Comment Re:Just give the option to turn it off... (Score 1) 823
If driving efficiency is your goal, step #1 is ditching the manual shifter. You don't have the remotest hope of beating the computer at that game anymore.
There is no way a manual transmission isn't more efficient in most cases, providing you drive them correctly. Manual transmissions are lighter, cheaper to build, and have lower operating losses (no torque converter and hydraulic pumps to run). Now if you drive a manual wrong and don't shift at the right times, MPG could be bad, but on the highway where shifting isn't done, you are going to literally drive away from an automatic efficiency wise.. Oh, and a manual transmission will last a LOT longer and cost you a lot less to maintain than that automatic.
Also #1 rule in driving efficiency isn't ditching the manual shift.... The #1 is managing your driving to minimize how hard you press either the gas or break. The less you press the peddles, the more MPG you will get and the less wear and tear you will do to your car. Don't be aggressive, drive smooth and calm. I find that I use more efficient shift points too, when I'm not trying to eek out that last ounce of performance... Well, that and keeping your tires inflated...