One by one, automakers are slowly bidding farewell to the manual transmission. This extends to low-volume exotic brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini, which no longer offer the option. Aston Martin has recently joined the trend and phased out the manual transmission on its regular production lineup. The last model to feature a manual transmission was the Vantage, but a redesigned version of the sports car due later this year is expected to come exclusively with an automatic.
However, in an effort to cater to enthusiasts and collectors, Aston Martin may still offer new cars with manual transmissions in the future, albeit in highly limited quantities and at a premium price. Special editions like the Valour, which debuted in the summer, are examples of this approach. Only 110 Valour units will be built, each powered by a V-12 engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
Simon Newton, Aston Martin’s vehicle attribute and performance director, hinted at the possibility of future manual-equipped special editions in an interview with Top Gear. He expressed his enthusiasm for working on manual transmissions if the demand called for it. Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that there will always be customers who seek a different driving experience, even as the industry shifts towards electrification and automation.
It’s not just the manual transmission that Aston Martin is likely to keep alive in the coming years. Unlike electric motors, internal-combustion engines, for which manuals are best suited, require multiple gears to optimize performance. Aston Martin, like many other automakers, has plans to transition to electric vehicles. However, the company has stated that it anticipates a small percentage of its future lineup—around 5%—to still be equipped with gas engines. These gas-powered models will likely be limited to track use, catering to those who crave the traditional sound and feel of a combustion engine.
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Aston Martin’s commitment to offering manual transmissions and internal-combustion engines reflects a larger trend in the automotive industry. While automatic transmissions and electric powertrains gain popularity, there remains a niche market of enthusiasts who prefer the engagement and control offered by manual gearboxes. This demand has prompted several automakers to continue producing manual-equipped models and even introduce manual transmissions in high-performance variants.
The manual transmission represents a bygone era, embodying the essence of driving enthusiasts who relish the synchronization of gear changes and the mechanical connection between driver and machine. It’s an experience that provides a level of engagement and driver involvement that automatic transmissions cannot replicate. For many, the manual transmission is integral to the joy of driving and represents a celebration of pure automotive passion.
Despite the gradual decline of the manual transmission, it is heartening to see companies like Aston Martin recognizing the demand for this technology. By offering manual transmissions in limited editions and track-focused models, they ensure that the art of manual driving is preserved for those who appreciate it. These enthusiasts are not content with the impersonal efficiency of automatic transmissions or the lack of driver engagement in electric powertrains. They crave the tangible connection between man and machine that only a manual gearbox can provide.
In conclusion, while the industry moves towards automatic transmissions and electric powertrains, Aston Martin remains committed to preserving the manual transmission and internal-combustion engines in its lineup. The company intends to cater to enthusiasts and collectors with limited-edition models that offer the thrill and engagement of manual driving. By doing so, Aston Martin recognizes the enduring appeal of manual transmissions and ensures that the art of driving remains an immersive experience for those who appreciate it.
