Autoblog

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll]

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Just don't answer. The question is neither relevant, nor is it even the crux of the column. Get past the clicky smelling headline, and what you have here is a combination of two news stories, one new and one old, both of which you've likely already come across.

We're going to play nice here and not knock over Salon columnist David Sirota's house of cards, because this is a good read and he's a talented writer - even if, off the top of our heads, we can name several popular vehicles that offer a fuel economy benefit to those willing to row their own, from the Volkswagen Jetta to the Chevrolet Sonic to the BMW 3 Series. But the guy does have a point that's probably of great benefit to many Salon readers: If a smug sense of superiority is what you're after, opting for a manual transmission is no longer a sure bet. (Locally sourced organic produce and craft beer, for the win!)

In the end, Sirota is smart enough to come to two conclusions that most of us would agree to. The first being that driving a manual is fun, and the second, that it's hard to text while steering, operating all three pedals, and working that stick.

On second thought, maybe you should answer with a simple 'yes' or 'no'. See below for our completely unscientific poll.

View Poll

Salon columnist asks, "Is it ethical to drive stick?" [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Technology, Ford

From the headlines-we-never-expected-to-see file: "Stick shifts popular again..." Yes, we thought manual transmissions were on their deathbed, what with every carmaker bemoaning low take rates and reports that Volkswagen has decided to do away with them in both its Audi R8 sports car and throughout the range of Lamborghini models. But lo and behold, it seems that manuals accounted for 6.5 percent of new vehicle sales during the first quarter this year, the highest take rate since 2006, according to Edmunds.com numbers cited by USA Today.

This surge in popularity comes despite a 10-percent drop in the percentage of new models offering stick shifts in the past five years, according to the report. The change in consumer behavior has surprised some automakers, including Ford, who told the newspaper that demand for a manual in the Focus is nearly 10 percent, more than double the automaker's original forecast.

Of course before we get too excited - or give credit to the Car and Driver "Save the Manuals" campaign - let's keep in mind that a decade ago, when we first started to hear the groundswell against the manual from automakers, the take rate for manuals was still running above 8 percent. And we're still faced with an inevitable demographic shift as Millennials, born after automatic transmissions became dominant, grow up. The best we can hope for is to teach those willing to learn and hope to keep the manual tranny around as long as possible.

Car buyers falling back in love with manual transmissions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video]

Zach Bowman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Humor

Car and Driver wants to Save the Manuals - Click above to watch the video after the break

The minds at Car and Driver have anointed themselves the champions of the manual transmission. In order to defend the three-pedal way of life from the onslaught of apathetic automatics out there, the magazine has initiated a new awareness campaign under the "Save the Manuals" banner. The plan is more of an awareness movement than anything else, complete with PSA videos, stickers and buttons. Watch out slushboxes, this is a no-holds barred assault.

We've heard all of the arguments about why the age of the manual transmission is coming to a close - more efficient automatics, the rise of the double-clutch cog box, etc - but we still love rowing our own gears. Car and Driver has brought up an interesting point by saying that manuals can actually help cut down on distracted driving. How? It's bound to be quite a bit more difficult to text while driving something with a third pedal.

Whether that's true or not, we'll let you decide, but if you want to get in on the campaign to save the manual transmissions from the icy claw of extinction, you can hop over to Car and Driver to see what you can do. You may just get your very own sticker to announce your pride. Hit the jump to watch the PSA. Hat tip to Rokas!

[Source: Car and Driver]

Continue reading Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video]

Car and Driver launches 'Save the Manuals!' campaign [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Buick confirms 2011 Regal 2.0T to come with manual transmission. Wait... wha?

Chris Paukert — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Buick

2011 Buick Regal live unveiling - Click above for high-res image gallery

Trivia Time: When was the last time a U.S. market Buick was available with a manual transmission? Honestly, we can't recall anything more recent than a buddy in high school having a hand-me-down mid-Eighties Somerset coupe with a stubby, workmanlike five-speed. Even back then its presence in our friend's hooptie was a genuine curiosity and a source of perpetual amusement.

Naturally, we posed this same question to a few Buick PR-types this morning at a first drive event upon learning from vehicle line executive Jim Federico that the reborn 2011 Regal will receive a six-speed manual transmission option (mated to a blown 2.0-liter four, no less). The answer? Shoulder shrugs and sheepish looks. Curiously, nobody even tried to answer our query with a red herring like the ill-fated Reatta coupe (it only came with a four-speed automatic).

So we now know when a Buick will next feature God's Own Gearbox (probably in the third quarter of 2010), but we still can't crack this historical chestnut - so we beseech thee, Autoblog Nation... what year was the last Buick built with a DIY transmission - and what car was it in? Hit us with your best shot in Comments.

Gallery: 2011 Buick Regal Live Unveiling

BREAKING: Buick confirms 2011 Regal 2.0T to come with manual transmission. Wait... wha? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reason #6,342 why manual transmissions are better than automatics

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Humor

Ha ha ha! Look, what kind of carjacker are you if you can't drive a stick? The only one that pops to mind is Vincent Gallo's character in Buffalo 66 when he tried to unsuccessfully steal Christina Ricci's car, "I'm used to luxury cars. Have you ever heard of a luxury? That's what I drive. I drive cars that shift themselves." And that's essentially what happened when a very bad criminal tried to car-jack a nice nurse in Reno, NV.

Armed with a B.B. Gun, 23-year-old Kent Howard Boedicker allegedly attempted to jack a 57-year-old RN's Hyundai. After forcing the lady out of the car and climbing inside, Boedicker then got out and handed her the keys back stating, "I don't need these anymore." Thanks to his ~~terrible~~ non-existent driving skills, Reno police were able to apprehend Boedicker in a Save-Mart parking lot. Cheers to Mr. Mack for the tip!

[Source: RGJ.com]

Reason #6,342 why manual transmissions are better than automatics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL

Michael Harley — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Acura

Click on the above image for our high res 2009 Acura TL gallery

Acura is again tossing enthusiasts a bone with a new six-speed manual transmission option for their 2010 Acura TL SH-AWD model. While the 2009 model is only available with a five-speed automatic with paddle shifters, next year will mark the return of the stick shift -- and the first time Acura has paired their SH-AWD with a manual transmission. The six-speed is all-new, and stronger than the manual last used in the 2008 model. It features a more rigid aluminum case and heavy-duty internals. New gear synchronizers improve accuracy while a standard short-throw shifter improves feel. In addition to the six-speed manual, the TL SH-AWD receives "Hill Start Assistant" to hold the vehicle on hills during a start, and special enthusiast-oriented suspension tuning for flatter cornering. The manual transmission also comes with stiffer engine and transmission bushings, heavy-duty front driveshafts, and stronger CV joints. Best of all, the manual transmission weighs 88 lbs. less than the automatic, moving the TL's weight distribution even further rearward.

Gallery: 2009 Acura TL

[Source: Honda]

Continue reading Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL

Honda announces 6-speed manual for 2010 Acura TL originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 AB Gift Guide: Three Pedal Club t-shirt

Chris Tutor — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:56:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc.

You laugh at the term "clutchless automatic" and roll your eyes when anyone praises their car's manumatic. Your car has three pedals, thank you, the way God intended. Right? It's time you let the world know your position on the issue by joining the Three Pedal Club. Get it in gear and pick up one of the club's t-shirts before the clutch goes the way of the foot-controlled headlight dimmer.

Three Pedal Club t-shirt - $21

Next up: Please bring it overseas!

Gallery: 2008 AB Gift Guide

2007 AB Gift Guide: Three Pedal Club t-shirt originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 23:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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