One thing to love about a dial gear selector (here in the 2016 Dodge Durango) is the added space in the console, enough for my oversized coffee mug. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Move over man buns. These are here to stay.
It’s one of the more controversial changes in cars in the last few years: the disappearing gear shift lever.
You might even miss that protruding handle that makes it impossible to ‘slide’ over to the driver’s seat from the passenger side. The one that caused numerous design workarounds to incorporate cup holders and change bins. It can make it nearly impossible to plug in a USB or power adapter if the ports are between the gear shift and the bottom of the center console (forget about spilling a soda on it and furiously trying to mop it up before it becomes a sticky magnet for crumbs and dust and can never be cleaned).
But technological advances in our cars have evolved and the gear selector no longer needs to be a lever. These days, they are all electric. And designers, thinking about how you really use your car, decided to embrace it. If you see an old school gear shift in a new car, don’t be fooled; more traditional and macho-feeling shifters (even the ones that give a satisfying ‘thunk’ when you shift into gear) are really electric shifters dressed up with a mechanical, nostalgic feel.
The elegant center console in the Jaguar XF S features the dial gear selector surrounded by wood trim. Photo: Scotty Reiss
Form finally catches up with function
Not long ago the gear shift lever had a functional need for being where it was; it was one of the few operations that truly put us in charge of the drive. When the transmission could be automated to shift gears itself, we were still in charge putting the car into drive. This made drivers feel in control of the car—hey, I just shifted gears! Both manual and automatic shifting required that same physical act that put a smallish human in charge of a two-ton beast.
If men can be macho in a bun, they can be macho with a dial gear selector
Shifting gears was the thing that made us feel at one with machines yet in control. The thing that let us challenge the road and feel powerful and confident. So, you can see why drivers lament its departure.
It can make a car feel sort of neutered. But I feel liberated. Because here’s what you get in the trade:
1. Gear shifts, like everything else in your car, are smarter.
Everything else in your car is electronic and thus, can likely be updated with a software update, can integrate with other systems and more. You push a button or dial a rotary for sport drive, eco drive and off road ability; why should your gear selector still be a relic from the 1970s?
2. Dial shifters mean more space for stuff.
The elimination of the mechanical shifter means a lot of space has been freed. This results in more, or more convenient, cup holders, a cubby under the center console, wireless charge pads, more USB and 12V ports, slide out drawers, pockets on the side of the center console, change boxes and more.
3. Always know where you stand.
As counter-intuitive as it may seem, you don’t always know which gear you’re in by looking at the shifter. I always look for a light on the dashboard, too, to know which gear I’m in (because there’s nothing like plowing into your garage door when you think you’re in drive but you’re actually in reverse). The dial shifter solves that: Dial ‘R’ and you’re in reverse. Dial ‘D’ and you’re in drive. Dial ’S’ and you’re in sport. Simple, sublime and confident.
The dial gear selector in the Land Rover LR 4 rises up from the console when the car is turned on. Photo: Scotty Reiss
4. Dial shifters add to the art of a car’s interior
I will always love Chrysler for putting a dial shifter in the value-priced Chrysler 200 (which is ending its run and we’re going to miss it!). A premium feature in a car loaded with premium features, Chrysler led luxury auto makers in admitting that they could rethink the shifter and come up with something that is more pleasing, easier to use and more functional.
In fact, after issues with the standard shifter in its Jeeps and other vehicles, FCA, the parent company of Chrysler, is adding dial shifters to even more models.
Jaguar Land Rover took the dial shifter idea a step further with one that rises up from the console when the ignition is started. It magically appears from the flat console surface and asks to be turned. When you turn the car off, it descends back into the console, leaving a completely flat surface for your laptop, lunch or just a beautifully clean surface (like my kitchen counter should be).
Ford Fusion has added a dial shifter for 2017 and it’s a beauty. In the center of the selector dial on the Fusion Sport is an “S” button. Push it to put the car into sport mode and turn the Fusion into a lean, taunt anxious little sedan.
The gear selector in the 2017 Ford Fusion; the Fusion Sport has an ‘L’ in the center of the dial to put the car in low gear; some models have an ‘S’ in that spot for sport mode. Photo: Scotty Reiss
So next time you get into a car with a dial gear selector, take a deep breath and enjoy the liberation.
Scotty Reiss
Ummm… Scotty… that’s not an “S”… and it’s not for selecting “Sport mode”…
That’s an “L”… for selecting the “Low gear”.
It’s most commonly used to keep your vehicle in first gear when you are slowly towing something, so the transmission won’t shift up in gears and cause you to lose power (torque).
(And I think the word you wanted was “taut”, not “taunt”. Although…)
Well. ????♀️ Noted and edited. And thank you. Shows we all need to look carefully at gear selectors; their positions and designations are no longer universal.
Some models have a “S” and some hve a “L” . It DOES stand for sports mode and who cares about the pic? And to take time out just to correct someone bcuz u have no friends . Just remember nobody likes a know it all
Well scotty. Now you got more room for your tampons and maxipads. Or whatever else you need for your feminine products. Personally, i won’t buy a car with a rotary dial “shifter” that’s why instead of buying a brand new chrysler 300S I ended up with a 2014 300s. So automakers need to rethink this hideous idea of having a feminine dial to shift my car. It’s emasculating and ruins the whole look of the interior.
Umm yes there was an S there and it literally does stand for “Sport” mode, it’s in the user manual. What crawled up your butt?
You are most welcome.
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Cheers
We are glad you found us, too! Be sure to point your daughter to our “What Drives Her” stories; she’ll meet women who are breaking down barriers in this business – inspiration for all girls. And good luck as you teach her to drive!
I actually don’t mind the dial selector — once I realize what it is.
I did not read all the comments to see if there was any with the older generation in perspective. Years ago most home builder options went from door “knobs” to levers. Reason being as we age, the levers are much more friendly and easy to use on our wrist joints. However, apparently the car industry has not caught up with the aging population. Levers are much easier to use than knobs! Also, I cannot think of why people would want to slide over. Even if it is a parking problem, how often does that happen? Whereas, the lever you are using multiple times every time you drive. Buying are new vehicle, we will choose one with a lever!