Latest news with #manualtransmission
Auto Blog
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
The Coolest Porsche 911s For Sale This Week
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 1st-gen Porsche Cayenne GTS is legendary not for its power but for its manual transmission. Here's why it was so great, and why we want it to return. View post: The Porsche Cayenne GTS Manual Transmission is the SUV We Want to Come Back Despite the Lexus UX 300h being a hybrid, Acura's webpage for the ADX says its compact SUV is better. Is it? In a packed segment, Ford and Hyundai have some compelling offerings. But which one is the right fit for you? If you've got even a passing interest in cars, the Porsche 911 has probably crossed your mind. Doesn't matter if you lean vintage or modern, air-cooled or twin-turbo—the 911 is always a good idea. It's one of the few sports cars that's been cool since the '60s and somehow still gets better every decade. There are some especially tempting 911s up for grabs on Exotic Car Trader, and they're all different flavors of cool. If you're in the market—or just like to daydream—here are five of the best 911s listed right now. 0:09 / 0:09 2025 Audi S3: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Source: Exotic Car Trader 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 If you're stuck between a coupe and a convertible, the Targa is your answer. While this Python Green one is already gone, it will give you some idea of what's possible. You get the black leather interior with heated and ventilated Sport Seats Plus, a Bose surround system, ambient lighting, and Porsche's intuitive infotainment setup sitting front and center. There's surround view, Lane Change Assist, and all the comfort and tech that Porsche does best. Even the Sport Chrono dial and tach are done in Lizard Green, and the Porsche crests are stamped into the headrests. It's not subtle, but it's not meant to be. On the outside, the Targa bar is finished in black to match the SportDesign package accents. The RS Spyder Design wheels (20s up front, 21s in the back) fit tight in those flared rear arches, and the silver sport exhaust tips look just right peeking out from beneath. Out back, Porsche's 3.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six makes a reported 444 horsepower, paired to an 8-speed PDK and all-wheel drive. With the Sport Chrono package on board, it'll do 0–60 in under four seconds, making it fast enough to outpace most competitors at the track, while still blasting tunes and soaking in the cold air from the ventilated seats. View the 2021 Porsche 911 Targa 4 listing. Source: Exotic Car Trader Thinking about selling your car? Get a value estimate and list it online with Exotic Car Trader. Click here to learn more. 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS This 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS S is finished in Arctic Grey with a Slate Grey interior, and it comes with a proper 7-speed manual transmission—not a paddle in sight. Rear-wheel drive, twin-turbo flat-six, and a Sport Chrono Package? You're already halfway there. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Outside, it's wearing the full SportDesign treatment—revised front apron, side skirts, exclusive design taillights, and silver sport exhaust tips that sit clean beneath the bumper. It rides lower on a PASM sport suspension dropped 10mm, and the 20/21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels tuck into the arches just right. You also get the front axle lift, which is a must unless you love scraping nose-first into gas station entrances. And the Porsche crests on the wheel caps and headrests round it all out without being too shouty. Inside, the Slate Grey cabin maintains a cohesive look, featuring heated and ventilated Adaptive Sport Seats Plus and a heated steering wheel with Power Steering Plus. There's Ambient Lighting, a Porsche Design sub-second clock, and seatbelts in Silver Grey to match the rest of the build. The Premium and Storage Packages are here too, and include Surround View and Lane Change Assist to keep things easy when you're not out hammering corners. Under the rear deck is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six making a reported 443 horsepower. This isn't a base model—you only get the 7-speed manual in the S or GTS cars, and this one has the full Sport Chrono setup to sharpen everything up when the road opens up. Check out the 2024 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS. Source: Exotic Car Trader 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe This 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera is pure, old-school Stuttgart, right down to the air-cooled flat-six and that unmistakable teardrop shape. It's finished in Guards Red over a black interior, and with under 45,000 miles on the clock, it's stayed remarkably tight for a nearly 40-year-old car. The 3.2-liter naturally aspirated flat-six is out back, exactly where it should be, and it's paired with a 5-speed manual that sends power to the rear wheels. Bosch Motronic fuel injection keeps things running smoothly, and the torsion bar suspension does what it's always done best: keep things simple, responsive, and planted. It's not overdone. It's not messed with. It's just a proper 911. The car sits on original black Fuchs forged alloy wheels with silver lips — the right look, no substitutions. And out back, there's a big ducktail-style spoiler that adds just enough attitude without messing up the lines. It's clean, but it still catches eyes