For my everyday car (a BMW 6-series) I chose an auto box without hesitation. But I would not want my Aero 8 (S1) with an auto box. To me, it is a question mark whether the Aero 8 is a genuine Grand Tourer or a Sunday car. I would not consider taking the S1 e.g. to the French Riviera from Scotland, though I some would. It would be extremely uncomfortable at a steady 80 mph, especially in the rain, and certainly worse than the GT competition, including my 6-series. I would assume that a similar reasoning would also apply to the new Plus 8 (cf. Chris Harris video). To me, the S1 and the Plus 8 are more like great Sunday cars than GTs and I do find it more involving to use a manual box.
But of course later versions of the Aero 8 (especially Aeromax, SS and now Coupe) might be more suited to the GT role and so better suited to a more relaxed auto box driving style.
Horses for courses?
Last edited by philrs; 22/05/12 12:19 AM.
