The article discusses the possibility of a manual transmission swap for the C8 Corvette, highlighting Tremec's new six-speed manual transaxle designed for easier installation and the challenges involved in such a conversion, including electronic and interior modifications. Despite GM's current stance against offering a manual, aftermarket solutions may soon make manual swaps feasible, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a more traditional driving experience.
A 1998 Volvo V70 with expressive, artist-created paintwork and a manual transmission is listed for $2,999, blending artistic expression with practical features, making it a unique and potentially appealing collector's or art enthusiast's vehicle.
Garagisti & Co. has launched the GP1, a lightweight, non-electric V12 supercar built with 2025 technology and 1990s principles, featuring a 6.6-liter V12 engine with 790 horsepower, manual transmission, and a weight of only 1,000 kg. Limited to 25 units, it costs around $4 million, reflecting a niche market trend of returning to simple, lightweight, manual supercars.
Garagisti & Co introduces the GP1, a limited-edition supercar featuring a naturally aspirated 6.6-liter V12 engine, manual gearbox, and minimalist design, emphasizing mechanical purity and driving engagement, with only 25 units available at around $3.3 million.
A 1999 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 with only 27,300 miles is listed on Cars & Bids, featuring twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, active aero, and a manual transmission, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy complex, high-performance '90s sports cars. Bidding has already exceeded $40,000, making it a desirable and collectible vehicle for fans of vintage Japanese sports cars.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is an enhanced performance sedan that maintains its reputation as a driver-centric vehicle with minimal updates, including a new front end, a 33-inch screen, and an advanced Performance Data Recorder. The $18,000 Precision Package adds features like carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires, enhancing track performance without sacrificing road comfort. The CT5-V Blackwing, available with a manual transmission, remains a top choice for driving enthusiasts, offering a blend of practicality and race car-like performance.
The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T offers a more affordable and engaging alternative to the GT3, featuring a manual transmission and a focus on driving pleasure. With a 388 hp twin-turbo flat-six engine, the 911 T is lighter and more agile, boasting improved handling and braking. Despite a price increase to $135,595 for the coupe, it remains a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a three-pedal sports car experience, offering a balance of performance and driving feedback.
Porsche will not offer a manual transmission for any 2025 model-year 911, marking a first in the car's 60-year history. The new GTS model will be hybrid and PDK-only, while other trims like the Carrera S, T, and 4S, which previously had manual options, are not yet announced. Porsche hints that manual options may return in the future.
The Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type S are closely matched in performance, sharing the same engine, transmission, and chassis. While the Integra offers a more refined and feature-rich experience, the Civic Type R appeals to enthusiasts with its aggressive, unapologetic tuner car persona, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and a symbol of automotive camaraderie.
The five-speed transmission is nearly extinct in the U.S., with only two cars offering it, one automatic and one manual. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner, the last vehicle with a five-speed automatic, is being replaced with an eight-speed model, while the base-model Nissan Versa remains the only option for a five-speed manual. The shift towards more gears and the rise of CVTs in cheaper cars are contributing to the decline of the five-speed transmission, which was first introduced in 1991.
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a stunning and practical two-seat liftback coupe with a captivating exhaust note, is now available at the price of a new Ford Mustang GT, making it an attractive option for enthusiasts. Despite its heavy weight and some potential maintenance issues, the V8 Vantage offers a comfortable ride and a thrilling driving experience. With early models depreciating to the cost of a new Mustang, it presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking a unique and affordable exotic car.
An op-ed on CNN criticizing manual transmissions and their enthusiasts has been heavily criticized for being poorly researched, needlessly sexist, and lacking a clear point. The author, Paul Hockenos, seems to misunderstand the appeal of driving stick and attempts to link it to masculinity, which has sparked backlash. The article fails to make a compelling case for the demise of manual transmissions and is seen as an unnecessary attack on a personal preference.
The 2024 BMW M2 with a six-speed manual transmission may be the last of its kind, representing a culmination of high-performance enthusiast car trends amidst the shift towards electric vehicles and the decline of manual transmissions. With a muscular exterior, spacious interior, and advanced technology, the M2 offers a thrilling driving experience, making it a standout in the enthusiast coupe market.
BMW board member Frank Weber announced that the future of all BMW M cars will eventually be automatic-only due to declining demand and cost considerations, advising enthusiasts to purchase manual transmission models now. Despite some customer demand for manuals, especially in the U.S., BMW is phasing them out, with only the M2, M3, M4, and Z4 currently offering manual options in the U.S.
Auto rev-match technology automates the process of rev matching during downshifts in manual-transmission cars, smoothing out the process and reducing clutch wear over time. Nissan introduced this technology in 2009, and it has since been adopted by other automakers. The system relies on various sensors and the engine's ECU to calculate and execute throttle blips for smooth downshifts, and it also works on upshifts to reduce clutch wear. While some argue that it takes away from the driver's engagement, aftermarket solutions are available for older vehicles, offering similar functionality at a more affordable price.
