Auto vs manual (why are some automatics' MPG ratings higher on the highway?)

[MetroMPG]

Originally Posted by tjts1

Basically they shift gears a lot more often than a driver ever would.

You mean than a "normal" ... or let's say a "typical" ... driver ever would. (I think a "typical" driver would actually complain about an auto transmission that shifts a lot relative to small changes in accelerator position.)

You're right that the new "automated manual" style twin clutch machines are much better than the old fashioned slush boxes. Some of them are even designed to freewheel instead of engine brake (maybe even user-selectable).

But I still doubt it will choose the gear (or non-gear) that I would, in most circumstances.

[Red Lion]

Originally Posted by tjts1

I think automatics to quickly drop in price to the point that the manual transmission disappears completely.

Nah, even if newer paddle-shift manuals and automatics are faster shifting, there's something fun and magical about the classic stick shift that real car enthusiasts love. It might continue fading out as it has over the last twenty years, but I doubt it'll ever disappear altogether.