I don't quite understand your (Jim and Carlos) objection to the potential, new Ferrari policy on trannys. Auto-trannies are not for street sportscars? I have to disagree.
Have you ever tried the F1 tranny? The NEW version, not the one they had in the first 360's, but the revised version from around 2003?
IMO it's simply amazing. Drive slow, drive fast. Doesn't matter. From what I've experienced in my buddy's 360 spider, it rocked.
I dunno if auro trannies are the way to go, but as long as they provide the same feedback and enjoyment as a manual one, I see no reason why people wouldn't accept the F1-only policy from Ferrari and other producers.
I remember when Shimano changed the gear/brake lever system for mountainbikes the year before last...everyone thought it was a short-lived fluke. The system is so good, they changed every single model in their program and do no longer offer the old system.
The only enemy of changes for the better, are conventions and habits....and those obstacles disappear the moment people see and feel the benefits of switching.
As for Nick's comment on the MB trannies:
MB can ONLY produce auto trannies.
Their manual ones are simply absolutely useless...so Nick, that part of your argument isn't as valid as the other ones you had, I'm afraid