posted 08-30-2001 01:44 AM            

Thanks,
John

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posted 08-30-2001 06:18 PM            

It's similar to the automatics that let you change the gears manually. However, it's not an automatic tranny with manually selectable gears. It is a manual which has an "automatic" clutch. The benefit being the traditional difference between a manual and automatic; i.e. the manual doesnt have a torque converter to rob hp. So, the difference in acceleration numbers that you see between an automatic and manual should be nonexistent. The SMG II and the 6spd M3's should run very similar numbers...theoretically anyway. I have read that the SMG gives up alittle to the 6spd at high speeds.

The SMG was originally available on the E36 M3 in Europe (the U.S. got the regular automatic M3's plus the 5spd manual). The SMG II is a refined version of the origianl SMG.

I think currently the only other car that offers this type of tranny is the Ferrari Modena F1. Plus the Formula 1 cars I think have these. I have read that the next generation Mustangs will have a similar setup! Probably means 5 years from now, all manuals will be will only two pedals (i.e. no clutch pedal).

Hope that helped. Im not an expert so if you want more info I would read some of the other posts as there are some good info and links to more details.