[serialk11r]

Old Mechanic I think that's a little unrealistic :P

What I want is a 7 speed manual (for a 4 cylinder engine, more cylinders it better have 8 speeds) with a capacitative weak hybrid system onboard. Then I can retrofit my own electric drive and increase the energy storage capacity, and have steering column mounted electric motor throttles. It would be nice if they got some high temperature thermoelectric generators to the market by then so the alternator would only be used for braking and power generation upon cold starts.

For example take the C64 Toyota transmission, ratios are 3.166, 2.050, 1.481, 1.166, 0.916, 0.815, final drive 4.529. Great when you're going 35mph or less, not so great when you're doing 50-70mph. A great 7 speed manual IMO would be the first 6 gears from the Quaife sequential transmission but a teensy bit bigger spacing, so like 3.200, 2.250, 1.647, 1.348, 1.110, 0.916, 0.680 and a 3.9 final drive, for about 2400rpm at 60mph (less with the bigger Lotus wheels and tires), which should be good for 50mpg just cruising like that with a usual 1.8L engine say the 2ZR-FE (I bet the Honda R18 would do a bit better). I get 39mpg with my engine turning 3300rpm at 60mph. A supercharged 218bhp 2ZZ should be able to hit 160mph in 6th given good enough aero. The small rpm drop between gears should make driving it a huge pleasure. The 7th gear can be dropped even more if you like, but I think that's a decent compromise.