wherever it goes. Inside, it's a classic 2+2 Porsche with two solid black leather buckets up front and a couple of kid-sized jump seats in the back. The five-gauge cluster is exactly what you'd expect, with the center-mounted tach right where it belongs. There's a newer Pioneer head unit tucked in the dash—granted, it's not period correct, but honestly, it's hard to be mad at decent sound when you're carving through back roads. See the 1986 Porsche 911 Carrera listing. Source: Exotic Car Trader 1980 Porsche 911 SC If you're after a classic 911 that's built to be driven—not just parked under fluorescent lights—this 1980 Porsche 911 SC is the kind of weekend car worth looking at. It's finished in a head-turning red exterior with a black Porsche logo stripe down the side, and it still carries the lines that made these cars legends in the first place. The current owner reports just 25,000 original miles, and a quick look at the condition backs it up. Original bumpers? Check. Black Fuchs wheels? Also present and accounted for. Inside, the black leather cabin has been professionally redone, and it shows. The quilted pattern on the seats adds some extra flair without losing the feel of the original layout. It's got all the factory trim, plus matching Porsche carpets, and everything looks clean and correct. If you want that analog driving experience, this car sets you up right—low seating position, great visibility, and nothing distracting you from the road ahead. Under the rear lid, the flat-six has seen serious attention. The engine assembly has reportedly been replaced, and the seller notes that a full cleanup was done—parts were sandblasted, hoses and gaskets replaced, new wires and vacuum lines installed, and the valve covers were powder-coated. It's not just a tune-up; it's a proper refresh. Same story with the transmission—the assembly was removed, overhauled, and reinstalled in May 2023 as part of a documented service. View the 1980 Porsche 911 SC listing. Source: Exotic Car Trader 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S This 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is finished in gray over gray leather and is reportedly all stock with original mileage. It's powered by a 3.6-liter flat-six engine and paired with a 5-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive sending power to all four corners. The 996 generation marked a major shift for the 911, as it was the first to move away from air-cooled engines in favor of water cooling. That change brought better emissions compliance and more performance potential without losing the soul of the rear-engined layout. In this car, the 3.6L flat-six uses water cooling and a dry-sump design, and it's factory rated at 320 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. It's good for a top speed north of 170 mph. This particular Carrera 4S comes equipped with a power sunroof, red-painted brake calipers, and drilled brake rotors. A paint protection film has been applied to the front half of the car. Inside, the gray leather interior features white auxiliary dials and the original stereo system with a CD player. According to the seller, the car has recently received a new ignition switch and new window motors. A recent service has been completed, and all servicing is reported to be up to date. Explore the 2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S listing. Final thoughts From lifted rally-inspired specials to raw vintage classics and future collectibles, there's a 911 here for every kind of buyer. These cars don't last long when they're this clean. If one's calling your name, don't sit on it. About the Author Michelle Nati View Profile
Car and Driver
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 BMW M3 Has New Paint Colors from the E36 and E46 Generations
The current M3's styling isn't for everyone, but BMW does at least still offer an enthusiast-pleasing manual transmission and rear-wheel-drive pairing. Now you can get your new 2026 M3 in colors formerly found on the E36 and E46 models. There is a significant charge, but the best colors are available on the entry model. BMW sells a lot of crossovers these days, but with the M3, it still caters to the brand's hardcore fans. The least expensive version comes with a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. The quicker Competition Spec is brutally fast, a four-door family sedan that can go door to door with a Porsche 911. Now, for the 2026 model year, BMW is making things even sweeter with some familiar paint options. BMW has brought the configurator for the 2026 M3 online, and apologies in advance for any dips in your productivity levels when you log on. It'll let you build out your perfect M3 with a couple of clicks, and the very first option to come up, after selecting trim level, is what color you want it to be. BMW 2026 M3 in Laguna Seca Blue. The standard color options are fairly basic, though there's a broad spread of optional choices starting at a reasonable charge of $650. The really good stuff, however, costs $4500 and comes with a warning that it'll potentially add 10 to 15 weeks to the delivery process, as it's a special order. For dedicated M3 fans, it might be worth the cost and the wait. On the base M3, it's possible to get some color choices formerly found on the E36 and E46 M3s, the cars that took the M3 mainstream in the United States. From the E36 range, there's a version of Dakar Yellow (pictured above) and the truly wonderful Technoviolet Metallic, a shimmering purple. From the E46 lineup comes Laguna Seca Blue and a take