Why manual transmissions are not dead yet

Many car manufacturers from high-end to low-end still retain the manual transmission option to please customers who want a pure car.

Recently, French car manufacturer Renault introduced Megane RS 2018 with manual transmission option, which surprised many people. The car industry is witnessing a drastic change, and popular cars are also equipped with automatic dual-clutch transmission. Manual transmission models are becoming rare.

French engineers aren’t the only ones trying to resist automation. These days, manual-shift sports cars are an oddity.

Many car manufacturers still retain manual transmission to please traditional customers.

Most people think that supercars are more efficient with only two pedals, and speed is the parameter that consultants emphasize the most when introducing to customers. Most people think that "faster is better". Even Porsche, which launched the 620 horsepower 911 with a 6-speed manual transmission, has shown little interest in traditional gearboxes. The 911 GT3 is only equipped with the PDK gearbox.

Some say Porsche has made a “vegetable stew,” meaning all its cars come with PDK transmissions. But the German automaker still tries to please its loyal manual customers by adding a sequential gearbox and a dual-clutch option to the latest 911.

The 707-horsepower Dodge Challenger also comes in manual or two-pedal versions. The Shelby Ford Mustang GT350 and Shelby GT350R are also available in two automatic configurations, while the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Corvette Z06 can both be had with a manual transmission if you prefer.

The British still insist on the traditional manual transmission with many models, such as the 380 horsepower Jaguar F-Type still has a manual transmission.

Andy Palmer, chairman of Aston Martin, told Car and Driver last year that he wanted his company to be the last manufacturer in the world to offer a manual transmission, perhaps the boldest statement ever made by a car brand in the world.

The manual transmission is why so many people love the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

In other words, the MX-5 Miata only has 160 horsepower but is more fun to drive than a 300 horsepower BMW with a great 8-speed ZF automatic. The recent Mazda MX-5 RF Fastback also retains the classic manual transmission that made the Miata famous. The transmission on the MX-5 ensures smooth, sporty shifts with every light stroke of the gear lever, creating an exciting sound.

Although the MX-5 RF takes as long to accelerate from 0-100 km/h as an automatic SUV, it still feels much quicker. Of course, that's partly due to the car's relatively small weight, but there's no denying the role the manual transmission plays in driving feel.

Going fast is pure originality, but it just feels more precise with a manual. DSG, PDK, DCT or any other automatic transmission have impressive acceleration figures on paper, but real-world testing is another story. And some carmakers still want to retain the original values ​​​​on sports cars, that's why manual transmissions still exist./.

According to Zing