I don't mind a car that can be put in a "Fully automatic" mode that drives itself the whole length of I-80 from coast to coast. Heck... at one point it'll probably pull into service centers and a robot will fill you up and you'll pay by proximity - so you can sleep the entire way and make long distance automotive travel far more safe, practical, enjoyable and efficient.

But if I want to be able to knock it out of fully automatic into a true 6 speed manual experience with clutch in the twisties - I better have that option. I agree completely with you danaotech.

But this just illustrates that lots of people aren't buying cars as practical utility appliances. They're still buying cars on an emotional level. The recent Fiat commercials alone debunk such a suggestion.