I almost didnt buy a GT500 because you cant get one with an automatic in it. Why, I dont know. The 4R70W is a fantastic trans. So why didnt ford offer it? It can handle upwards of 900 horse so durability cant be the reason. A six speed is so much harder on the drive train than an automatic so warranty concerns cant be the reason. Ford did put the weak kneed 5R55S in the Shelby GT, but it probably wouldnt hold up in the GT500. Dont get me started on all the reasons why an automatic is better than a clutch.