[Humdizzle]

there's also the issue of having to redesign the cockpit. By removing the gearknob designers have alot more options for the center area for screens/buttons/cupholders. Just look at a 458, 720s, or C8 vette interior.

[Humdizzle]

Originally Posted by erickonphoenix

Something to be mindful of is with the proliferations of ATs, development of good manuals has suffered. I didn't mind the manual in my S550 Mustang GT but it was not the bolt action crispness I remembered from my e30 and the car was nearly 20 years newer. I still think the manual connects you better with the car but they're not getting better.

true. my gt3 manual feels much more direct and bolt action compared to my f80 which feels kind of numb by comparison. my e36 m3, e46 m3 were also not very direct, but i dont really mind it because the car is designed to be a daily and throws should not have to take a ton of effort.

the numb feeling can be fixed pretty cheap and easy with an SSK though

[E92inNC]

I’m still putting my hopes on the upcoming Mazda for a NA 6 rwd manual. Otherwise I’m probably getting an E92 M3 plus a beater. I agree with you guys that the manual has a less connected feel the last 10 years or so than they were in the early 2000s, maybe cuz it’s the drive by wire? Auto only with all these safety features I don’t want is definitely steering me away from these newer cars.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by E92inPHX

I'm still putting my hopes on the upcoming Mazda for a NA 6 rwd manual. Otherwise I'm probably getting an E92 M3 plus a beater. I agree with you guys that the manual has a less connected feel the last 10 years or so than they were in the early 2000s, maybe cuz it's the drive by wire? Auto only with all these safety features I don't want is definitely steering me away from these newer cars.

I don't think we'll see a manual paired with the I6, but I hope I'm wrong.

[E92inNC]

Originally Posted by stein_325i

I don't think we'll see a manual paired with the I6, but I hope I'm wrong.

I also hope you’re wrong, not that I’ll be upset with sticking with bimmers lol

[Germanauto]

We trash on the G8X all the time, but it will likely go down in history as the last M3/4 available with the option of a stick shift.

Given the state of the automotive industry we may not even see many cars in the future with traditional automatic transmissions either. Manual shift mode and/or paddles are not like a real manual, but they still provide some level of driving engagement especially in twisty canyon roads. They are far better than some soul-less 1-2 gear EV transmission.

[freakystyly]

Originally Posted by Humdizzle

there's also the issue of having to redesign the cockpit. By removing the gearknob designers have alot more options for the center area for screens/buttons/cupholders. Just look at a 458, 720s, or C8 vette interior.

Remember the early 2000s Civic SIR hatch? They slapped that puppy right on the dashboard. I haven't had the pleasure to drive one but I thought that was clever.