I’m a manual fan, never much cared for automatics BUT the A8 has me interested for a few reasons; it’s quick, it’s strong, and like the whine of the IHI blower it sounds amazing, perfect complement to a great car. I put a 2.98 1st, 2.10 2nd, 1.43 3rd Tranzilla in my 830 wheel cat to get a final gear ratio more close to the A8, somewhere around 11.5:1 now in first. It livened up the car but made hooking up even harder but has made it quicker and slams you into the seat harder and lets me know a little about how a redeye must feel in the lower end, wicked. I’ve never driven a redeye but do have a want to, at times it’s frustrating struggling to get into the 10’s as with a manual YOU got to get EVERYTHING just perfect all in 10 seconds or your done, with an auto it comes down to power your making and traction your getting, the rest is really just holding on for the ride. That right there is my delema going to a auto, it will be more relaxing and fulfilling (Time slip wise) to start with BUT will I get bored with just having to worry about cutting a good light and keeping the throttle mashed for 10 seconds? Guess I could still txt and drive then at least? I do like the stronger motor and drivetrain the redeye comes with along with a few other performance goodies but the only way I would know is try one for a summer but parting with my customized M6 is not easy, I LOVE the car. First question most everyone asks me about the car is “is it a stick or a auto?” Get a BIG smile in return when I say stick and a look of disbelief and sadness when I reply “yea, but the autos are quicker” Why is a manual perceived as being more a he-mans macho car and autos for wanna be’s and those less talented that maybe can’t row their own??