As the automotive industry shifts towards automation and electric vehicles, many driving enthusiasts lament the decline of manual transmissions. Despite the growing popularity of automatic gearboxes, several models still offer exceptional performance and driving engagement yet lack a manual option. Here are 15 cars that deserve a manual transmission but don’t come with one.
1. Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT, an iconic American muscle car, is known for its powerful V8 engine and thrilling performance. While it does offer a manual option, the higher trims often come exclusively with automatic transmissions, leaving true enthusiasts wanting more.
2. Chevrolet Camaro SS
Similar to the Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro SS boasts impressive power and handling. Although a manual is available, the top-tier models lean towards automatics, diminishing the raw driving experience that many fans cherish.
3. Tesla Model 3 Performance
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is celebrated for its instant torque and rapid acceleration. However, it is only available with an automatic transmission, which may disappoint driving purists who favor the control of a manual gearbox.
4. Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS is a high-performance coupe that offers exhilarating speed and handling. Unfortunately, it comes exclusively with a dual-clutch automatic transmission, limiting the driving engagement that a manual option would provide.
5. BMW M4
The BMW M4 is a performance-oriented coupe that excels in both speed and precision. While earlier models featured a manual option, recent iterations have shifted towards automatic transmissions, leaving enthusiasts craving the classic driving experience.
6. Nissan Z
The Nissan Z, a modern iteration of the classic Z-car, offers thrilling performance and modern technology. However, it only provides a manual in certain trims, leaving some drivers frustrated with the lack of options across the lineup.
7. Porsche 911 Carrera
Porsche’s 911 Carrera is revered for its performance and handling. While a manual transmission is available, many variants are exclusively automatic, which may alienate traditionalists who prefer the tactile feel of a manual gearbox.
8. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a beloved roadster known for its lightweight design and engaging driving dynamics. However, higher trims are now losing the manual option, frustrating enthusiasts who value the pure driving experience.
9. Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type combines luxury with performance, but it primarily offers automatic transmission options. This decision disappoints fans of the brand who seek a more traditional driving experience in a sports car.
10. Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra is a powerful sports coupe that has garnered attention for its performance. Despite its exciting capabilities, it is only offered with an automatic transmission, limiting the connection between driver and machine.
11. Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is celebrated for its sporty handling and performance. However, as the automotive landscape changes, there is concern that future models may abandon the manual option altogether.
12. Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight sports coupe that emphasizes driving enjoyment. While it does offer a manual transmission, its popularity raises questions about why more manufacturers don’t offer similar options.
13. Mercedes-AMG GT
The Mercedes-AMG GT is a high-performance sports car that delivers thrilling speed and luxury. However, it exclusively offers automatic transmissions, missing the opportunity to engage driving enthusiasts with a manual option.
14. Corvette Stingray
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an American sports car icon known for its performance. While it does offer a manual in some trims, the trend towards automatics in higher configurations may disappoint die-hard fans.
15. Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster N is celebrated for its fun-to-drive nature and performance potential. Although it comes with a manual transmission, its future in the lineup remains uncertain as automakers lean towards automatics.
Conclusion
As the automotive industry transitions to new technologies, many enthusiasts feel the loss of manual transmissions in popular models. Manufacturers need to recognize the demand for driving engagement and consider reintroducing manual options in more vehicles. With the future of manual transmissions uncertain, car buyers should act quickly to secure models that still offer this feature.