on Imola Red. A Laguna Seca Blue E46 M3 is just aces, and the color works well on the current car too. BMW 2026 BMW M3 in Technoviolet Metallic. Competition-spec cars get slightly different paint offerings but lose a couple of the heritage colors. Laguna Seca Blue is out, but you can get the Dakar Yellow II and the Technoviolet. There's also a new shade for BMW called Goodwood Green that looks quite fetching. With the base M3 getting more offerings than the Competition, BMW is again catering to the enthusiast. The idea of a collector-grade E46 M3 parked next to a modern, daily-driven M3, both of them with manual transmissions and painted Laguna Seca Blue, would sure make for a great garage lineup. Brendan McAleer Contributing Editor Brendan McAleer is a freelance writer and photographer based in North Vancouver, B.C., Canada. He grew up splitting his knuckles on British automobiles, came of age in the golden era of Japanese sport-compact performance, and began writing about cars and people in 2008. His particular interest is the intersection between humanity and machinery, whether it is the racing career of Walter Cronkite or Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki's half-century obsession with the Citroën 2CV. He has taught both of his young daughters how to shift a manual transmission and is grateful for the excuse they provide to be perpetually buying Hot Wheels. Read full bio
Auto Blog
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Drove the 2025 Honda Civic Si for a Week, and I'm Convinced That You Don't Need a Type R
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2025 Honda Civic Si has enough gusto Ask any Honda enthusiast what their favorite model is from the Japanese automaker, and the Civic Type R is likely to come up. We can't blame anyone for saying that, considering the hot hatchback pushes more than 300 horsepower to its front wheels and handles like a rear-wheel-drive car. We have spent some time in the Civic Type R and came away impressed with it, but its nearly $46,000 price tag leaves something to be desired. However, when shopping for a sporty car, you have to think about more than just its price and power. 0:07 / 0:09 2025 Honda Accord: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More For instance, if you're only looking for something fun to drive on the street but don't plan on hitting the track at all, then I would argue that the Honda Civic Si presents a better value over its high-powered stablemate. Like its big brother, the Type R, the Civic Si only comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, so it's plenty fun right out of the box. It also has a sport-tuned suspension and well-bolstered seats to hold you in at every corner, so you'll get those boy-racer sensations when driving it spiritedly. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda However, the Civic Si is also powered by a smaller turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, compared to the Type R's 2.0-liter mill, which only produces 200 horsepower to the front wheels. But does that mean it's not fun to drive? After all, there are many critics and owners out there saying that it feels underpowered, especially when comparing it to the Type R. To find out, I spent a week in the 2025 Honda Civic Si and was surprisingly impressed with its performance. In fact, by the end of the week, I was convinced that most prospective buyers shouldn't even look at the Type R. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda The Civic Si is more than its power rating As stated, the 2025 Honda Civic Si is motivated by a small turbocharged engine that generates 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque, which doesn't sound like much compared to other high-performance sedans and hatchbacks on the market. For example, the competing Volkswagen GTI has 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, which sounds monstrous compared to the Civic. And, of course, the Type R completely overshadows it with its 315-horsepower rating. However, I'm here to argue that those power numbers don't really matter when you're behind the wheel and aiming to hit the next apex on the winding road you're on. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Let's keep in mind that the Civic Si only weighs 2,952 pounds, which is relatively light for a sedan equipped with plenty of safety features and other comfort amenities that typically add a lot of weight. This isn't a race car, by any means, but it is fun to drive. With its good power-to-weight ratio, the Civic Si feels agile and quick when you put it through its paces. No, it doesn't pull like a freight train, and it won't win any drag races against a Mustang GT, but straight-line speed isn't what this car is about, so don't mind its 6.6-second 0-60-mph time. That's actually still pretty quick, but on paper, it doesn't sound that great compared to other performance cars. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Instead, the Civic Si shines in the corners with its sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky summer tires. I sent the Civic Si down my favorite Colorado canyon road, and it ate up the corners with ease, so much so that I could barely get the tires to complain. Its handling limits are meant to be explored on a racetrack. Maybe not a large one with sweeping turns, but a technical one with sharp corners will allow the driver to really feel what the car is about. As for the powertrain, the Civic Si's force-fed mill pumped out its power in a smooth way throughout the whole rpm band. It has a meaty mid-range torque curve that does well to pull the car out of tight turns, and its close-ratio gear set keeps the tachometer needle right where it needs to be. The limited-slip differential also gives the car the traction it needs when cornering at speed. Needless to say, traction and superior handling are what this car is about, and that's mostly what makes it fun to drive. 