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The Enduring Appeal: New Manual Transmission Cars Available in the U.S.

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In an automotive landscape increasingly dominated by automatic transmissions, the tactile pleasure of a manual gearbox is becoming a rarity. Yet, for those who cherish the direct engagement of a stick shift, the American market still presents a surprising array of new vehicles. This report delves into a curated selection of these models, from high-performance sports coupes to everyday hatchbacks, all offering the unique joy of a manual transmission for the dedicated driving enthusiast.

The Continuing Legacy of the Manual Gearbox in Modern Automobiles

In the vibrant tapestry of today's automotive market, the manual transmission, a symbol of direct driver engagement, persists in various forms across the United States. Despite the industry's general shift towards automatic options, a dedicated cohort of car manufacturers continues to champion the stick shift, offering exhilarating driving experiences for enthusiasts.

Among the notable entries is the **Acura Integra**, available in two manual variants. The standard model features a 200-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the more potent Integra Type S exclusively offers a manual gearbox paired with a 320-horsepower turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder, showcasing Acura's commitment to performance driving.

German engineering prowess shines through with **BMW**, a brand that steadfastly retains manual options in its performance lineup. The **BMW M2**, a compact sports coupe, allows drivers to engage with a manual transmission, though the range-topping 523-hp M2 CS is automatic-only. Similarly, the iconic **BMW M3** sedan and its coupe counterpart, the **BMW M4**, maintain their manual transmission heritage in their 473-horsepower guises, offering a six-speed manual for a purist driving feel. The **BMW Z4** also re-introduced a manual option for its 2024 M40i model, featuring a 382-horsepower six-cylinder engine, catering to convertible enthusiasts.

American muscle and luxury are represented by **Cadillac**. Both the **CT4-V Blackwing** and the larger **CT5-V Blackwing** sedans come with an available six-speed manual gearbox. The CT4-V Blackwing boasts a 472-horsepower engine and a starting price just over $65,000, while its sibling, the CT5-V Blackwing, pairs a monstrous 668-horsepower supercharged V-8 with the manual, both models being celebrated for their performance and value.

**Ford's Mustang**, a quintessential American sports car, continues its legacy with a manual transmission, exclusively offered with its powerful V-8 engine. This allows enthusiasts to enjoy the raw power of the Mustang, whether in coupe or convertible form, with full manual control.

For those seeking agile performance in a more compact package, **Honda** provides manual options in its acclaimed **Civic** lineup. The sporty Civic Si sedan features a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, while the high-performance Civic Type R hatchback also offers a stick shift, both earning critical acclaim and awards for their engaging dynamics.

**Hyundai** enters the fray with the **Elantra N**, a feisty four-door sedan priced at $36,345. It comes standard with a manual transmission, coupled with a 276-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a spirited and exciting ride.

The exotic **Lotus Emira**, a mid-engine sports car, presents a manual option in its V-6 variant, which is powered by a 400-horsepower supercharged engine. This choice caters to drivers who desire a more involved experience with their high-performance machine.

**Mazda**, known for its driver-centric philosophy, offers manual transmissions in two beloved models. The **Mazda 3 hatchback** (Premium trim) is available with a six-speed manual paired with a 186-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. The iconic **Mazda MX-5 Miata**, a lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car, consistently offers a manual gearbox across both its soft-top and RF (retractable fastback) versions, upholding its tradition of pure driving pleasure.

**Nissan's Z**, a retro-styled sports car, features a six-speed manual in most trims, excluding the top-tier NISMO (though this is set to change in 2027). All manual Z models come with a 400-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, with the NISMO version bumping up to 420 horsepower.

**Porsche**, a beacon of sports car engineering, continues to offer a manual gearbox in its revered **911**. While limited to specific trims like the 388-horsepower 911 Carrera T and the 502-horsepower 911 GT3, this option is available for both coupe and convertible enthusiasts, ensuring the traditional Porsche driving experience lives on.

Finally, **Subaru** provides manual choices in its performance-oriented models. The **BRZ**, a rear-drive sports coupe, continues its tradition with a six-speed manual, matched with a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter flat-four. The **WRX** sedan, known for its rally heritage, also offers a six-speed manual across most trims (excluding the GT), delivering 271 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four, making it a compelling value in the sports sedan segment.

