Pull My Paddle

   Driving manual cars in the U.S. has become a lost art. Only a handful of individuals purchase them and even less know how to drive them. While having a traditional manual transmission offers the driver the highest level of control, many auto manufacturers have opted to offer cars with paddle shifters. These paddles offer drivers a sporty yet practical drive. Don’t like sitting in traffic, but like driving down a country road? Paddle shifters are your best bet. However, what are cars like the Ford Taurus, Honda Fit, and Subaru Outback doing with paddle shifts?  At Automoblog.net Chris Burdick stated that, “Leave paddle shifters to the cars that can use them properly. It doesn’t make sense to put them into a commuter car.”

   The current Infiniti G37x I own has a sport model (the G37x) that comes with an available paddle shift option. This is a good option since the Infiniti G37 comes standard with 330 horsepower, 270 pound feet of torque, and an optional limited slip differential. These quick facts mean that the Infiniti G37 would be a fun car to drive with paddle shifters. I highly doubt that individuals who own a Honda Fit would go to their favorite road just to enjoy the act of driving.

   Paddle shifters in commuter cars offer no purpose. They are extremely slow, offer no sense of sportiness, and are used as a bargaining tool when car shopping. Auto manufacturers place them in cars so they don’t fall behind their competitors.