ever since I've read Jackie Stewart's book on driving a long time ago, I've always tried to drive smoothly, and it is already second nature to me.

since my car has a manual transmission, shifting has to be smooth. Because the car has widely-spaced ratios, I try to rev-match every time I upshift or downshift (and heel-and-toe downshift whenever I can). Because my drivetrain already has some play, I also have to be smooth on lifting off the gas. On every corner, I try to take the proper apex. After I brake for a corner, I try to release the brakes gradually. On every stop, I try to "soft-stop", releasing brake pressure just before the car comes to a complete stop.

but that doesn't mean that I drive slowly. My pace depends on my mood. Sometimes I'm in the mood for an "Italian tuneup" (sometimes triggered by the presence of rice-cars) and I drive it one gear lower than usual and shift at higher rpms. Sometimes I late-brake for a corner and other times I take my time.

driving smoothly is therapy for me - it's like Tai Chi, making flowing movements and gradual transitions from braking G's to lateral G's to acceleration G's, especially rewarding when done with heel-and-toe downshifting. And the inline-6 is a perfect partner, with its perfect balance and refined exhaust sound.

and it is especially rewarding when a passenger is surprised that the car has a manual transmission, since everything was done so smoothly. Or that we were going "that fast".

I believe that the design philosphy and feel of Benzes (vs BMWs) encourages a "mature driving" demeanor, but one still has to know what "smooth" driving consists of.

on the other hand, show me an empty parking lot with 4 inches of fresh snow and no cops in sight, and all that "mature driving" goes out the window ...