Choose your Transmission....
An extraordinary yet subtle change is taking place in modern cars. For the first time I can think of automakers are providing as many transmissions as engine choices. The new BMW 6-Series, for example, offers just one V-8 engine, but buyers can choose from a 6-speed manual, a 6-speed automatic, or a 6-speed electronically-shifted manual transmission.
Order an Audi A4 and depending on engine, take your pick from a 5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual, or gear-less CVT (continuously variable transmission). Even some of the economy cars now let you select from more than the basic 5-speed or 4-speed menu. Ford’s Focus comes with a choice of 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, or 4-speed automatic.
What’s behind this proliferation of transmissions? It’s partly a matter of matching engine power with gears in order to obtain the best combination of fuel economy and performance. The change also comes as a result of manufacturers experimenting with radical concepts like CVT while backing their hunches with conventional systems because consumers are slow to accept ideas that don’t conform to traditional driving experiences. And finally, there’s the age-old game of segmenting markets to attract more customers.
One wonders if all this is really necessary. While enthusiasts may understand the differences the average car buyer is merely confused and wants nothing more than to put the gear lever in drive, motoring away without giving a further thought to the transmission.
For the most part, that is how I feel. Unless I’m in my 1970 Porsche 911 with a manual 5 speed transmission, I don’t want anything to do with a shifter. That one thing we still have in america, the power to decide on which transmission to choose.
The biggest issue with so many choices in transmissions to make is which transmission is suitable for you and your budget. More importantly is the possibility of needing a replacement transmission. Dealing with a well trained professional can be the difference. You don’t want to deal with a bunch of wino’s dragged off the street to be ”engine replacement specialists” for the day? Do you?
When you become involved in the world of buying transmissions for replacement purposes, it is easy to understand why the outfit you choose is critical for success. Call GotTransmissions.com @ 866-320-1182 and let us do the dirty work. Our goal is to get the right transmission to you as fast as legally possible. Call us today.
