1950's US auto box's managed with two gears. For some time in the UK the auto option offered only three. Times change though. If eight offers better performance, fuel economy and lower emissions then that's fine by me. I suppose the fully variable system offered by Daff many years ago would be the ultimate concept but didn't that employ belts and such
Despite only brief drive of the similar transmission Plus Six, I agree with comments from others that after the novelty of flappy paddles has quickly worn off you probably get slicker changes leaving the we'll set up engine/transmission package to do its own thing. You still have the option of paddles for the (ageing?) boy racer traffic light grand prix of course
