According to a recent interview by The Drive, Porsche is dedicated to retaining manual transmissions in its sports cars for as long as possible.
Porsche 911 and 718 boss, Frank Moser, emphasizes the company’s commitment to manual transmissions.
Emissions regulations pose challenges, but Porsche remains dedicated to the “Save the Manuals” cause.
Although some automakers explore manual options for electric vehicles, Porsche focuses on authenticity.
In a recent roundtable interview in which TheDrive.com took place, Frank Moser, the head of Porsche’s 911 and 718 divisions, expressed the brand’s commitment to continuing the sale of vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. This dedication stems from the desire to meet customer demand for manuals, especially in the iconic Porsche 911. Notably, the company has introduced models like the 911 Carrera T and the 911 S/T, both featuring manual gear shifts, driven by the clear customer preference for stick shifts.
2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Touring | Photo: Olivier Delorme
Despite the commitment, it’s evident that manual transmissions face an uncertain future in the automotive industry. Stricter emissions regulations present challenges that might expedite the phasing out of manuals in some models. However, Moser assured that Porsche is actively working to ensure the survival of manual transmissions for the duration of the current generation of their sports cars, including the 718 Boxster/Cayman and the 911.
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Porsche is not alone in this endeavor. Several sports car manufacturers, such as Honda, Ford, BMW, and Toyota, also offer models with manual transmissions. Even so, the overall market trend shows a decline in manual-equipped vehicles. Despite the decreasing numbers, Porsche’s dedication is evident in their continued release of models that emphasize manual gear engagement, like the Boxster Spyder and the aforementioned 911 Carrera T.
2024 Porsche 911 S/T | Photo: Porsche
However, as the automotive industry gravitates towards electrification, the future of manual transmissions becomes even more uncertain. Some companies, like Toyota, are investigating potential “manual” options for electric vehicles. In contrast, Porsche has a clear stance on preserving the authenticity of their vehicles. Moser conveyed that, for Porsche, introducing a stick shift in an electric car might not align with the brand’s dedication to authenticity.
