As many are aware, the future of the traditional manual transmission is looking grim. Automakers across the continents have been dropping this "cog-swapper" from their lineups. Manufactures like Toyota, Audi, and even Ferrari have either reduced availability or eradicated the good old manual. This is not just happening in the United States, it is a global problem.
In the past few years, the rate of decline for the manual transmission has increased significantly. In entry level and luxury automobiles in the US, customers are specifying the "automatic" option instead. This is partly because people are lazy. Some believe "why should I have to do all of this work when the car can do it for me". Or people feel that they can't manage to eat, drink, text, or do anything else that requires at least one hand, with a manual. The other common reason is that many do not know how to drive a manual and don't bother to learn. As less cars are produced with a manual, and less know how to drive one, the younger generations have a more difficult time getting access to the resources necessary to learn. And finally, as automatics gain more and more ratios, they become more efficient then their manual counterparts.
For performance cars, the reason of decline is usually different. THE DOUBLE CLUTCH GEARBOX!! While it is a great device, it is the predator of the manual. Most of these transmissions can shift faster then any human possibly can. While this does marginally help acceleration and lap times, most drivers will not even be aware of the benefit. Also, these transmissions are in many cases more efficient, yet do not have a significant enough advantage over a manual to warrant substitution. Many drivers with these state of the art transmissions will say they get the involvement of a manual with the flexibility of an automatic. Nonetheless, it is not quite the same a having a 3 pedal car.
Due to the reasons mentioned above, sales of manuals have severely dropped. Accordingly, automakers are not spending the money to engineer and certify their cars with an alternative transmission, when they know the take rate will be low. This applies to many car makers who one would expect to offer a manual transmission as a large number of their customers seek performance. Such automakers include Ferrari, who no longer offer a manual option, and Audi, who is cutting back on their manual lineup.
While many manufacturers are cutting back, there are a few who remain committed to the manual for the time being. Porsche offers a manual on at least one vehicle in all of their model lines (manual Panamera is offered in Europe). Even on their Cayenne SUV, one can get a manual. With the new 911, Porsche introduced the world's first 7 speed manual, making the difference in efficiency of the two transmissions offered negligible. Another distinguished automaker is BMW. They offer a manual in the 5 series, something that no other automaker in the same class does. Interestingly enough, in Europe customers now view manuals as an entry level offering, while in America, it is viewed as a performance option. Thus lower spec European 5 series get the manual, while it is reserved for the top trim level in the US. With the new M5, they will also offer a manual for the US, again unique in its segment. Despite this, BMW has even made some of its own cutbacks. The new X3 can no longer be had with a manual as well as F10 xDrive 5 series. Aston Martin, what is considered a very "traditional" company also has cut back on its manual offerings. For 2012 a DB9 can only be had in Auto and they recently introduced 3 new products without manuals. Car companies have demonstrated that they will offer a manual in products only where there is enough demand.
So, why should one by a manual? For one, it offers a connection with the car that no automatic, double-clutch, or any other transmission can offer. As cars gain more technology and electronic barriers, the driver naturally losses feedback with the car. The manual preserves that. Further, there is nothing like mastering that perfect upshift or smooth downshift. Or for those more advanced, it is great to be able to rev-match your downshifts. In many cases, the manual is often the less expensive transmission too. Overall, a manual makes driving FUN.
It is up to consumers to decide how much longer we will see new vehicles offered with a manual transmission. For 2006, BMW launched the M5 and M6 without a manual transmission. Customers were not happy so for the 2007 model year a manual was offered. Multiple automakers have said that they will only continue to offer a manual if consumers demand it. There is a fine line between what is and what isn't worthwhile to produce from an automakers perspective. That being said, we must make an effort with our wallets, to preserve the pleasures of driving that can only be had with a manual.
No comments:
Post a Comment