Quote Originally Posted by speedminded
There's a HUGE difference between an automatic and an automated manual.

The BMW's SMG is the exact same transmission, same clutch & flyweel everything. The only difference is the slave cylinder is electronically controlled by a box on the side of the transmission and controlled by a computer which is operated by paddles instead of a manual lever operated by your foot. Same goes for the original Ferrari paddle shifters.

An automatic is made out of 1,000 of parts, springs & valve bodies...in most situations any abuse or anything above stock power will destroy them. You have virtually no control over the car with it.
Hmm, well most of your old muscle cars that drag race run an auto.