The problem is we now have road going race cars that aren't manual anymore. Even Formula 1 has semi-auto gearboxes. What we are seeing is a proliferation of automatic manuals with paddle shifters. Multi-clutch automatics have gotten to the point where they are as efficient as we thought manuals were. The racers that run sequential shifters are aided by electronics and that is what our cars try to mimic. Really its all in the logic now. If we can work on the logic, it may work well. Those that still have old style manuals can tell you what happens when you miss a shift. If you're old enough, you might remember all if the supercars back in the day having gated shifters.
I know that semi-automatics are all the rage right now, but they're... kind of lame, really. I mean, either give me an automatic or a manual, not something weird in between. I can change speeds manually on the LS's semi-automatic, it's just that without a clutch pedal it feels... pointless.
And yes, I know that the electronics make them faster and slightly more fuel-efficient. That's nice. Except that I don't really care about any of that, what I care about is enjoying the overall experience, and that's what a manual gives you: control and enjoyment.
Only something like 10 percent of the buyers want manuals, so there's not enough profit potential to overcome the expense of building two different interiors and two different drivetrains.
Yeah, in North America people generally avoid manuals, a sad reality. But the thing is, they're
less expensive than automatics to design and put in... for example, I don't think that it would cost Dodge a huge amount of money to simply install the Challenger's manual in the Charger. Plus, they could have a lower base price, which helps attract customers. And the European manufacturers are even worse, they HAVE the manual ones in Europe, but they generally refuse to sell them here. Mercedes is the worst of them all in that department.
Of course, there's the flip-side... companies know that they'll make more money by forcing everyone to buy automatic (therefore driving the price up by 1500-2000$), and that extra cash from selling all-automatics outweighs the loss of a few sales to uncompromising fellows who will walk away if there isn't a manual. Cash trumps the desire of a few people to drive manual.
Plus, a lot of people that liked manuals are going to the paddle shifter, like it's the same thing or something.
No it's not... semi-automatics without a clutch feel like a manual for people too incompetent to use the clutch pedal properly. The feeling isn't nearly the same as in a real manual. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like a trend that will reverse.
I would personally love a 2 door stick, and I mean an actual stick and not some paddle crap, but it's not what I need right now. If I had my way about it I'd get a 1994-1997 Mercury Cougar, install a Chevy LSX454 engine with a 6 speed manual, and drive it until I die. Instead I'll drive the Lincoln LS for now, will wait and see how the Chevy SS looks, and if it is not acceptable will see what else there is. If Lincoln starts making cars again I would have no problem at all buying another Lincoln. I won't look at the Camaro or Mustang as the cabin is just too small. The only new domestic car on the market I'd buy if I had to buy one today would be a Dodge Charger, and that's just sad.
2-door manual something would be nice indeed, I'm thinking Dodge Challenger, possibly Mustang (Challenger is more roomy). I simply don't like the Camaro... either outside or inside.
The Charger looks perfect, it's just a pity that they couldn't bother to make manuals available.
But yeah, apart from a couple of Dodges and a couple of Cadillacs, not much is going on in the North American car industry. New Fords may look good and be advanced and reliable and all that, but apart from the Mustang (and maybe Focus ST) they don't really have a soul.
