are we nearing the end of the manual transmission?

This is what you think not what you want. I think we are seeing the beginning of the end for the manual. what do you think? this was spurred on by the manual trans being removed from the 2wd 4.0 option.

 

Ummm no

 

I fail to see how this is a second gen thread but... no.

The rest of the world does not mimick the U.S. market... most places still heavily value standards. However as tech continues to move, if cars become more automated drivers (where there is little to no driver input) than yes, gearboxes will probably be forced into cvt/automatic... or straight input through electric motors with no additional gearing.

I don't see that happening any time remotely soon though. Supercars are slowly moving away toward faster paddle shift semi-autos... but there will always be a market for tried and true clutch and shifter.

 

Good post!

 

I wish this was the case, but there only a very small handful of vehicles still even offered with a real manual tranny, in the U.S of course. All over the rest of the world it is very hard to find an automatic. It's really a shame, i hate automatic cars.

 

Which the 6-speed is not. Tons of computer control now. You name it - Tacomas, Wranglers, FJs - the very vast majority sold are now autos. Hell you can't even get a 4Runner in manual anymore. True that in Europe and Asia most are still manuals. But that's beginning to change too.

 

In the US yes. In my area, definitally yes. i have NEVER seen a DC Tacoma with a manual gearbox. Or even an AC. Just all RC.

And i hardly see any stick FJ Cruisers here.

But back in my home country the phillipines, everyone i know there drives a stick LOL

 

WRONG SECTION!

 

Fully agreed, but that's more of a Toyota problem. Subaru is still all over manual gearboxes... and I seriously almost bought a WRX just in support of that lol (well, that and it's badass). The fake manual with the throwout bearing issue on the TRD's just.... didn't appeal to me, plus the auto is a better transmission all around. Sucks, but that's just the way it was built... that's why I caved in on the auto again.

It is sad, but let's face it... most Americans are not drivers. The testing systems here are pathetic... anyone can get a licsense. Most people here seem to think driving time is a great place to catch up on reading, watching a movie, eating, doing makeup, anything other than actually driving. Turn signals are completely optional, yeilding to higher speed traffic in the fast lane is optional and won't piss anyone off... in fact no one should be faster than you so you should police them and camp there! Hell people don't even know how to put an out of control car with a stuck throttle into neutral and brake! Hell people even run into police officers duing their duty off to the side of the road with bright lights blaring for people to be cautious.... that means run into them of course.

Anyway sorry for the rant but... I think that's really what brings the downfall of the manual here. The people that actually enjoy driving, that actually are enthusiasts about it... that actually do care about proper roading.... get pushed to the curve by this culture that thinks driving is just some invincible way to quickly go places that takes nothing at all to do...

I really believe we should start mimicking Germany more. You must take defensive driving, high cost license makes sure you treasure it, not abuse it... because getting it back means cutting an arm off to pay for it. It sucks, but at this rate it's only going to get worse. Manufactures here have to develop things like the STAR system to protect people that can't drive... instead of saying "it's not our fault you confused the brake and gas pedal." Lawyers won't have any of that.

 

tacoma with paddle shift?

 

Drive a car with a 6 speed auto and paddle shifters and you too will realize that the extinction of the manual transmission is nearing. When I was working with Eaton on a project - they were working on a F1 type auto shifting of manual transmission - shift by computer. That way you lower the losses from the hydro part of an auto transmission.

 

Don't think it will ever completely disappear...at least I hope not.

 

It won't, you can always go old (unless obama makes it illegal).

Personally I can't wait to get a T-56 6spd in my 280Z. It's just a matter of keeping the sbc 327, or drop in an LS1 at this point

 

Well in Museums but other than that it's dead. It will go the way of steam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6zE__J0YIU

 

I have to admit that's extremely impressive and great work.

However, I still will chose a clutch and shifter.... nothing beats the rush and feeling of complete control at your finger tips, the explosive burst of power each shift... it's an experience.... even if it's not the most efficient way of doing it.

 

I would hope that the manual transmission never goes away.

I enjoy driving my truck every time I get in it.

 

My roommates new BMW M3 has a double clutch transmission and doesn't require a clutch peddle to shift it. In fact its proven to be extremely faster then a traditional manual transmission. With this in mind it makes a traditional five speed see old and sloppy. With the development of new cylinder shutoff systems in the American V6's and V8's that switch the engine down to three or four cylinders at cursing speed, a manual is impractical as its too expensive to install the software needed to use the system with something other then an automatic. So yes i think very soon the traditional clutch and shifter will be gone from the daily drivers we see today. But there will always be roadsters with a good ol 6sp.

 

Same here. I had to look quite a while to find mine. But I didn't back down and give in to what the sales guy wanted to sell me but instead waited for what I wanted.
DC metro area doesn't have a lot of demand for manual transmissions

 

i love my manual trans. but if you look around dodge, chevy, ford and just about all manufactures have went to auto. you have to custom order a duramax now to even get a manual and im not sure if they even do that anymore. manuals are slowly going away and i have never seen a new tundra with a manual option. BUT i have to say the tacoma in my eyes still has the most manual trans in trucks but im afraid that that will fade away with time.

 

Agreed. I have a 2010 Subaru Impreza and it uses all computer controls for the manual gearbox as well. I still prefer manual transmissions but this "drive by wire" instead of a throttle cable does really suck sometimes. There is a slight delay when you hit the gas and will limit the throttle when it feels it's the right time. I miss the old standard transmission cars.