10 Models That Dropped the Manual Gearbox

More and more car buyers are shifting from manual to automatic transmissions. Naturally, automakers have to follow.

Why would they keep developing and selling clutch-and-stick combos when so few people care about them?

Here are 10 important models that used to offer a manual gearbox but are now exclusively available with an automatic.

Chevrolet Corvette
While the launch of the eighth-generation, mid-engine Corvette offers many reasons to be excited, some purists are lamenting the fact that only an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is offered.

Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra made its highly anticipated return at the NAIAS in Detroit early this year. Sharing its powertrain with the BMW Z4, this fifth-generation Supra is the first not to offer a manual gearbox.

Mazda6
The extinction of manual transmissions doesn't only affect sports cars. In the midsize sedan segment, for instance, most automakers have long abandoned them. The Mazda6 followed suit in 2018.

BMW 3 Series
With the introduction of a brand new 3 Series for 2019, BMW decided not to carry over the manual transmission and instead focus on the eight-speed automatic. Good news: the next M3 will keep its stick!

Acura NSX
The original NSX from 1990-2005 was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The modern generation received the hybrid treatment and a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission only.

Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long defied conventions by retaining a manual transmission in its lineup, which made for a pretty unique combination with the brand's all-wheel drive system. However, Subaru dropped it in 2018.

Ford Mustang GT500
With a fearsome V8 engine producing 760 horsepower, the new 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 promises spectacular performance. However, unlike its predecessors, you can only order one with an autobox. Blasphemy!

Honda HR-V
Honda made a gamble when it launched the little HR-V with a manual transmission in 2016. But since you could only get AWD with the automatic transmission, the former didn't prove very popular and was eliminated for 2019.

Volkswagen Beetle
The iconic Volkswagen Beetle is retiring this year, quite some time after losing its manual transmission.

Acura ILX
Despite its sporty character, the Acura ILX is no longer available with a manual transmission. Too bad because this unit was impressively sharp and fun to manipulate.