This could be a real benefit to a company like Aptera that is working on super efficient cars covered in solar cells. They claim (up to) 40 miles per day of solar charging. Solar paint could provide more surface area (= more miles) at a lower cost than the cells they are using.

This only imitates an automatic transmission. A true enthusiast wants not only the fake engine noise, but a fake tachometer, a fake clutch pedal, and a fake shift lever to get the entire fake experience.