Electric Cars

Aston Martin recently showcased its unparalleled craftsmanship and rich racing heritage at the prestigious Monterey Car Week. The British luxury automaker unveiled three extraordinary, one-of-a-kind DB12 S VMF models, each meticulously crafted to honor the brand's iconic 1951 Le Mans entries. These bespoke vehicles, developed by Aston Martin's 'Q' customization division, feature a striking Carbon Black exterior complemented by vibrant accent colors and exclusive interior elements. In addition to these unique offerings, Aston Martin also presented a limited Vanquish 25 Special Edition, commemorating a quarter-century since the original V-12 Vanquish's debut, further solidifying the marque's dedication to exclusivity and automotive artistry.

Aston Martin Shines with Exclusive Debuts at Monterey Car Week

In August, the sun-drenched Californian coast became the stage for the highly anticipated Monterey Car Week, a global spectacle for automotive connoisseurs and collectors. Amidst this opulent gathering, Aston Martin seized the opportunity of the 75th annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance to present a trio of singularly unique DB12 S models, each a testament to the brand's storied motorsport past. These vehicles pay homage to the three DB2 race cars that competed in the 1951 24 Hours of Le Mans, identified by their distinctive British registration numbers: VMF 63, VMF 64, and VMF 65, and their individual grille colors.

The three DB12 S VMF editions are masterpieces of customization, with only one example produced for each color. All three coupes are adorned in a sophisticated Carbon Black base coat, with the historical accents providing a vivid contrast: VMF 63 boasts Rosso Red, VMF 64 showcases Speed Yellow, and VMF 65 sports Ellwood Blue. The exterior enhancements include specially painted grille vanes, commemorative '75' roundels on the fenders, unique carbon-fiber side strakes, a painted Aeroblade, and classic DB2-inspired graphics at the rear.

The bespoke treatment extends into the cabins, where color-matched contrast stitching and an elegantly embroidered DB2 silhouette grace the front seatbacks. The number '75' is also subtly integrated into the rear seats, while the start-stop rotary controller and paddle shifters are finished to complement the exterior accents. Custom door sill plates serve as a constant reminder of the cars' historical inspiration. While performance figures and pricing were not disclosed, it is understood that these models retain the DB12 S's formidable twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, delivering 691 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, with all three likely pre-allocated to discerning collectors.

Adding another layer of allure to their Monterey display, Aston Martin also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Vanquish with a special edition. This 'Vanquish 25' model, also a creation of the 'Q' division, blends design cues from the original V-12 Vanquish with contemporary craftsmanship. This limited-production model further highlights Aston Martin's commitment to blending heritage with modern luxury. The brand's presence at Monterey Car Week was rounded out by the current S family, including the Vantage S, the high-performance DBX S SUV, and the striking Valhalla mid-engine hypercar. For the general public, the 'Astons On The Avenue' event in Carmel-by-the-Sea offered a rare opportunity to admire a collection of historic and modern Aston Martin sports cars.

This magnificent showcase by Aston Martin at Monterey Car Week serves as a powerful reminder of the brand's enduring legacy and its unwavering pursuit of automotive excellence. The bespoke DB12 S VMF editions, with their deep historical roots and unparalleled exclusivity, embody the pinnacle of personalized luxury. Their meticulous design details and homage to the past resonate with collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate not just a car, but a piece of history. The introduction of the Vanquish 25 Special Edition further reinforces Aston Martin's ability to innovate while honoring its iconic models. This convergence of heritage, cutting-edge design, and bespoke craftsmanship makes Aston Martin's presence at such events more than just a display of vehicles; it's a celebration of automotive art and a promise of future distinction.

The United Kingdom's automotive market is witnessing a notable transformation as manual transmission vehicles rapidly lose ground to their automatic counterparts. Recent registration statistics reveal that a vast majority, almost 92%, of new car orders in the UK are for automatic models. This substantial preference has led to manual cars making up a mere 7.9% of all new vehicle deliveries in the first half of the current year. This development underscores a broader trend reshaping the global automotive landscape, where traditional stick-shift driving is transitioning from a common feature to a niche offering.

This evolving trend is a critical indicator for car enthusiasts and industry observers globally, illustrating the speed at which manual options are vanishing from showrooms and the underlying reasons that suggest this shift is unlikely to reverse without significant intervention. The decline is not merely a matter of consumer choice but also reflects changes in vehicle technology and manufacturing priorities.

A clear manifestation of this change is the availability of models. Out of 356 new car models currently on sale in Britain, only 72 provide a manual gearbox option. This means that for many prospective buyers, the choice of a manual transmission is simply not presented, further accelerating its disappearance from the mainstream market. This mirrors a global phenomenon where major manufacturers, such as BMW with its M lineup and Volkswagen with the Jetta GLI, are phasing out manual options.

Several factors contribute to this growing dominance of automatic transmissions. The increasing market share of hybrid and electric vehicles plays a significant role, as these vehicles typically do not use traditional gearboxes or are exclusively paired with automatic systems. The robust growth in EV sales, which contributed to a 12% year-on-year increase in UK car registrations in July 2026, directly impacts the proportion of manual cars sold, as each electrified sale reduces the overall manual share.

Furthermore, challenges on the supply side are exacerbating the situation. Automotive executives, including BMW's performance division head, have highlighted the diminishing support from suppliers for manual transmission components. The consensus within the industry is that the low volume of manual gearbox production no longer justifies the separate manufacturing processes for pedals, shifters, and calibration. Adding to this, the Department for Transport in the UK maintains a strict distinction between automatic and manual driving licenses, meaning drivers qualified only for automatics cannot legally operate a manual vehicle. This regulatory framework further marginalizes manual cars, confining them to an even smaller segment for training and specialized testing.

For those who still appreciate the hands-on experience of driving a manual car, opportunities are becoming scarcer but have not entirely disappeared. Enthusiast-focused models and a limited selection of mainstream vehicles still offer the option of three pedals. Identifying these remaining choices often requires consulting specialized lists and monitoring market trends for manual transmission sales. Ultimately, the market for manual cars in countries like Britain is transforming from a widely accessible standard to a specialized preference, requiring dedicated planning from buyers. Efforts by manufacturers like BMW to maintain some manual performance models might define where this driving style continues to thrive for the longest period.