While I spend most of my days 'lurking' here. I'll add my 2 cents worth (m2cw):

Re sophistication of 'new' auto trannys. Try the new VW Double Clutch Tranny:� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dual_clutch_transmission

You need to scroll down a bit to 
get to the VW content.� These new Dual Clutch trannys up-shift in 3/10 
of a second, and down-shift in about 7/10 of a second (takes longer as 
the computer revs the engine to match the RPMs on both sides of the 
tranny).� If you are visually oriented try: http://www.dctfacts.com/information/dual-clutch-animation.aspx

�� or�� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-Shift_Gearbox
or re the T5(.5) try:� http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Transporter_%28T5%29

I have never driven one of these, but I have heard them take off from a red light, and I can't shift that fast, certainly not in a syncro westy.� Add to that a limited slip diff and lockable rear trannys and these 'SHOULD' be about as good as our beloved T3 syncros IMHO.�� There is NO clutch peddle, but one can work the gear lever to activate the gears.�

If one of you guys would buy my CDN Dehler Syncro 16", I could buy one of these new T5.5s :-)

Changing topic a bit:� One other item I've hear re auto trannys, is that Cell/Mobile phones have sold more Auto trannys than anything else!� :-)� If we had 4 arms/hands, we could shift and talk & dial all at the same time!� :-)���� As I said:� m2cw.� malcolm

>________________________________
> From: Don Hanson <dhanson928@gmail.com>
>
>
>
>� 
>Curiously, I have noticed that many of the 4wd vehicles I have seen
>around the southern California desert Off Road areas of the desert this
>winter are automatic transmission rigs.
>..................................................................
>I'm not 'dissin' anyone's choice of transmissions or vehicles...I am
>curious...what say you who are familiar with this, on a Friday.?
>Don Hanson
>
>