All this talk about the 5.0 and the 6 speed is great, but what about the guys looking for an auto? I drive 1.5hrs a day in heavy traffic, so the auto is the choice for me. I imagine I can expect the slushbox from the 09 as a carryover, but does anyone have any inside info on what the next gen will be? I've heard talk about a powershift trans, paddle shifter, and sequentials... any grit to this? I for one would love to see one of those. If they'll be available, then I might hold out till the '11 comes out. Any news?

 

A sequential gearbox would own, but then again, also unlikely.

 

I believe just about every manufacturer is working in some way on a form of the volkwagen/audi dsg style transmission. I wouldn't be surprised to see a ford version at some point. The new autos really are pretty good though. I've always preferred a manual, but we have a 6 speed auto in the a4 and it really isn't too bad. It still has a torque converter, so it is like a well sorted conventional auto. What I noticed when i drove a gti with the dsg was a slight hesitation at take off from a stop...sort of the transmission realizing that you intend to move forward and then engaging. Part of the manual experience is having control over the clutch so take off is intuitively "right" where as the gti tranny felt slightly weird. I think I could get used to it though. Regardless, that transmission sure would be fun in a mustang...something with a little more poop than a 2.0 turbo.

 

A 6-speed auto is coming in '11 with the new powertrains. I have no idea if it will have autostick functions or if it is just a regular auto. Ford has a DSG hitting in Europe which we'll see at some point, but it's been designed for FWD/AWD. Will be awhile before Mustang gets a RWD-happy DSG.

 

I remember seeing something from Ford saying that every vehicle in their lineup would have a 6 speed auto by 12'. I know that the 10' Fusion will come with both 6 speed AT/MT so the Mustang can't be far off. I agree with others that It should be here with the new engines.