After speaking with an Aston engineer about why they didn't or haven't put in a dual clutch system, part of the apparent reason is that it simply won't fit in the chassis.

 

Ive seen a few of their youtube uploads but its really hard to tell without a point of reference. What Bamford Rose really should do is put up a split screen youtube video of two cars under hard acceleration through the gears: one stock and the other with their setup so that people can see the difference.

 

neat idea, consider it work in progress.

the tricky thing will be to find a stock asm at Bamford rose!

 

Also on D mode?

 

D means dont push

 

If I had an ASM car, I would repurpose the D button to some other function. There's no way I would attempt to drive it as an automatic after my experience driving an ASM3 on the road and track a year ago.

 

The ASM systems are decent under hard acceleration. I'd want to see under normal driving conditions since that is what you are doing 90% of the time.

 

That's the majority of the learn procedure

 

Yes in fact I'm happy to use it now on long cruises

 

So sad to see so many of you guys prefer an automatic (with a substantial amount of shortcomings as far as I can tell) over a manual. I guess it's just the way the world is but it saddens me that you can't buy any Ferraris with a manual, that Porsche's best 911s (turbos and GT3s) are no longer offered with a manual, that Aston seems be on the same path as well. As someone who has never owned or wanted to own a car with fewer than 3 pedals, I guess I'm going to be stuck with my current set of cars for a long time. Makes me want to trade them in on the latest and greatest of that generation (e.g., my 996 turbo -> 997.2 GT3RS, my 2010 V8V to the latest V12V with manual, etc...) and hang on to them forever.

By the way, I'm not trying to berate anyone's individual preference for an automatic - I'm all for letting people have the choice to suit their preferences. I'm just a bit demoralized that the trend seems to be shifting so overwhelmingly towards the automatics that the automakers (even the sports car companies) are removing the choice and standardizing on the autos.

 

That's because the trend is to free up your hands so you can concentrate more on the message you're texting while your driving.

 

A big PLUS 1 for me, I am with you 100%
Ron

 

Probably a lot of people here agree with you. But most AM, Porsche and the like owners never visit an enthusiast forum. And really, many buyers get these cars for the image they convey. Manuals for that type of owner are a waste of time and effort. Like you, I think there are legitimate reasons for either transmission depending on the goal of the owner.

 

+ a billion

 

I think it really depends on the car. If I had to do it all over again, I'd go for the manual. Aston's are not about techy cutting edge cars racing to have the fastest track times or 0-60. They are one of the very few cars on sale today that are still very mechanical in feel and a manual suits their personalities perfectly.

On the other hand, if I was in the market for a 991, its really hard to argue against the PDK. Its so good that, in my opinion, it just tips the scales…. just.