BMW like Toyota. The manual transmission continues to resist on the cars of both brands, relying in particular on their divisions dedicated to performance models. In the case of the Japanese brand, the manual coupled to the GR trim is a must for fans of the traditional car, albeit technologically current. While for the Bavarians it remains the planet marked by the letter M..
Frank van Meel, head of BMW’s M division, told Autocar that he is delighted to have seen “half of the orders for the new M2 coupe for manual gearbox versions“. In short, there is still a market for this technology, despite the advent of the automatic (which goes very well with the electric). However, there is one detail that should not be underestimated: BMW Ms cost a lot, and will probably be the only ones in the future to mount such a gearbox.
The manual, which has already been given up for dying on several occasions, it could become an elitist issue. Van Meel explains: “From a technical standpoint, there is no reason to have a manual gearbox. It is heavier, slower and less fuel-efficient than the automatic one“. However, there is a customer base, which can probably overlap with the loyalists of the combustion engine, who really loves manual transmission. Therefore, listening to the market, the M division will continue to build cars capable of hosting it, with an attached surcharge.
“Some people still want to have maximum control over the car, they want to handle the beast. If there is a way to offer them this possibility, it is with the manual transmission. It is part of the emotional attraction generated by our cars, and we love it ourselves. This love is particularly noticeable in the United States, and as long as someone is ready to use it, manual transmission will be available“, Added the manager.
However, it must be considered that both BMW and Toyota they could ‘amaze’ the automotive world with electric cars equipped with manual gearboxesin the future, thus finding the so-called square to satisfy the emission limits and also the residual amount of customers willing to select gears.
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