The biggest limitation to that design is the use of electro-mechanical actuators to perform the shifting. Movement of actuator motors take time whereas a true manumatic relies entirely on electrons--no friction to overcome or rod movement. You tap an electric paddle switch. It sends a signal to a computer which, in turn, directly hits the electric shift solenoids.
The other major distinction is safety. With an all electronic system, the computer can disallow a shift signal input if you shift erroneoulsy (i.e. downshift into 1st at 100mph)
The computer is the heart of the system--not the shifter. The shift mechanism is merely an input device--just like the keyboard or mouse on your PC. On a true manumatic, the detent on the side of the transmission never moves. It stays in the "D" position.
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Steve Chryssos
Ridetech.com
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