All trains were to operate in manual, instead of automatic, mode Tuesday, Catoe said at the briefing.

CNN: Investigator: D.C. Metro crash 'a scene of real devastation'

The transmission was excellent in automatic mode, and manual shift is still accessible by pulling the center console-mounted gear selector to the left.

FORBES: 2012 Infiniti FX35 Limited Edition: We Can Work It Out

Our tester W8 wagon had a mere 9, 181 miles on the odometer when it arrived, but it clearly had warped front brake rotors, a rattle in the automatic transmission lever from overzealous shifting in the manual mode, and bushings that had already been flogged at a level equivalent to what 100, 000 miles of driving by any ordinary owner might do.

FORBES: Test Drives

The new automatic gearbox will also blip the throttle on downshifts (in manual mode), reducing shift shock that can unsettle the car in hard cornering.

WSJ: 2012 Acura TL With SH-AWD Review: A Good Grille and a Better Car Behind It | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil