not an H-pattern). Pull back to upshift. Push forward to downshift. That was in a Formula Dodge car at "Skippy School." Fun!

Skippy2004_1215CH.JPG


And I've driven multiple exotics with sequentials that had computer-actuated clutch.
 

Walking in the park. Flying in the park. :)


Sunday morning while taking my daily barefoot walk in the park there were some guys flying electric model airplanes. As long as there is no one playing soccer or whatever, the city doesn't mind. They are out there every Sunday. They were doing some pretty snazzy flying and acrobatics. From a distance, the planes look like "real" planes but DO sound like models. They are about 4'x4'. The jets are probably the most realistic sounding as they have an impeller inside that has a certain "whine" to it. I went over and chatted and asked questions. The orange jet touched down hard and popped the front gear. The grass is a little rough due to drought conditions.
While they still own them, the gas-power jobs seldom see any use anymore... :( (score 1 for Lewi... ;) )

fly1.jpg fly2.jpg fly3.jpg fly4.jpg fly5.jpg fly6.jpg
 
Last edited:

Walking in the park. Flying in the park. :)


Sunday morning while taking my daily barefoot walk in the park there were some guys flying electric model airplanes. As long as there is no one playing soccer or whatever, the city doesn't mind. They are out there every Sunday. They were doing some pretty snazzy flying and acrobatics. From a distance, the planes look like "real" planes but DO sound like models. They are about 4'x4'. The jets are probably the most realistic sounding as they have an impeller inside that has a certain "whine" to it. I went over and chatted and asked questions. The orange jet touched down hard and popped the front gear. The grass is a little rough due to drought conditions.
While they still own them, the gas-power jobs seldom see any use anymore... :( (score 1 for Lewi... ;) )

View attachment 33508 View attachment 33509 View attachment 33510 View attachment 33511 View attachment 33512 View attachment 33513

Oh, there are real R/C jets. Plenty of them. With actual jet (turbine) engines. But they are a rich man's toy. We're talking $30k and UP! They are amazing. They look and sound like the real deal, because they ARE the real deal.... just smaller.


And when they crash... they go up in a ball of flames, like the real deal, too!


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HDQV9biY9s

There's an R/C park in my area. It has a paved runway and taxi-ways. Looks like an airport. I've actually not seen any electric models.
 
Last edited:
Because Gizmodo always gets it right. :rolleyes: This rag has overhyped just about every failed technology in the past 20 yers. Zero cred.

Author: Obviously a real truck guy.
Screenshot 2025-07-16 at 7.26.13 AM.png


Just about nobody's buying electric trucks. That's the issue. For example, consider the bullshit in this snippet below. What the fuck is appetite? Is that a marketing term? Does anybody really think Musk built the Cybertruck for the people who buy work trucks?

"By contrast, Chevrolet’s Silverado EV, which leans into a more conventional design and pricing strategy, is gaining traction. GM sold 3,056 Silverado EVs in the quarter, up 39.2% year over year. That’s still behind Tesla and Ford in raw numbers, but the growth shows there is appetite."

Growth is easy when you start at zero. Jesus. What bullshit.
 
I think you guys are getting confused over a DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) and something else. The 6-speed DSG (as offered by VAG) began as a dual wet-clutch (like a motorcycle clutch) with one clutch connected to 1-3-5 and the other connected to 2-4-6. Shifting and clutching were controlled by a Mechantronic unit with non-planetary gearsets and forks. They later upgraded to 7-speed with dual dry-clutches but very similar. Since the Mech can pre-stage the gears, gear-changes are quite fast. Read the pdf, it will explain better...
I dont know jack squat about transmissions. My M3 had paddles. V8, and they called the transmission "dual clutch seven speed automated manual ". Whatever that means. I didn't care. As long as it went zoom zoom when I stepped on the gas.

This is a pic the day I bought it. It was in the showroom. Red leather interior. Carbon fiber roof. It was awesome. 0-60 in four seconds. It was governed to not exceed 155 mph.

Screenshot 2025-07-16 at 8.26.04 AM.png
 
Because Gizmodo always gets it right. :rolleyes: This rag has overhyped just about every failed technology in the past 20 yers. Zero cred.

Author: Obviously a real truck guy.
View attachment 33514

Just about nobody's buying electric trucks. That's the issue. For example, consider the bullshit in this snippet below. What the fuck is appetite? Is that a marketing term? Does anybody really think Musk built the Cybertruck for the people who buy work trucks?

"By contrast, Chevrolet’s Silverado EV, which leans into a more conventional design and pricing strategy, is gaining traction. GM sold 3,056 Silverado EVs in the quarter, up 39.2% year over year. That’s still behind Tesla and Ford in raw numbers, but the growth shows there is appetite."

Growth is easy when you start at zero. Jesus. What bullshit.

