No they use a clutch..but its not a manual clutch.
Its a hydroneumatic clutch...computerized.

Theres a difference.
Most 'selectomatics' are AUTOMATIC transmissions (with Torque converters) and have the computer control the active gear.
Its still an automatic transmission, and has the roughly 20% loss that an auto does...

SMG (Sequential Manual Gearing)
uses a full blown manual transmission but has computer controlled clutch. There is usually a full manual mode, in which the computer does all the shifting.

 

to bring real world examples to what Boomer just said,

Manumatic/Selectomatic/Selectshift: Found on various Pontiacs, Dodges and Chryslers.

SMG: Found on Audis, Ferraris and Aston Martins.

The real deal ain't cheap, folks.

 

Well im just happy that the funnest way to drive is the cheapest.

 

I know, sport "shifted" autos dont do much for me, not much more then a slight shift kit in an auto and just doing it yourself on any car.

 

I still want a leg controlled clutch.

 

I need all three or it just isn't the same.

 

"real cars have 4 pedals"
hehe

Although, the thought of having a true SMG...if it was a cheap option, I'd love to have one...

 

A cheap option is a License Plate frame

 

DSG (SMG): Also found on $20k diesel VW New Beetles.. It's not that expensive, just that Ford would remove anything they could to save $0.10 per car..

 

Let's return this thread to the original question involving manually shifting an automatic transmission with a slapshift shift lever. I'm interested in learning how to adapt the Lincoln slapshift shifter from the 5R55S transmission for use on other vehicles with this tranny, such as the '05 Mustang GT. Is anybody familiar with the details of the Lincoln slapshifter?

If you have ever driven a car with an automatic transmission and a slapshifter, you will know how positive this feature shifts.

 

I'm not too crazy about the SelectShift Automatic transmission in our LS. It's OK, but you don't really get a feel for the car. I was really dissapointed in it when I first tried it. It's like throwing a baseball with your left hand when you are right handed, it just feels weird.

When you take off, you start in 2nd and then shift up from there. That's all good. It's when you slow down and come to a stop and have to downshift that doesn't seem right. I think it's because there is no neutral to throw it into and coast. Without a clutch it feels like you aren't controlling the car.

I hope this helps. I don't mean to sound negative, but I wasn't too impressed with the whole setup.

 

f1-cobra, this is good feedback. Thanks.

 

Yea Ive driven a few of the T-birds with em, You tend to use it for a few minutes then get annoyed with it and just put it back in drive. The computer on modern trannys react quick enough it seems to do the job better then I could. Also, coasting under engine brake does not feel the same with a slushbox as it does with a manual.

 

I drove the tiptronic G35 Coupe. I wasn't impressed with the speed of the shifts. Seemed there was a short delay. Manual or bust for me.