Is the art of driving a manual transmission becoming a dying skill?  I sincerely hope there are other people out there like me who will never give up their sticks (lol).  This whole SMG, DSG, etc crap is getting out of hand.  The only good semi-auto tranny is Volkswagen's DSG, but come on now, don't kill the manual transmission!  No matter how advanced technology becomes, nothing beats a clutch pedal and manual shift lever.

The next generation Mistubishi Lancer Evolution X will only be available with paddle shifters initially with a manual coming later (HOPEFULLY).  Toyota finally decides to build something performance oriented with the 2008 Lexus IS-F featuring a 400hp V8, the most powerful engine Toyota has made to date, but gives it an 8 speed auto with paddle shifters.  Why?  What about the enthusiast that will settle for nothing less than a good old clutch pedal?  If the EVO only comes with paddle shifters, I hope you will all join me in a moment of silence for the death of on of the greatest cars ever.