Yes, yes a subject done to death by rows of clones clamouring on about how they won’t be buying a new Porsche gt3 when in reality they drive a diesel VW. In the UK around 40% of buyers now choose an auto gearbox. Consumers, especially of premium cars demand them and it is recognised most people want less, not more interaction from their vehicles. Apple or Android car play are more important to buyers than manual gearboxes, they are dying out.
I have never really held with the argument that “automatics are so much better in traffic”. Unless you’re driving an old GT40 or Scammel lorry then the clutch is unlikely to be particularly weighty. Likewise the action of changing between gears is simplistic, lightweight and with practice fairly seamless. Mostly though, I like that it gives you something to do. Any car in my eyes is improved by a manual gearbox, I like the additional control, I like the pleasure of getting a shift just right, I like punching down unnecessary gears to hear the engine. I accept that most of this isn’t rational or even necessary but neither is owning a dog or playing cricket.
Let’s focus on rev matched downshifts. The action of blipping the throttle with the clutch dipped, engaging a lower gear and then timing the clutch action to make it completely seamless. It isn’t easy; it took me years to get really good at it. Every time I got it wrong I would do it again until I got it right. This stubbornness, the fact it’s a hard earned skill and the satisfaction of getting it just right all contribute to why I love it. Oh and yes, it is completely unnecessary with a modern synchromesh gearbox.
Heel and toe gear changing is a bit of a misnomer. I often use the side of my foot to blip the throttle or the arch of my foot depending on how the pedals are laid out. It’s the same as rev matching just with the added complexity of braking at the same time. It’s easier when braking hard but great to practice while braking gently if you truly want to get a feel for it. When I first tried it I was shockingly bad, it took a lot of practice. For the avoidance of doubt, just like rev matching, it should be completely seamless. You should not feel a jerk as you come off the clutch! It’s hard but when it becomes second nature it allows your driving to flow in a way that’s impossible without learning this skill.
I love the slightly elastic feel of all BMW manuals and their elongated throw. I love the vagueness of a Transit van with worn selector cables. I love the challenge of a Land Rover who’s synchros long became golden glitter floating in the oil pan. I love the knuckly, springy and recalcitrant change in my Europa. I love the “schlack” noise of an open gate. Mostly, I love that I have grown up in an era when they are commonplace. The future, whether electric, hydrogen or synthetic fuel is a 2 pedal dystopia so lets celebrate the anachronistic relics while we still can. Long live the manual box.
The Driven Wheel 