550i 6-Speed Manual
11-15-2007, 12:00 PM
#41
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Originally Posted by GT Premi' post='494698' date='Nov 15 2007, 01:16 PM
Last vehicle I drove with reverse in this odd position
Most commonly, reverse is all the way to the right, near the highest forward gear. But most good sports cars have reverse to the left, near the lowest forward gear. The rationale is to provide quicker shifting from reverse to forward. It's somewhat similar to Porsche's rationale for putting the ignition on the left side (it allowed Le Mans racers, who had to run to their cars and start them cold, to jump into their cars and start them with their left hand while shifting with thier right hand).
Both may save miliseconds, but it's kind of cool that that's how the engineers think.
11-15-2007, 12:53 PM
#42
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Originally Posted by hinckley' post='494796' date='Nov 15 2007, 04:00 PM
I'm not trying to be picky, but it's really not an odd position.
Most commonly, reverse is all the way to the right, near the highest forward gear. But most good sports cars have reverse to the left, near the lowest forward gear. The rationale is to provide quicker shifting from reverse to forward. It's somewhat similar to Porsche's rationale for putting the ignition on the left side (it allowed Le Mans racers, who had to run to their cars and start them cold, to jump into their cars and start them with their left hand while shifting with thier right hand).
Both may save miliseconds, but it's kind of cool that that's how the engineers think.
Most commonly, reverse is all the way to the right, near the highest forward gear. But most good sports cars have reverse to the left, near the lowest forward gear. The rationale is to provide quicker shifting from reverse to forward. It's somewhat similar to Porsche's rationale for putting the ignition on the left side (it allowed Le Mans racers, who had to run to their cars and start them cold, to jump into their cars and start them with their left hand while shifting with thier right hand).
Both may save miliseconds, but it's kind of cool that that's how the engineers think.
Also, if I remember correctly, you can't get through that left gate (dividing the forward gears from the reverse gear) if you are just under 1st (or just above 2nd) -- you need to move the lever swiftly from the right side starting from under 3rd (or above 4th.) Does that make any sense?
11-16-2007, 05:22 AM
#43
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
Carbon Black Metallic/Cream Beige
Manny tranny and other stuff
Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
Torch Red/Crimson
Manny tranny and every option available for that year
2002 Chrysler 300M Special
Brilliant Black/Light Taupe/Dark Slate
Autostick and goo-gobs of neat features that I will sorely miss
No. But I think I get what you're trying to say.
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