Additionally, the **Toyota GR86**, a mechanical twin to the Subaru BRZ, comes standard with a six-speed stick. The **Toyota GR Corolla**, a high-performance hot hatch, also retains a three-pedal option, delivering 300 horsepower. Even the powerful **Toyota GR Supra**, in its inline-six turbocharged 382-horsepower variant, offers an available six-speed manual transmission, providing a final hurrah before its eventual retirement.

These vehicles represent a valiant effort by automakers to preserve the engaging art of manual driving amidst an evolving industry. For those who seek the thrill and control of a stick shift, these options provide a rich and satisfying connection to the road, ensuring the manual gearbox continues to be a cherished choice for discerning drivers.

The continued availability of manual transmission vehicles serves as a powerful reminder of the diversity and passion within the automotive world. In an era where technological advancements often prioritize convenience and automation, these cars stand as a testament to the enduring appeal of driver involvement. They inspire us to consider what truly defines the joy of driving and underscore the importance of choice for consumers. For enthusiasts, this persistence offers hope that the visceral connection between driver and machine, facilitated by the manual gearbox, will not be entirely lost to history, but rather, continue to evolve and adapt within niche markets.

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Pagani Huayra 70 Trionfo: A Tribute to Horacio's Legacy

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This article explores the Pagani Huayra 70 Trionfo, a limited-production hypercar commemorating Horacio Pagani's 70th anniversary. It highlights the vehicle's extensive redesign, enhanced performance, and the brand's unique approach to revisiting iconic models.

Experience Automotive Excellence: The Huayra 70 Trionfo Unleashed

A Legacy Reimagined: Celebrating Horacio Pagani's Milestone with the 70 Trionfo

Pagani continues its tradition of marking significant milestones with extraordinary vehicles, introducing the Huayra 70 Trionfo to honor Horacio Pagani's 70th birthday. Following the Zonda HP Barchetta's dedication to his 60th, this new model underscores the brand's commitment to bespoke craftsmanship and ultimate performance.

Revolutionary Transformation: A Bold New Look for a Venerable Model

The Huayra 70 Trionfo is not merely an iteration but a comprehensive reinterpretation of the classic Huayra. With only the doors and window frames carried over from the original, every other panel on the bodywork is newly crafted. This includes distinctive dual-point headlights, echoing design cues from the exclusive Codalunga, showcasing a dramatic evolution in aesthetic and aerodynamic design.

Exclusivity and Power: Limited Production with Enhanced Performance

Production of the Huayra 70 Trionfo is strictly limited to just three examples, embodying unparalleled exclusivity. While details remain scarce on whether these are new builds or extensive modifications of existing chassis, this approach highlights Pagani's strategy of maintaining a strong connection with its past models. The Unico, a Zonda variant launched 26 years after the original, exemplifies this enduring legacy.

Unleashing Raw Power: An Elevated Driving Experience

Drawing inspiration from the Huayra Roadster BC, the 70 Trionfo elevates performance to new heights. Its Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine now delivers an astounding 834 horsepower, a significant increase from the Roadster BC's 791 hp. Crucially, this power is harnessed through a seven-speed manual transmission, a choice that enthusiasts will deeply appreciate, offering a purer, more engaging driving experience reminiscent of the 2024 Epitome and other bespoke Huayra models.

The Emblem of Victory: The Singular "Trionfo" Model

Among the three exclusive 70-spec Huayras, this particular model stands alone as the "Trionfo," signifying "triumph" in Italian. While the specifics of the other two vehicles are yet to be revealed, the Trionfo itself is a testament to Pagani's relentless pursuit of perfection and innovation, continually pushing the boundaries of hypercar design and engineering.

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Gorden Wagener's Legacy: A Retrospective of Mercedes-Benz Design Hits

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Gorden Wagener, a pivotal figure in Mercedes-Benz design for nearly three decades, including two decades as its design chief, is stepping down at the end of January. In a candid conversation with Car and Driver, Wagener looked back at his remarkable career, from his humble beginnings at Mercedes in 1997 to shaping the brand's iconic aesthetic. His leadership witnessed Mercedes-Benz's dynamic expansion across diverse automotive segments, including the luxury SUV and electric vehicle markets, as well as innovative concept cars and high-profile collaborations. This interview sheds light on his most cherished projects and the design choices that defined an era for the esteemed German marque.

