The End of the Manual Transmission?

[Raptor626]

Let's assume that in the near future there will still be sports cars around (Like the hybrid electric Porsche 918). Some manufacturers, Lamborghini and Ferrari for starters, have done away completely with the manual transmission. For the two mentioned above, however, it's all about speed, and there's no doubt that today's automatics are much quicker in selecting gears than a person could ever be, so it makes sense (to some extent) for them to pursue such a strategy.


Do you think others will follow suite? Do you think GM will ever produce an automatic only Vette , or do you think they'll have an option for the manual so they can still cater to enthusiasts?


It's a good question since enthusiasts , like those of Lamborghini and Ferrari, will in essence be left out to dry simply because the times are changing.

It's a very relevant question on this site since we're all enthusiasts by the very definition of the word. Therefore, I think some people here are going to have strong opinions on the subject.


Thanks,

Danny.

[BATMAN!]

I dont think it will be any time soon but I do believe at some point it will happen.

[BigCarrot]

I think it will be around for quite sometime.

They're cheap until it's cost effective major volume car companies won't do away with it.

Even then I'm sure for particular cars at least in America will have a manual transmission option for enthusiasts. I mean that market is still there. It would feel strange not having a manual in a sports car for car enthusiasts anyway.

[upflying]

Once you leave the USA, manuals make up 80% of car sales.
If I had the power to change driver's ed for teens, I would require all novice drivers to master a stick before moving on to an automatic.
I prefer a stick because it makes you a better driver. Cheap gas prices, big SUVs, EPA, minivans combined with American culture and customs for the lazy, fat life has made the automatic dominant in the USA. Sad.
Hike gas up to $8 gallon and watch the diesel/stick return.

[FenwickHockey65]

You can expect to see manuals in mainstream cars (particularly midsize sedans) die out very soon. Take rate for manuals in midsizes is absolutely pathetic, at least here in the US.

Subcompacts/compacts will have manuals for some time.

As for performance vehicles, I doubt we've seen the absolute end of them.

[Raptor626]

Originally Posted by upflying

Once you leave the USA, manuals make up 80% of car sales.
If I had the power to change driver's ed for teens, I would require all novice drivers to master a stick before moving on to an automatic.
I prefer a stick because it makes you a better driver. Cheap gas prices, big SUVs, EPA, minivans combined with American culture and customs for the lazy, fat life has made the automatic dominant in the USA. Sad.
Hike gas up to $8 gallon and watch the diesel/stick return.

YES!

[The Stig]

Originally Posted by upflying

Once you leave the USA, manuals make up 80% of car sales.
If I had the power to change driver's ed for teens, I would require all novice drivers to master a stick before moving on to an automatic.
I prefer a stick because it makes you a better driver. Cheap gas prices, big SUVs, EPA, minivans combined with American culture and customs for the lazy, fat life has made the automatic dominant in the USA. Sad.
Hike gas up to $8 gallon and watch the diesel/stick return.

100% true. Though I did vote "yes" in the poll, only because I can't see America keeping manuals indefintely. I mean I think off the top of my head I can only name 10 ish of my friends who can drive a standard (myself not included).

[BigCarrot]

I learned how to drive stick 2 months before I got this car. I gotta say it's a lot more fun than an auto for sure. It has it's moments where I wouldn't mind an auto but it definately keeps you concentrating on driving and nothing else.

[Camarowguy]

O no! We will all be called girls then!

[SlingShot]

The day we no longer use dino fuels, there will no longer be a reason for a standard trans.

[need4spd]

Ferrari and Lambo do not have automatic only.. they have a choice.. they can either go full auto for cruisin and leisure driving or paddle shift for more spirited driving/racing. They have paddle shifts so they can control the gear shifts.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by need4spd

Ferrari and Lambo do not have automatic only.. they have a choice.. they can either go full auto for cruisin and leisure driving or paddle shift for more spirited driving/racing. They have paddle shifts so they can control the gear shifts.

Still isn't a manual transmission. What you just described is something practically every new car with a 6-speed automatic transmission has.

[Rogue Leader]

Originally Posted by need4spd

Ferrari and Lambo do not have automatic only.. they have a choice.. they can either go full auto for cruisin and leisure driving or paddle shift for more spirited driving/racing. They have paddle shifts so they can control the gear shifts.

By manual transmission they mean an actual manual, with a clutch and stick shift.

However the interesting point is Ferrari's and Lamborghinis are not "automatic" transmissions in the traditional sense of the word. They are electro-hydraulically controlled manuals. Basically electronics control the clutches, and translate the paddle shifts into shifter movement.

In contrast, the Camaro has a true manual, and the shifter buttons only tell the automatic what to do, it still has a traditional torque converter.

[daveagogo1]

Manuals will be gone from all but possibly a couple select cars in the US within 10yrs. 8 speed autos are coming quickly and a manual won't be able to match the mpg of that. Manuals are now a niche market. In no way am i bashing the manuals i used to own many manuals. They are fun but now it is noce to not need to. We can call it driver error or wheel spin or whatever we want but, the fact remains i am 7-0 vs LS3 on the track. 3 of them were tuned as well. Advantage gone with a sub standard driver and trust me. Most are.