What are the differences between Manual and Automatic transmission types?

Question

The Gearbox configuration allows Automatic and Manual transmission types, but I can also see an auto-shifting option in Manual, and there's a "M" mode in Automatic.

Answer 1

"Automatic" vs. "Manual" refers to the type of transmission.

• Automatic means the gears are engaged via clutches inside the gearbox, so shifting gears provide a smooth transition between them. 
• Manual means that each gear is either engaged or disengaged. You have to provide the "smoothness" manually via regular clutch or torque converter.

Both modes can engage gears either manually or automatically:

• Automatic transmissions: The "D" mode provides auto-shifting, while the "M" mode requires gears to be engaged manually.
• Manual transmissions: The "Auto shift" option in the Gearbox configuration provides automatic gear shifting.

The automatic shifting feature may be overridden from scripting via Data Bus by modifying the AutoShiftOverride value in the Settings channel.

Read the documentation on the Gearbox block for more information.