2025 Honda Civic Si — Source: Honda Final thoughts: You don't really need a Civic Type R Considering how well the Honda Civic Si handles on canyon roads, it's surprisingly comfortable to drive on the street. The suspension soaked up road imperfections well, and the car never felt unsettled when hitting dips and going over speed bumps. The Civic Type R, on the other hand, feels a little rougher on the street, and despite its insane power and superb handling prowess, it's not fun to drive over speed bumps or up steep driveways. You know, regular driving duties. Additionally, although some enthusiasts will like the Civic Type R's well-bolstered race buckets, those tall bolsters are a pain to get over when getting in and out of the car. The Civic Si's sport seats are bolstered well too, and they hold you in under tight cornering pretty well, but they also aren't a pain to get in and out of. 2023 Honda Civic Type R — Source: Honda Lastly, while the Civic Type R's immense power and handling make the car feel like a race car on paved roads, it's better suited for an actual racetrack so the driver can really explore its limits. The Civic Si, on the other hand, can be enjoyed on normal roads and on a normal commute while giving you a smile-inducing experience when you want to take the scenic route on your way home from work. About the Author Joe Santos View Profile
Car and Driver
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Honda Civic Si Review, Pricing, and Specs
Specs See all specs Seating 5 Seats Cargo Capacity 14 Cubic Feet Powertrain Gas Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive Limited Warranty 3 Years/36,000 Miles Overview If the Honda Civic Si was on the menu at your local Thai restaurant, it would be labeled as a medium-hot option. It lacks the all-out intensity that makes you sweat, but it certainly adds some heat to the standard Civic's otherwise mild recipe. The kick comes from the Si's 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated exclusively to one of the best six-speed manual transmissions in the business. While other sport compacts like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Hyundai Elantra N have more oomph, the Si undercuts them in price while offering just as much driver engagement. Think of the Civic Si as a fun car instead of a fast one, and it won't disappoint. Expert Tip: If you're looking for something with an even higher Scoville rating, take a look at the Honda Civic Type R. With 315 horsepower and a host of serious performance upgrades, the Type R is the ultimate everyday track toy. What's New for 2026? The Civic Si received a significant overhaul last year, introducing light chassis upgrades, refreshed styling, standard heated front seats, and an updated infotainment suite. With that facelift still fresh, the Civic Si continues into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Honda Civic Si starts at $32,145. Civic Si $32,145 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k This one's easy. Since the Si is only offered as a fully equipped model, the only choice you'll have to make is between a set of all-season or summer tires. We'd choose the latter for the extra grip. Want to compare the 2026 Honda Civic Si to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engine: 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder Transmission: six-speed manual six-speed manual Drivetrain: front-wheel-drive Under the hood of the Civic Si is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. That power is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and a standard limited-slip differential; an automatic option isn't currently offered. Our hands-on experience revealed that the Civic Si is one of the best driving compact sedans on the market. There's some engine coarseness when pushed, but there was little turbo lag, and we loved the shifter's short throws and light action. The manual gearbox also now has a rev-match feature for drivers who haven't perfected the heel-and-toe technique, and it's easy to turn on or off. Compared with the regular Civic, the Si has larger brake rotors. Plus, the Si's firmer suspension gives it an edge in the handling department. 0–60-MPH Times C/D Test: 60 mph in 6.6 seconds In Comparison: The Civic Si was 0.7 second quicker to 60 mph than the standard Civic hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it trailed a 2025 Civic Hybrid that we tested, which managed a 60-mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel Economy Test(s): 37 mpg 37 mpg EPA city rating(s): 27 mpg 27 mpg EPA highway rating(s): 37 mpg The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 Civic Si yet, but the 2025 model earned ratings of 27 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. As part of our extensive testing regimen, we ran a 2022 Civic Si, which is mechanically similar to the 2026 model, on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route. It returned 37 mpg there, matching its EPA-estimated highway number. For more information about the Civic's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: An exclusive set of sport seats with added bolstering and heating, distinctive