Gundo-- what I was talking about is anyone who thinks the geartronic is a gimmick or toy.... should go back to automatic (la la) thinking mode...(I think the history of the related thread called <<"Auto-stick" gear shift, Do you use it? If yes, when?>> had at least one of those "its a toy/gimmick" comments). I was assuming these folks (who made the gimmick comments) probably don't know how to drive a stick and therfore have no clue of the merits (not that that makes them a bad person). I'm new to this Volvo world as its my wifes car... but I am warming up fast to its capabilities. Perhaps I'm wrongfully stereotyping the typical XC owner as a Soccer Mom Sally or Softball Dad Dan who many can't drive anything but an auto and who probably never heard of heel-toe shifting, double cluthing or any other performace technique. .. and thats fine.. this car is a pleasure to drive mostly in auto mode except when you need/want the control. Applogies to anyone who took offense to auto la la land (but my sales guy was clearly in it).
Stephan-- I would be with you, the computer probably knows the optimal points. I did as Gundo did, took it up to redline in each gear thinking that was optimal. I know this is not a Hot Wheels site, but I would be interested to see the dyno on the XC.
Good test. However, the mertis of engine braking and holding a gear (and the sweat spot in the power band) to allow you to pull strongly out of sweepers makes the stick worth it.
thanks. --Bob
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