By Jens Meiners

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

As this story is published, the Geneva auto show is in its second week. For me, the show triggered as many questions as it provided answers, and I could not identify a dominant theme for the show, which seemed to be weaker than usual on concept cars. Here are some random but thought-provoking observations:

Porsche and Manuals

The industry, unfortunately, is working to get rid of manual transmissions. Porsche is fitting its latest 911 GT3 with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and when questioned about the move, the automaker responded with a flurry of rhetorical questions such as whether the company should go back to carburetors and or ditch ABS. Of course, the dual-clutch auto provides superior shifting times. But I contest the notion that it is therefore the only logical choice for the GT3. Shifting gears is an essential part of operating a car, over which I wish to exercise total control; even with paddle-actuated shifts, there is an extra layer between me and the car. And the dual-clutch automatic is heavier than a manual transmission, to boot. I hear that the upcoming GT3 RS could become available with a manual transmission. This is excellent news.

Porsche and others would do well to reflect on the enthusiastic reaction towards the Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT-86. It came in second in the European Car of the Year votes and placed among the top four in the World Car Awards; the actual winner will be announced later this month. The sports-car trio’s popularity is a powerful message to the industry: People love light-weight, tossable sports cars, even if they’re low on sophistication. And they love a manual. (The cars didn’t get votes because of their available slushboxes).

Qoros Charging On

Qoros could permanently change the perception of Chinese cars. Funded by an Israeli-Chinese cooperation and engineereed with input from Austrian and German engineers, these cars are bordering on premium in content and appearance. The long-term dedication is visible in the three body variations shown in Geneva; an SUV is sure to come, as are further variations in the future. Qoros displays a consistent, attractive styling language (at which some German manufacturers need to take a hard look). Safety will not be an issue, the cars are expected to pass the (overrated) NCAP tests with flying colors. And Qoros also triggered the amusing footnote which is Audi’s lawsuit against the Chinese company’s use of the “GQ3″ moniker. Transforming the image of the Chinese auto industry, and topping it off with exposing the Volkswagen Group’s nervousness—no wonder Qoros executives were all smiles at this show.

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-108015" title="2014 Alfa Romeo 4C" src="http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/2014-Alfa-Romeo-4C-313-626×382.jpg" alt="2014 Alfa …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at Car & Driver