The End of Manual Transmission (opens in new tab)

"Humans develop tools that assist in locomotion, such as domesticated horses and carriages and bicycles and cars—and then extend their awareness to those tools. The driver “becomes one” with the machine, as we say. In his 2020 book, Why We Drive, Crawford argues that a device becomes a prosthetic. The rider fuses with the horse. To move the tool is to move the self. Crawford argues that this cognitive enhancement is possible only when you can interpret the components of the tool you’re operating."

Very interesting theory: the importance of being able to interpret the components. Yeah I love stick shifts. Sometimes I regret getting it (because it's not a sports car or anything). But I think, for one, having something extra to with my body frees my mind to roam while I drive.

If anyone is interested in more in depth treatment of automotive transmissions [1] provides overview of transmission technologies (AT, DCT, CVT) and analysis of their effect on fuel efficiency. It includes detailed descriptions of power losses and their sources.

Manual transmissions have one of lowest losses but their gear ratio stepping incurs engine operating point inefficiencies.

[1] https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/21744/chapter/7#200

Automax's data only represents only a small subset of cats sold, and they are absolutely not an enthusiast brand. Don't use their data.

Manuals have actually had a remarkable resurgence in recent years. A good case study of this is the new Supra. Toyota clearly misread the market and are now eating crow, rushing to market a cobbled together transmission to save their sports car.

It's the twilight of ICE engines - if you are still buying a new enthusiast vehicle in 2022 that's not electric, what are you doing not getting a manual?

When you hand crank an engine to start it, you really feel connected with the car you’re going to drive.

An automobile doesn’t have the same connection with a rider as a horse does.

I get it. I’m a car person too. I loved stick shifts and in the beginning they were much better than automatics. But now they aren’t. Automatics are much faster, more energy efficient. So all the arguments against it have evaporated to “you can’t feel the connection”.

I wonder if the technology laggards feel the same way some of us do about transmissions…