[davesaddiction]

The whole world (including the US) is buying less and less manual transmissions in recent years. Thankfully, enthusiasts here and across the pond are doing their best to keep it available as an option, and the take-rate has leveled off, and even come up a bit.

"In 1987, 29.1% of new vehicles sold in the U.S. were manual transmission, according to the EPA. By 2010, however, the rate had fallen to just 3.8%.

It appears as though something of a stick-shift renaissance has since occurred, with 5.1% of new cars being manual last year. And a new report from Edmunds.com indicates that stick shifts are on pace to account for roughly 7% of cars sold in 2012."

http://business.time.com/2012/08/02/...e-stick-shift/

"The vehicle with the highest percentage of manual sales so far this year is the brand new Subaru BRZ. Seventy percent of BRZs sold are equipped with a manual transmission.

“The manuals are running very high,” Subaru product communications boss, Dominick Infante said.

That is a skewed number since the BRZ just came out, and most of the buyers are early adopters. “We think that over time that number will change a bit,” said Infante.

The mechanical twin of the BRZ is enjoying a lesser take-rate, likely due to the increased number of cars moved. To-date, 52-percent of Scion FR-S models are sold with a manual transmission. While the manual transmission is the most engaging option on the FR-S, the automatic certainly isn’t a boring slushbox. Also, both the automatic FR-S and the BRZ get better fuel-economy ratings than their manual transmission counterparts.

According to the numbers, these are just about the only vehicles that enjoy a manual transmission take-rate above 50 percent – with much of the reason likely due to early-adopter enthusiast-types.

The Ford Mustang, both the V6 and GT, have a 50-50 split right down the middle between automatics and manuals, as does the Volkswagen GTI, which is available with a quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic."

"Instead of just relying on the German automaker’s impressive PDK dual-clutch automated gearbox, they also developed a manual transmission that boasts the best of the fuel-saving PDK, and the engagement that the enthusiast craves.

“We still have a fair percentage of customers who prefer a manual transmission,” Twork said. “In the 911, this is between 30-40 percent depending on where the car is in its lifecycle.”"

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2...on-doomed.html

As long as there are enough people who want to drive them, and are willing to buy them, they'll be around for us.

But the kids are our future, right? As old gearheads die off, who's going to take their place? Sometimes I wonder what percentage of kids are actually learning to drive a manual these days.

Moral of the story: if you like driving a manual, keep buying them, and teach your kids to drive one!

[gonzo]

Neither of my older brothers sons can drive stick.
One is 20 the other 15. Sad.

Old days story.

My dad put all three of us boys in an old vw bug we kept at our ranch.
I was about 6 and could barely see what was in front of me.

Those were the days.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Neither of my older brothers sons can drive stick.
One is 20 the other 15. Sad.

Old days story.

My dad put all three of us boys in an old vw bug we kept at our ranch.
I was about 6 and could barely see what was in front of me.

Those were the days.

That's a great memory - I'm taking my older two up to a relative's ranch in Colorado in a few days. Probably won't be driving any cars around just yet, but will get to help drive the 4-wheeler (and ride some horses). Can't wait.

[gonzo]

I learned this a looonnnng time ago.

No matter if it is as simple as a golf game or dinner date or more such as a vacation, that if people have SOMETHING to look forward to..they will be happier.

Sometimes I can get happy by thinking about seeing my dog.
He's a good ol feller.lol

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by gonzo

I learned this a looonnnng time ago.

No matter if it is as simple as a golf game or dinner date or more such as a vacation, that if people have SOMETHING to look forward to..they will be happier.

Sometimes I can get happy by thinking about seeing my dog.
He's a good ol feller.lol

I look forward to driving my car at least twice a day.

[Efthreeoh]

Not to throw water on this fire, but considering the F30 comes in standard configuration as an automatic, the life of the manual transmission is dead. The manufaturers will stop offering the choice due to fuel consumption regs. It is obvious that manufacturers will do anything to gain just 1 mpg (i.e. Electric steering).

[nicknaz]

Two clutches + flappy paddles is not a future to be mourning (if the tech is implemented like Porsche PDK and not Ford Focus PowerShift)

[Year's_End]

Well I'm dead set on either a 6MT WRB BRZ or a DCT Pure White MkVII GTI within one year's time from now. I've got 10k ready so far for a down payment... decisions, decisions.

[Snaggletooth]

As long as bikes are manual, cars will be manual too. I converted to a manual car after a few years on a bike. I'm 23 and there are plenty of guys like me.

[dhomoney]

I'm older than snaggle, at 35, but I love my manual. You feel so much more connected to the car, the road, the joy of the drive that you completely lose in an automatic even with so spanky new double clutch flappy paddle. No thanks, give me the lever in the floor.

[davesaddiction]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Not to throw water on this fire, but considering the F30 comes in standard configuration as an automatic, the life of the manual transmission is dead. The manufaturers will stop offering the choice due to fuel consumption regs. It is obvious that manufacturers will do anything to gain just 1 mpg (i.e. Electric steering).

It's business. As long as there are enough enthusiasts to purchase them, they'll keep building them. And if the big makers don't see the money in it anymore, small makers will keep offering it.

Originally Posted by nicknaz

Two clutches + flappy paddles is not a future to be mourning (if the tech is implemented like Porsche PDK and not Ford Focus PowerShift)

I cannot deny the awesomeness; I can only mourn all the atrophying left legs.

Originally Posted by Year's_End

Well I'm dead set on either a 6MT WRB BRZ or a DCT Pure White MkVII GTI within one year's time from now. I've got 10k ready so far for a down payment... decisions, decisions.

Both fine choices.

Originally Posted by Snaggletooth

As long as bikes are manual, cars will be manual too. I converted to a manual car after a few years on a bike. I'm 23 and there are plenty of guys like me.

