[southernstar]

No, I don't slam it into the next gear. I drive quickly but smoothly and always - yes ALWAYS, double-clutch or match revs on downshifts and allow the revs to fall enough to match the next gear up in upshifts. This not only saves wear and tear on the transmission, clutch, CV joints, tires, etc., it also keeps the car better balanced. A slight pause on upshifts may cost a fraction of a second over a quater mile, but who cares? This is not a drag racer and, on winding roads where the car excels, if you were to use a stopwatch the difference would be even less than in a standing start quarter mile. Furthermore, the imbalance caused by the heavy engine braking that occurs during unequalized downshifts will unbalance the car on braking and turn-in to the next corner. Not only is it harder on the equipement, it is slower.

IMO good drivers are smooth drivers who can almost become one with their car. Try being sympatico with your car for a change - you will be rewarded by not only better longevity and lower maintenance costs, but also a sense of pride over the increased control that you exercize over the equipment at higher speeds.

Brad