Manual Transmissions: A Connection to the Past as the Internal Combustion Era Fades

In the face of the growing dominance of electric vehicles (EVs) and the eventual decline of internal combustion engines, there is an interesting trend emerging: a renewed interest in Manual Transmissions in 2023. Despite the allure of futuristic EV technology, many drivers are embracing the old-school charm and engaging driving experience offered by manual transmissions when purchasing a new car.

In this article, we delve into some of the reasons behind this trend, examining the appeal of manual transmissions or stick-shift gearboxes.  It's a look at how in many ways, people are not yet ready to give up the tech they've learned to love. For some sports car and Z enthusiasts, there is simply no replacement for a manual transmission. A future where everyone has an electrical vehicle may seem like this to those who love to drive.

In a world dominated by electric powertrains and paddle shifters it's still apparent that car enthusiasts have come to love the feel of control. This is important. The demand for manual transmissions remains significant, and automakers aim to provide the option as long as regulations permit.

The Ultimate Driver-Car Connection:

Manual transmissions have long been hailed as the epitome of the driver-car connection. New vehicles with manual Enthusiasts argue that the manual gearbox allows drivers to truly feel like an integral part of the vehicle, offering a level of control and engagement unmatched by automatic transmissions. This connection to the vehicle and the road has attracted a dedicated following that continues to appreciate the tactile experience of shifting gears. The buyers tend to range between the ages of 18 and 35.

People are re-assessing what they love about their cars and the tradeoffs for the technology they are getting and drivers are choosing engagement over pure performance.

Automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, and Honda continue to promote and offer manual transmissions in their analog cars as a last hurrah before the industry transitions fully to electric vehicles.

• Nissan launched the all-new, seventh-generation Z sports car with a specific requirement for a manual transmission, recognizing the preference of Z and sports car enthusiasts for manual transmissions.

• Toyota responded to enthusiast feedback by offering a newly developed six-speed manual transmission for the 2023 GR Supra and exclusively building the GR Corolla as a lightweight hot hatch with a manual transmission.

• Porsche remains committed to driver engagement and offers 25 models with a manual transmission, with enthusiast-focused variants seeing a high interest in manuals, such as the 718 Cayman/Boxster T, 718 Cayman GT4, 718 Spyder, and 911 GT3.

Nostalgia and Emotional Appeal:

While EVs offer numerous advantages such as environmental friendliness and instant torque, they also represent the inevitable transition away from internal combustion engines. For some, the interest in manual transmissions stems from a sense of nostalgia and the realization that the manual gearbox may not be around forever. As internal combustion engines become less prevalent, drivers are drawn to manual transmissions as a way to experience the fading era of traditional automotive mechanics.

Price Still Matters

People are struggling to keep up with inflation and many can't afford an electric vehicle even with government tax breaks. If people are investing money in a new vehicle they may want what's familiar in favor of what's new. Manual transmissions are known for being the more economic alternative to automatic transmissions. As far as repairs, it is far cheaper to replace a clutch than to deal with an automatic transmission once it goes bad.

From a cost perspective, there's no cheaper option right now in new vehicles. Some believe driving a gas powered car gives them the opportunity to experience real driving. That means as much driver control as possible with as little automation as possible.

The Nissan Z Coupe, which went on sale last summer, comes with a 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo engine that delivers 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 lb-ft of torque. Drivers have a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic. Hoekstra said sales are equally split between the manual and automatic, with younger owners preferring the "nostalgic experience" of three pedals.

Reassessing Performance and Driver Engagement:

With the increasing emphasis on electric powertrains and their associated benefits, drivers are reevaluating their priorities when it comes to performance cars. While EVs offer impressive acceleration and technological advancements, some drivers are choosing manual transmissions for the pure engagement they provide. Rather than focusing solely on outright performance, enthusiasts are opting for analog cars that offer a more immersive and interactive driving experience.

Innovations in the EV Era:

While manual transmissions may seem incompatible with electric vehicles, automakers are exploring innovative solutions to bridge the gap. Companies like Lexus are developing "virtual" manual transmissions that replicate the feel of a clutch and gear shifting, providing EV drivers with a simulated manual experience. That Toyota introduced a faux gear shifter in its electric model Supra did not go unnoticed. It may just be uncertain what automakers intend with that now useless but intimate and special space.

A car with no gears and no clutch has no reason to have a stick and people tend to dislike fake things so this has drawn attention. But what is actually fake here? Isn't the entire driver experience fake in an autonomous vehicle? So going through the motions like you're driving is natural. I always reach for it, even when driving an automatic.

Even a floor speakers that makes roaring engine noises. These systems utilize software and haptic feedback to recreate the sensations associated with manual transmissions, offering a compromise for enthusiasts in an EV-dominated future. Toyota Supra has an imitation gearbox complete with faux stick-shift and floor speaker to make engine roaring noises. It even pretends to stall if you fumble the simulated controls.

As automakers gradually phase out internal combustion engines and shift their focus toward electrification, the future of manual transmissions appears uncertain. However, the continued demand and passionate following of manual transmissions suggest that they may persist as niche offerings or evolve alongside emerging technologies. Ultimately, the fate of manual transmissions will be determined by market demand, advancements in electric drivetrains, and the ongoing dialogue between automakers and driving enthusiasts.

Manual Transmissions Are the Epitome of Driver Engagement

While electric vehicles dominate the headlines and represent the future of transportation, the trend of drivers opting for manual transmission vehicles before the internal combustion era disappears offers a fascinating insight into the human connection with cars. Manual transmissions continue to captivate drivers with their engaging nature and nostalgic appeal. The manual transmission market may be considered niche, but customer loyalty and the desire for a unique driving experience contribute to its continued availability.

Even if an internal combustion manual transmission isn't the choice for you, drivers are losing something important as we shift over to EVs. Unless we appreciate what we had, technology will move as if human concerns like this don't matter. Clearly engagement matters to some. We should realize and accept change but acknowledge that giving up driver autonomy isn't easy.

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