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Page 4
Performance:
Transmission
Our test vehicle had BMW’s SMG, a seven-speed, semi-automatic transmission. This is a manual gearbox without a clutch pedal. Sophisticated electronics engage the clutch, blip the throttle and hydraulics change gears in less than 100 milliseconds. The driver can select manual – paddle shifters or a stick – or automatic, and adjust how quickly it shifts. It’s a techno marvel, except for one annoyance: Shifting at lower rpm from first to second often caused the car to lurch. It’s far less noticeable from second to third and practically not there with higher gear changes. Still, not the ultimate driving we expected.