Hyundai gets it too!

[Kompresshun]

Hyundai thinks CVT's aren't so great:

A report from Automotive News points to words from Hyundai Motor America VP of product planning, Mike O'Brien, backing the dual-clutch technology. "Dual-clutch has a better future with us. It has better fuel economy advantages. It's better for the enthusiast driver. It matches [our product philosophy] better," said O'Brien, speaking at SEMA on Monday.

While it is noted that shifts with the dual-clutch units are not the smoothest available, O'Brien says that characteristic is outweighed by the parasitic losses experienced by CVTs resulting in poorer performance and fuel economy. According to the report, the "rubber band" effect experienced is also a setback, as is the limitation of engine size. CVTs are optimal only for smaller-displacement engines so application becomes an issue.

Wait. So you're telling me that a brand actually cares about the enthusiast? Wow, now there's some out of the box thinking from someone!

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/hyun ... er-better/

[krash]

but....but...... JUKE NISMO! Thats the only thing the enthusiasts need!

[MinisterofDOOM]

The new Focus doesn't come with a torque converter in any form. Unfortunately, Ford is struggling with that whole "not the smoothest" thing more than most non-enthusiast buyers would like.

[dickie]

so what you're saying is that manufacturers are starting to make cars that appeal to drivers (not just commuters) again. well, at least Mazda, Toyota, Hyundai and Subaru are anyway. Nissan says if you aren't spending GTR money (or at least Z money), you don't matter to them. Honda hasn't released a driver's car since they axed the S2000 and they are desperately trying to run themselves into irrelevance with their new styling. Mitsubishi seems to have compromised too much with the new Evo, but at least they finally stopped pretending the last Eclipse was anything special.

Did we leave anyone out? Anyone that matters?

[krash]

Toyota - FRS
Subaru - BRZ, WRX STi (still thoroughly fun)
Mazda - Miata, Mazdaspeed 3, and a possible re-birth of the rx-7
Hyundai - Genesis Coupe

I very much agree with d!ck on the Evo X.

It really does seem like Nissan doesn't care enough about an enthusiast that doesn't have at least Z-money. Juke Nismo might be quick and quirky when it does come out, but that car is definitely not what I think an enthusiast is looking for.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Mustang!
And for the record, if I have to have an auto, I'd prefer it to be DCT.