When the C7 was released in 2014, over 40% of orders were manuals. The following year the z06 was released and over 50% of sold cars were manual as well. The first few years are always the strongest as those that order their cars are more likely to get a manual. Dealers are more likely to order Automatics as they can get anyone to buy the car. After it was all said and done, over 28% of the c7 model were sold with a manual.

Remember at the end of the day GM is run by a bunch of bean counters. Once they ran the numbers ($$) they decided it would be best to go DCT only.

 

At the end of the day, every car company is going to be run by bean counters in that it's just not justifiable for the R&D and certification. Overall manuals are down to 1% of new car sales, and a Corvette is a halo performance car! Imagine how many 3.3T 6MT G70's would get sold. Absent another platform that shares the drivetrain, it's an almost impossible business case.

 

I find excuses to drive the WRX over the G. The G37 is faster, handles better and more comfortable but the enjoyment of the WRX makes it the go-to whenever I need to go any where. I take the G around the block maybe once a week to run oil through it and that's about it.

Autos can be superior all day from a performance standpoint but, as mentioned, running through the gears is more fun vs. point and press gas pedal down. If the used market contains nice options from the past 10 years that have the MT option and are unwanted because of the "aUtoS aRe BeTtEr NoW" mind set I have no quarrels; more for us

Edit: I understand what you're saying Lego and I agree. It makes no sense for manufacturers to throw money at R&D for something that will account for maybe 1-5% of their total sales volume.

 

+1, especially when a lot of them are low mileage garage queens

 

This recent graphic from Car & Driver on the U.S. manual transmission take rate on new cars should answer a lot of questions:





And now the good news: On Sept. 15th, Nissan will release the new Z car. (Probably a prototype- sources vary on this one) Fingers crossed on a 6MT version.

 

Here is a sketch of the new Z. The rear fenders look really wide and the rear window looks extremely low. I am curious to see how they pull off the styling with the 1990's inspired tail lights.

 

Here is a short video review on my first drive of a Shelby GT350. I thought I would mix it up a bit this time with a video. Let me know what you think or if you have questions about the car. Thanks!

 

I am surprised you aren’t making that many review videos like “In the Fast Lane with Joe Tunney” since, not going to lie, your flow of words is good man. I honestly prefer the 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 over that GT350. I don’t like the electric power steering and styling of the new Mustangs in my opinion.

 

Thanks man! I was trying to cram a lot into a short video so I felt a bit rushed, but I thought it turned out ok.

The steering had 3 different settings, but it did not seem to change much. This reminds me, I totally forgot to go into detail on the suspension settings. The sport mode is much firmer, but oddly, only initially. It quickly turns into what feels like the adaptive suspension on the ATS-V where it adapts to firm roads quickly and goes soft again until you need it. Not bad.

 

Good narration. Some repetiveness, and lots of wind in the mic, but overall very professional.

 

I'm kinda with you. The refined handling of the GT350 makes it a great overall performer but the GT500 from 13-14 has a ton of power potential and that 'old school' muscle persona. The 5.8 is a brute and I like the blend of the modern and original looks. They're still really pricey; the same year ZL1 is really tempting. They've dropped into the $30k mark and is a massive amount of car for the money. I'm considering that one as a contender for my early mid-life crisis.

 

Pretty pathetic for Ford to make the Recaro seats an option on their track car.

 

The only Mustang that gives me pause for consideration is the Bullitt. But then every single time I dive back into that idea, I come away feeling there's isn't a Mustang in my future, of any variant. I think I feel that way about all (Big 3) American cars. I mean, the Mustang impresses me, even inspires me with excitement and nostalgia, but eventually I turn away. I have this feeling, right or wrong, about an inherent lack of craftsmanship. It's hard to explain.

 

Basically you want a mustang built by porsche. Respectable. Nobody really makes an American Muscle Car that is built from the ground up with quality as the #1 or #2 priority.

 

What did you think about the base seats? Adequate bolstering and support?