I don't disagree about Gizmodo. And yeah... people who want a truck for "truck stuff" aren't going to buy an EV. But then again... trucks have gotten so fancy, that very few of them are used for "truck stuff."

Yeah... funny about the Silverado EV. I'd say the "appetite" is very small now, because what little there was to begin with... has been satiated (and disappointed).
 
I don't disagree about Gizmodo. And yeah... people who want a truck for "truck stuff" aren't going to buy an EV. But then again... trucks have gotten so fancy, that very few of them are used for "truck stuff."

Yeah... funny about the Silverado EV. I'd say the "appetite" is very small now, because what little there was to begin with... has been satiated (and disappointed).
Mostly the latter. Ironically, the guy who wants a work truck and doesnt drive long distance benefits from electric. It's perfect flor a low maintenance short haul vehicle. Similarly, the local delivery vehicle is the perfect case for electric. Problem is... nobody has made that vehicle yet.

In the not too distant future, this will be the norm. Sans a driver. Dominos is trying this in some markets already. This has not been without some warts but in the long run it's how things are going to be for deliveries. One of the challenges... people fucking with the vehicle and/or trying to steal the pizza.

Screenshot 2025-07-16 at 5.10.37 PM.png

In the future, I hope the robots rise up and kill those people. :)

On the bright side, men will no longer have to wonder why their kids look like the milk man.
 
Last edited:
I tested that M3's governor. It was clear it had more to give at 150 mph. Awesome car. For a gas burner :)
 
They govern because of the tires, probably V-rated, 149mph...
No idea. Seems plausible. After all, nobody should be driving that fast anyway.

Funny story:

Not long after I got it - still had temporary tags - I was up early on a Saturday morning to visit a friend, headed south on a major interstate. Hardly any traffic. I gave it the gas on a long, flat stretch. It ran and handled like a dream at 130 or so. Break 'em in fast... right?

I see some cars ahead and the road has some curves and ramps so I start slowing down to normal speed. Suddenly I see a guy on a big bike - a bagger trimmed out like a cop. His jacket, helmet, the bike... looked official. He sounds a siren. A couple of chirps. Then he pulls up next to me and signals me to pull over, so I do.

He walks up to my window, I roll it down hoping he didn't have me on radar. He says.... "How would you like a reckless driving ticket to go with that fancy new car?" I look the guy up and down and realize he's an old fat fuck. Not a cop. So I said, "Let me see your badge. I get mixed up... are you Ponch or Jon? " He says, "Listen smart ass... " I interrupt him and say, "You really need to be careful pretending to be a cop, Pops. Because if I were a drug dealer, and we know there are plenty on this road, I'd blow your fucking head off. I should get out of this car and kick your ass right now, but I'll just say go fuck yourself, grandpa. " I rolled up the window and went on my way.

This old guy was either nuts or maybe a former cop who was living some kind of lawman fantasy. But he was seriously playing with his life masquerading as a cop on a major north-south interstate known for being a drug trafficking route. Having the bad luck to engage somebody dangerous with warrants, or whatever. Not to mention impersonating a cop is illegal. He appeared to be unarmed but I did not rule out a concealed weapon. Even so, I felt certain this apple shaped old man did not have the reflexes of a cat. He was also wearing thick gloves and the leather jacket was zipped up and the pockets had flaps. Not ideal for a quick draw. Just an old fool tempting fate.
 
Last edited:
Funny.... saw this tonight:
I neglected to mention Rivian. Kind of cool but also suffers the same challenges. Not many people buying trucks are thrilled with the electrics. VW is propping up Rivian financially. Rivian are under water. Probably wont make it. Tesla has a lot of money to weather the storm. I was on the waiting list for the F150 Lightning and when my number came up 2 years later I bailed. They have had a lot of problems with that vehicle. Recalls, reliability, etc.
 
Last edited:
a major north-south interstate known for being a drug trafficking route.
LOL, that made me think of my first Datsun 240Z
I bought it from a friend who bought it from a friend who... Well, let's not turn this into a song.

The body was beat to shit. I mean multiple dents on every panel, rust was the main color.

Under the hood was an engine out of a 380ZX, bored, hot cam, triple two barrel mikuni carbs.

There was a sticker referencing a north-south Florida interstate on it. so all I could think was it was a drug runner, or used for other illicit purposes.

I had it at the local repair shop once for a battery charge / test and someone with a new 300ZX pulled up next to it. As he was walking past he was saying "What a piece of shit" - then he saw the engine and stopped and said WOW.

Another time I took it to a speed shop that had extensive experience tuning multiple carb setups as my friend and I had been told that the second barrel of carb two had a bad needle. They found no problem with the carbs, and did the curtesy check that mechanics do.

On the paperwork for suggested maintenance they wrote "Pull engine, replace car"

Thanks for the flashback, Bongo
 
Back
Top