Granturismo S MC Shift

[Paul-B]

Made my second trip to Meridien today to try out a GT S MC shift having previously driven the GTS auto.

I pretty much expected this to be much about putting aside any nagging doubts as to whether I could get on with a semi auto rather than an auto. Given my previous experience of robotic manual cars I expected this to be a thanks but no thanks experience.

Those of you that have read Dan's previous write up when he took delivery of his car last year will have an idea how some view these cars.

That 'some' has a new addition. Two words - Blown Away.

Arrived this morning, Elliott showed me the car I would be driving, mentioned he would have to move the MC Strad out of the way and we'd be off. I was minding my own business, finishing off my coffee and heard a lovely roar on start up (which I assumed to be the MCS). But then I realised it was the GTS. It was the first of many factors that pointed to how watered down the GTS auto is. Perhaps that is unfair - not watered down - pitched at a different audience.

Looking back at Dan's 'write up' I think he has it spot on and I won't try and add to waht he said, other than that I agree 100% with the first impression.

As to what I think about the semi auto?

Really pleasantly suprised - smooth(ish) auto mode once warmed up and fast acting manual (again once warmed). Balance this with the other attributes over the S auto - ok ok mainly the sound and the MC shift definitely has the edge for me.

To think I almost decided not to try one out!

Meridien have a couple of cars that meet my broad wants and needs but there are several other cars out there around the £70k price point too. Time to start the chase!

 

[Palmball]

Having previously had an M6 I know exactly what you mean about automated manuals (the gearbox in that really did grate) but the GT-S is a very good one (someone on here, can't remember who, told me it was the same 'box as in the Ferrari 599 which means it's probably the best developed of it's type of box. I can even tolerate it in auto mode where it drives quite smoothly and gets the job done without p!ssing me off like the M6 did.

There's another big difference between the MC shift and the autos and it's a biggy....the drivetrain layout is totally different. The gearbox on the auto is fixed to the back of the engine so is at the front of the car. On the MC shift, the 'box sits at the back of the car in a transaxle layout and as such gives it a nice rear-balanced weight distribution which you genuinely can feel.

Now, I'm pretty that the GT is based on the QP floor plan and that car was originally designed for a rear mounted transaxle gearbox (and all QP's were made as such for the first few years of production). It's therefore the layout that the car was originally engineered for and I believe it required a redesign to be able to accommodate the auto box at the front of the car which no doubt brought with it a few compromises so, sticking with the MC shift has got to be the more optimised set-up for the car.

Enjoy the shopping experience Paul! Theres quite a lot of choice in the low £70k's at present so you should find one in no time.

 

[Parisien]

All sounds good Paul .....let us all know how the search goes and good luck with the hunt!


P

 

[Dan!]

Hey, I knew you'd love it!