to recap - I have 2 buttons to the right of the auto T-bar selector (right hand drive, remember..), the 'top' one is 'power', the bottom (well, rearmost) one is 'manu', or manual. Someone said american ones don't have this..
anyway, There are 6 wires comming of the back of this switch, to a plug-socket leading in under the sterio console, which leads out to six wires which dissapear into a bundle.
so, do you americans without this switch on their auto have 6 wires? if so, a retrofit may be possible..
the 'manu' button forces the box to put more effort into holding your selected gear - not quite tiptronic, but useful at the track..