I like the way you think.

Originally Posted by dhomoney

I'm older than snaggle, at 35, but I love my manual. You feel so much more connected to the car, the road, the joy of the drive that you completely lose in an automatic even with so spanky new double clutch flappy paddle. No thanks, give me the lever in the floor.

[TK-421]

If I can't clutch kick it I don't want it.

[AZ135]

I just bought my first non-manual car and it's depressing. I'm a Realtor and a manual isn't that practical when driving clients around and multi-tasking, but at least the 470 hp in my XF helps a bit. It's just not as connected as a manual. I have a feeling that a 2nd car with a stick is in my future.

[dcleminson]

Originally Posted by dhomoney

I'm older than snaggle, at 35, but I love my manual. You feel so much more connected to the car, the road, the joy of the drive that you completely lose in an automatic even with so spanky new double clutch flappy paddle. No thanks, give me the lever in the floor.

The difference between the M3 and the M335i is worlds apart. If you are looking for a DSG that drives like a manual you need to get into a M3/4....

You may have seen this video....Sebastien Loeb’s new record at Pikes Peak

http://www.speedcafe.com/2013/07/02/...t-pilkes-peak/

Well worth a look. Same gear box technology as the M3 ......almost instantaneous!!

[track_warrior]

Originally Posted by gonzo

Neither of my older brothers sons can drive stick.
One is 20 the other 15. Sad.

Old days story.

My dad put all three of us boys in an old vw bug we kept at our ranch.
I was about 6 and could barely see what was in front of me.

Those were the days.

It will be funny when they go to europe some day and try to rent a car, most of the cars at the rental places are manual transmission .

[F32]

It's sad that the manual is dying indeed.

I'm not one to spout off the canned psuedo-enthusiast anti-technology nonsense like you see on Jalopnik every day, but it's awful. Sports cars now require less and less driver involvement, and the little remaining involvement provides less feedback than ever before. Flappy-paddles and electronic traction/braking/suspension systems are great, but their practical application from a performance standpoint is purely for track performance. If all these advances are for quicker laptimes, why stop here? The technology is already out for cars to self-drive. I can guarantee you a self-driving computer system which can interface GPS data for track coordinates and weather conditions along with computer systems monitoring every single parameter can take a car around a track faster than any human with zero human input.

Is that too far?

[Robert]

You be lucky if kids need to learn to drive in the future. Google self driving car is the future.

[IEDEI]

i think enthusiasts should be more open minded about dual clutch gearboxes. i have driven manuals only for many years----and had an A3 with a dual clutch (S-tronic/DSG) gearbox for the past 2 years and i have to say that it was surprisingly fun.....felt race car-like in its shifting.....even though the car itself wasn't really too race-car like! haha.

in my upcoming 135is, i have gone back to a manual gearbox just because i think it suits the car better......but dual clutch gearboxes cannot be compared lazily to 'regular' automatic gearboxes. It is an entirely different thing altogether.

i think enthusiasts should at least be satisfied that there is a GOOD alternative for the cars that will not be sold with a manual----because dual clutch gearboxes are the real deal. the 991 GT3 is dual clutch only....and basically every real performance driven car is now dual clutch only.....it says a lot about the future of automobiles and a helluva lot about these new gearboxes.

[F32]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

i think enthusiasts should be more open minded about dual clutch gearboxes.

No.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

......but dual clutch gearboxes cannot be compared lazily to 'regular' automatic gearboxes. It is an entirely different thing altogether.

Really? From a practical standpoint, explain how DCTs differ from traditional automatics aside from the speed in which they shift gears.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by F32

No.



Really? From a practical standpoint, explain how DCTs differ from traditional automatics aside from the speed in which they shift gears.

you're kidding right?

a DCT has two wet clutches that are actively engaging at the driver's command. when you shift gears, it is actively shifting gears...UNLIKE a torque converter automatic which does not engage 2 separate clutches which alternate between gears.

have you ever driven a dual clutch gearbox in fully manual mode? it's no different than a manual aside from the fact that there is no clutch. There IS a reason why race cars and the world's greatest performance cars are using dual clutches....it's not JUST about speed, but it's also about immediacy and control. Maximal control is elicited not only by mechanical control, but by accuracy and speed.

[F32]

Originally Posted by IEDEI

you're kidding right?

a DCT has two wet clutches that are actively engaging at the driver's command. when you shift gears, it is actively shifting gears...UNLIKE a torque converter automatic which does not engage 2 separate clutches which alternate between gears.

Thank you for the explanation. I had absolutely no clue what in the world a dual-clutch transmission is and what it did. But now that you told me they have two clutches, I think I have it all figured out.

Now, if you'll read my statement again, you'll see I said "from a practical standpoint," as in the net end result for the user. The nature of a DCT's design makes for very fast up and downshifts. Yes...we know. Now, aside from that, can you name any difference in terms of the act of driving they provide to the end user compared to a modern traditional automatic? I'll save you the trouble...they don't.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

have you ever driven a dual clutch gearbox in fully manual mode?

Yes.

Originally Posted by IEDEI

it's no different than a manual aside from the fact that there is no clutch.

Really? So the only difference is the lack of a clutch? Interesting.

I didn't know that with a DCT, you also have a standard H to row the gears and lack a computer matching your revs on downshifts or preventing you from over-revving and messing up. Since they're also the same, I didn't know that properly driving a DCT-fitted car was a near art form requiring years and years of practice.

That's what I mean by actual difference. All higher-end slush-box autos have rev-matching on downshifts, will let you select and hold any gear at any time, and provide all the control that DCTs do...just not the immediacy. That's exactly my point. Okay, fine...in a DCT, you also have the luxury of removing your foot from the brake at a traffic-light and not have the car creep forward.