Manual V8 sedans are becoming rare.

[Smitty]

Until more manufacturers start designing pedal layout to support exclusive left foot braking the buttons/paddles and even the up and down traditional gearsticks are just a gimmick.

I was taught to drive autos ..with left foot braking
and given that auto brake pedals are usually twice as wide as manual pedal cars... I never have an issue left foot braking

[aussiemuscle308]

I was looking at a new car the other day and I really hate that DSG etc are listed as 'manual' transmissions. I guess they're not really automatics either but I consider them more auto than manual for driver involvement

i had an argument with the insurance company as my ute is 6 speed auto with the slickshift, not a manual or semi-auto. (even in 'manual mode' it'll kick to a different gear)

[feistl]

Fair enough. I'm not tall enough to smash my knee

The accelerator pedal I agree with. I can heel-toe rev match in my Subaru but not in the Maloo

I might write up a guide, but its very easy to bend the accelerator pedal into a better position. I did it in my VX... Took a few goes but eventually got the position exactly right. Best mod you can do (if its manual).

[Smitty]

I might write up a guide, but its very easy to bend the accelerator pedal into a better position. I did it in my VX... Took a few goes but eventually got the position exactly right. Best mod you can do (if its manual).

unfortunately on VE...Holden stopped this. Try bending the pedal bracket will break it (its made of rigid plastic!)

but I know where you are coming from...this mod was one I did on the race car
heel and toe now easypeasy

[evil_ss]

After driving a Ferrari f430 f1 and Lamborghini gallardo flappy paddle, I can say they are a lot more fun than my 6spd manual in the SS. I truly love the speed that the gear changes are made it with a flip of the wrist.

[feistl]

unfortunately on VE...Holden stopped this. Try bending the pedal bracket will break it (its made of rigid plastic!)

d
Dont want to upset the VE owners, but is there anything good about the VE? Seriously? Ive driven a number of them (ranging from the base up to the calais and SSV) and ive been massively disappointed. Give me a top spec VZ anyday....

After driving a Ferrari f430 f1 and Lamborghini gallardo flappy paddle, I can say they are a lot more fun than my 6spd manual in the SS.

Ive driven a Gallardo with the flappy paddle and was very unimpressed. First gear launches were "rough" and i was surprised at the lack of power. A flappy paddle might be a fun novelty... but id never own one.

[evil_ss]

Ive driven a Gallardo with the flappy paddle and was very unimpressed. First gear launches were "rough" and i was surprised at the lack of power. A flappy paddle might be a fun novelty... but id never own one.

I'm unsure on your ride but the Ferrari was definitely the sharper of the two including the gearbox.
The Lamborghini felt like you needed to mash the pedal in first, so I'm assuming that's what you are referring to.

[JuiceSSV]

Real drivers use a clutch

[planetdavo]

d
Dont want to upset the VE owners, but is there anything good about the VE? Seriously? Ive driven a number of them (ranging from the base up to the calais and SSV) and ive been massively disappointed. Give me a top spec VZ anyday...

The main reason for the plastic pedal is actually to do with safety. They are designed to break if required in a big accident, whereas the old metal type are more likely to bust your ankles.

[macca_779]

The main reason for the plastic pedal is actually to do with safety. They are designed to break if required in a big accident, whereas the old metal type are more likely to bust your ankles.

It's cheaper too. No doubt a large factor

[zorro]

The main reason for the plastic pedal is actually to do with safety. They are designed to break if required in a big accident, whereas the old metal type are more likely to bust your ankles.

Also vz went to fly by wire so no need for steel pedal for rigidity. Would be good if we adopted the euro style pedals with the pivot on the floor.

I bolted a small ally block on my utes accelerator, that was enough to get heel toe working without doing some yoga to change gears.

It's funny I've had a go of a Fezza and like the roughness of it, that's a genuine semi auto. The things in Holden's are just an auto with electric selector that enables use of all gears.

Errol - it's fair to say the Ferrari/lambo can't be compared to an auto. The don't use torque converters, elec hydraulic clutches are a totally different kettle of fish

[Smitty]

After driving a Ferrari f430 f1 and Lamborghini gallardo flappy paddle, I can say they are a lot more fun than my 6spd manual in the SS. I truly love the speed that the gear changes are made it with a flip of the wrist.

I have driven a Ferrari with the flappy paddles

boring as...just like steering an arcade game, no brains required!

[feistl]

Errol - it's fair to say the Ferrari/lambo can't be compared to an auto. The don't use torque converters, elec hydraulic clutches are a totally different kettle of fish

Very true. I guess my point was i jumped in to this ultra expensive lambo expecting to be totally blown away... Took it for a drive and found a nice straight bit of private road... From a standing start i planted my foot expecting it to feel like an riding the shock wave of an exploding star... and it wasnt what i was expecting. The gearbox was slow to get going, the power was good, but not amazing. The shifts were relatively slow (I reckon i could be as fast with a proper manual) and i was just a bit disappointed. My expectations were probably a bit high (As it was an average 2005 lambo i think).

[Jag530G]

Just having a look through the latest Wheels mag and it isn't just Manual V8 sedans that are becoming rare. On the Australian market if you want a normal manual 6cyl sedan you have a choice of Falcon XR6/Turbo/F6, the Commodore SV6 and the base Lexus IS250. The new BMW series sedan doesn't have any manual choices, although the old 3 series coupe did. As per a previous comment about Euro market BMW 7 series having manual gearboxs, I'd imagine manuals are a bit more prevalent in Europe, but they certainly are getting thin on the ground. Manuals are the preserve of 4 cyls nowadays.

Cheers, Matthew

[evil_ss]

I have driven a Ferrari with the flappy paddles

boring as...just like steering an arcade game, no brains required!

I guess F1 drivers, rally car drivers etc must have no brains....