Sigh...

6spd for me all the way. No chick-o-matic substitutes.

I say this as one who has driven stick shift since 1961 when I got my driver's license. :p

A CLUTCH PEDAL!

but i want a ****ing avant!

..... a 6spd that is. That's all my wife drives.

allows non-stick drivers to drive the car, similar or better performance and fuel efficiency, ability to shift manually when desired, rapid shifts...other than cost i see no reason to stick with a stick....and i've only driven sticks in my cars for a very long time. the s4 will be a car i'll seriously consider to replace what will be my 10 year old e39 m5 in a couple of years...

my cars have been manuals, including the past 2 S4s. I've tried tips and automatics before, however found them all wanting, except for the DSG in my spouse TT. Even at my best there is NOWAY I can shift up or down several gears as quickly as that box. Great for overtaking on 2 lane roads. So I vote for 7speed DSG plus V8.jcw

DSGs are the future, but I still am worried about their long term reliability and cost of repair. But, most don't worry about that with a new car, but I would plan on keeping the car for a long time, so it is a concern.

What will the reliability be with the 7 sp dsg?
I expect that the way I drive it will be $10K every couple of years....6 sp manual for me.

nothing will replace HAPPINESS of using 3 pedals and shift :)