Quote:
Originally Posted by SenorFunkyPants
... I don't believe BMW would have developed the M5/6/3 engine in its current format if SMG/DCT technology was not a critical element, the compromised barely adequate level of torque would be otherwise a compromise too far.
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Another really weak argument. The M5 and M6 are pitifully matched to the SMG, not because of any faults with the engines, just it's a clunky and slow transmission. Driving the M3 and M6 back to back at the Virginia International Raceway, the big guy shifts hard and slow at WOT while the little guy simply changes pitch in a few microseconds.
The V10 and V8 both have incredibly broad torque curves, combined with redlines North of 8200 rpm. Those engines would mate well to almost any transmission. Wittness the V8 in the M3 6MT. Every performance shift falls back into the fat part of the torque curve. Thanks partly to the VANOS and ECU mapping, you can drive in gear down to 600 rpm and floor it with no bucking or complaint.
The new engines are getting the DCT simply because the SMG didn't work and now we've finally got the DCT. They didn't say several years ago (when the V10 first started development), "Hey, this DCT idea has some real legs, let's design engines that will work real well with this undeveloped technology, if it works." That's simply a crazy thought.
Dave