Do u think this possibly a competition for the vantage or ????

The rear shot looks like the Vantage..

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercede...ure512601.html


http://autofluence.com/mercedes-benz...oming-in-2015/

 

at a glance, yes, i think it could be a competitor!

another reason AM needs to keep a manual transmission in their lineup

 

My "glance" says no, but given the spy cladding on there, who can tell.

But I second the reasoning that AM needs to amplify their niche. Corny as it is, text'd out on my IP when I start my car, AM's got to be the keeper of Power-Beauty-Soul.

 

First impression for me was that of the newer Z4, so I could see them going after that with this car.

 

I actually got that they are aiming at the 911 which will put it in the Vantage realm.

 

RE: manual transmission... I couldn't agree more. Jaguar really missed that certain market segment which loves a clutch and a traditional gear shift... not paddles! I can understand Porsche only offering the GT3 with paddles as that's a track car. I once owned a MB 190E 2.6 with a manual... which simply made the car more engaging to drive. MB should bring this new car to the market with a manual option but you know they just won't.

 

If the existing transmission is decent, I wonder how many people would still have bought the manual. The reality is that the automatics and automated manuals just sell better now.

 

I don't mind an automated transmission as long as it has a manual option, paddles and it shifts faster than me!
I guess paddles are even better for track as they let you keep your hands on the steering wheel. Unfortunately Aston mounted their paddles on the steering column so you have to take one hand off the wheel in the turn anyway so I'm sticking with my manual.

 

it's generally a bad idea to shift mid-corner, regardless of transmission or paddle position