The argument of a manual transmission being better than an auto might soon be irrelevant as today’s automatic are becoming more fuel efficient and with faster shift times. But nothing will beat the sensation of driving a manual where the driver engages more with the driving, and Aston Martin is one of the few that aims to keep it that way.
After the reveal of their new and sexy DB11 and announcing a limited-run hypercar designed by Red Bull F1 engineer Adrian Newey, Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer revealed to Car & Driver that the British marquee will continue to offer manual transmission for their cars for as long as possible.
“I’ve already gone on the record saying I want to be the last manufacturer in the world to offer a manual sports car,” said Palmer to Car & Driver. Palmer had also confirmed that the upcoming Vantage scheduled to make an appearance in 2017 will come in both manual and automatic transmission. Unlike the DB11 where it features an in-house designed twin-turbocharged V12 engine, the V8 Vantage will be powered by an engine built in partnership with Mercedes-AMG.
Future Aston Martins will also not be fitted with a dual-clutch transmission as Palmer thinks that they are too heavy and do not offer a considerable functional advantage over a conventional automatic.