Mercedes-Benz Design Chief Gorden Wagener Bids Farewell: A Look Back at Iconic Creations

In a significant shift for the automotive design world, Gorden Wagener, who commenced his journey with Mercedes-Benz in 1997, is retiring as Chief Design Officer on January 31st. Wagener’s career is marked by his profound influence on the luxury brand's evolving identity. Upon joining Mercedes, he swiftly climbed the ranks, succeeding legendary designer Bruno Sacco, whose work he admired and collaborated with for a brief but impactful period. Wagener's vision extended the Mercedes-Benz aesthetic across a vast portfolio, including an extensive range of SUVs, the nascent electric vehicle sector, the revival of the Maybach sub-brand, and the integration of AMG. His tenure is also distinguished by an array of captivating concept vehicles, including the striking Vision Iconic concept, as well as ventures into marine craft and architectural projects, alongside partnerships with renowned fashion houses, artists, and film franchises.

Reflecting on his prolific career, Wagener highlighted several designs as personal favorites. The 2003–2010 Mercedes SLR McLaren stands out, a collaborative effort with McLaren that began as a concept for the 1999 Detroit Auto Show. He expressed pride that such a high-profile project was entrusted to him as a relative newcomer, emphasizing the company's commitment to nurturing young talent. Wagener noted the SLR McLaren's timeless appeal, despite its exaggerated, F1-inspired proportions, which pay homage to Mercedes' historic Silver Arrow racers.

Another significant achievement for Wagener was the 2014–2020 S-Class Coupe/Cabriolet (C217). He considers the S-Class the pinnacle of Mercedes design, having contributed to four generations of the model. This particular iteration, he explains, was driven by an emotional design approach. Departing from the C215’s less athletic proportions, Wagener’s team took the initiative to redefine the new model’s parameters from within the design department, leading to a lower roofline, enhanced rear aesthetics, and a wider track. This bold move, which involved presenting a coupe concept even before production, resulted in a car that remains a classic, particularly with its Maybach variant.

The 2010–2015 SLS AMG (C/R197) also holds a special place. Wagener points to its extreme proportions and the distinctive gullwing doors as key elements. Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1950s Gullwing and the 1930s 540K Autobahn Kurier, the SLS AMG sought to encapsulate Mercedes' rich heritage while infusing it with modern dynamism. He stressed that the goal was never to create retro designs but to extract the essence and DNA of past icons and weave them into contemporary vehicles.

The 2016 Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Concept, conceived in California, represented an opportunity for unrestrained creativity. This six-meter-long, two-seater vehicle, initially met with surprise from the board, quickly became a beloved concept, generating immense public interest for a production model that never materialized. Its timeless design, reminiscent of the G-Class, continues to resonate.

Wagener also touched upon the redesign of the 2019–2024 Mercedes G-Class (W463). Faced with the challenge of updating a nearly 40-year-old icon, his team chose to preserve the original G-Class character while refining its proportions and overhauling the interior. Despite initial skepticism from CEO Dieter Zetsche, the subtle yet impactful redesign modernized the vehicle while maintaining its recognizable silhouette, incorporating a digital screen within the iconic short instrument panel.

Finally, Wagener addressed the 2021–Present Mercedes EQS Sedan (V297), acknowledging its controversial reception. He clarified that the initial electric vehicle designs aimed for a distinct, futuristic aesthetic, prioritizing aerodynamics to differentiate them from combustion-engine cars. While he defends this progressive approach, he admits that the market’s preferences are evolving. Mercedes-Benz is now moving towards unifying its design language, regardless of powertrain, emphasizing brand identity over fuel type. This reflects a broader understanding that the core appeal of a Mercedes lies in its inherent status and proportions, a principle that will guide future designs.

Gorden Wagener's journey at Mercedes-Benz offers a compelling illustration of design leadership in a rapidly evolving industry. His willingness to embrace bold concepts, honor heritage without resorting to imitation, and adapt to shifting technological landscapes speaks volumes about the art of balancing innovation with tradition. The diverse array of vehicles under his creative direction underscores the profound impact a visionary designer can have on a global brand's identity and its enduring legacy.

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