Si logos in the headrests, and red contrast stitching is one of the primary ways Honda differentiates the Si's interior from the standard-issue Civic. The red stitching extends to the doors, steering wheel, and other surfaces to denote the car's sportiness. Second Row: With the same dimensions as the less sporty Civic sedan, it provides an equally comfortable back seat. Cargo Capacity: The Si's trunk is spacious enough to accommodate six carry-on suitcases. View Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 9-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sound: 12-speaker Bose audio system As with the best-equipped Civic models, the Si's standard infotainment system features a 9.0-inch touchscreen that sprouts from the middle of the dashboard. The unit includes a handy volume knob and a couple of other physical buttons. Honda packages every Si with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a standard 12-speaker Bose audio system for jammin' out on the way to the grocery store or racetrack. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features The 2026 Honda Civic Si features a comprehensive safety and driver-aid suite, complete with forward collision warning and emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and standard adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Civic Si's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control Warranty and Maintenance Coverage The Civic Si comes with a competitive, albeit wholly unremarkable, warranty. For those interested in complimentary maintenance, all 2025 Hondas come with a plan that covers oil changes and basic services for the first year or 12,000 miles. Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance for one year or 12,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2025 Honda Civic Si Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base: $31,045 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct fuel injection Displacement: 91 in3, 1498 cm3 Power: 200 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 107.7 in Length: 184.0 in Width: 70.9 in Height: 55.5 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 52/44 ft3 Trunk Volume: 14 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 3000 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.6 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.9 sec Top Speed: 135 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 31/27/37 mpg More Features and Specs
Auto Blog
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Ferrari Exec Delivers Brutal Blow To Manual Lovers
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Don't get excited about a manual Purosangue or 296 While Porsche still has a few manual sports cars, it's been over a decade since Ferrari abandoned the stick shift with the California. While many enthusiasts get all giddy at the idea of a manual Ferrari, the truth of the matter is that the people who buy these cars mostly chose the automatic, hence the Italian marque's decision to discontinue this gearbox option. 0:03 / 0:09 Audi A5 replaces A4: So, what's changed? Watch More Although Ferrari recently hinted at a comeback for manual models, that now seems to be in doubt once more. At the reveal of the stunning new Amalfi, a Ferrari exec had a cheeky response when asked about the possible return of a manual. Go Used Or Go Home 'You missed! The manual gearbox, we already have it, in many of our classic cars,' said Enrico Galliera, Ferrari's chief marketing and commercial officer when speaking to Evo. 'You can go and drive our fantastic manual gearboxes on our fantastic events for our classic cars. Whoever wants to have this kind of classic experience, they can buy and restore our fantastic classics and come to our events.' Although we weren't there to cast judgment on Galliera's tone when answering the question, this response had more than a hint of exasperation to it (we counted at least four 'fantastics' in there) and possibly stems from him being asked about manual Ferraris one too many times. 'We offer Corsa Pilotti on classic cars because many people don't know how to use the manual cars,' continued Galliera. 'It's an important experience that we can offer on our classic cars for the time being.' Hard To Make A Case For A New Ferrari Manual Source: Ferrari Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. As a business, Ferrari is in a good place. In its first-quarter report for 2025, shipments were up by 1% year-on-year. Then again, this isn't a brand that chases volumes, and looking beyond pure vehicle sales at Ferrari as a business, things are going well. Operating profit over the same period was up by 23%, net revenues grew by 13%, and net profit was up by 17%. So, it's not as if the absence of a manual is affecting its bottom line. Looking back at the California, thousands were sold with the dual-clutch automatic, and a mere three examples had a manual. That's a lot of investment for a feature that so few buyers want. Furthermore, it's not as if rivals are bombarding the market with manual options. Lamborghini, for example, last sold a manual in 2013 on the Gallardo. Nostalgia is a powerful tool, though, and we're sure Ferrari would have no trouble selling a limited-run, bespoke manual model that recalls the past. What we don't see is the manual returning as an option on regular production models like the 296 or Purosangue. As Galliera made clear, your best bet is to indulge in a classic Prancing Horse if you want to shift gears yourself. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
