The manual gearbox is undergoing a high-end mechanical renaissance
In short: While emissions regulations and EVs threaten the stick shift, a new wave of ultra-premium cars is embracing manual transmission as a luxury feature. This video pits two distinct expressions of that trend against each other.
To honour the lasting allure of manual gearboxes, this footage pits a £231k Porsche 911 S/T against an Aston Martin Valour worth £1m. The Valour marks a first for Aston Martin, pairing a twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 with a manual gearbox in retro-inspired carbonfibre bodywork—with only 110 units planned.
In contrast, the Porsche 911 S/T offers a high-revving engine capable of reaching 9000rpm, paired with a manual gearbox and lightweight clutch. The comparison highlights a broader trend: from £2.8m GMA T.50s to Toyota testing manuals for electric vehicles, the 'stick shift' is becoming a deliberate choice for enthusiasts.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Manual Gearboxes Are Back! Aston Martin Valour vs Porsche 911 S/T | Top Gear | BBC Studios
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