Technology

The Fall of the Manual: Two Engine Configurations You Can No Longer Shift Yourself

2025-05-18

Author: Wei

Is the Manual Transmission Extinct?

Manual transmissions are disappearing from new vehicles like a rare breed edging towards extinction. Particularly in the realm of sports cars, the do-it-yourself gear shifter is becoming increasingly hard to find. In fact, there are standout engines that once thrived with manuals, only to face a somber fate when paired with automatic gearboxes.

The Turbocharged Five-Cylinder: A Vanishing Act

Meet the quirky inline five-cylinder engine, a configuration that’s been around since the late 1930s, yet is becoming increasingly rare. These engines, famously debuting with the Mercedes-Benz OM617 diesel, are known for their smooth operation and distinct sound. But alas, modern advancements have rendered the manual transmission obsolete for this engine type.

Where Did They Go?

Currently, the turbocharged five-cylinder engine lives on in vehicles like the Audi RS3, but you won’t find a manual gearbox offered anymore. The beloved first-generation Audi TT RS did come with a six-speed manual, making it a gem on the second-hand market. Similarly, the Ford Focus ST once wowed car enthusiasts with its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual—until it was replaced by a more common four-cylinder configuration.

The Twin-Turbo V8: Power Without Control?

While the V8 engine is far from obsolete, its racing heart isn't available with a manual transmission as often as you’d think. The twin-turbo V8 reigns supreme in the performance world, but many models, like the Chevrolet Corvette C8 ZR1, rely on automated systems. The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing still honors the manual, but for turbocharged V8s, the options have thinned out—essentially leaving us with the Mustang GT.

Notable Manual V8s—A Glorious Past

Just a few months ago, the world caught a glimpse of what it’s like to pair a twin-turbo V8 with a manual transmission when Hennessey unveiled the Venom F5-M Roadster, boasting a staggering 1,817 bhp. Meanwhile, the legendary Koenigsegg CC850 showcased a groundbreaking transmission that swings between a nine-speed automatic and a manual mode—albeit with a unique twist.

Remembering the Manual Transmission’s Rise

The manual transmission has always been a must for driving purists. Its journey began with early innovations in the 1900s and flourished with models like the Porsche 356. Yet, in an era dominated by automatic and dual-clutch systems, it’s appealing to simply sit back in traffic and let the car do the work.

Engine Configurations We’ve Lost Along the Way

Several promising engine configurations that were once paired with manual gearboxes now exist only in memory. The naturally aspirated V10 found in the Audi R8 and the supercharged four-cylinder in the original Mini John Cooper Works GP are just two examples. Even the revered naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engines have largely vanished, replaced by more efficient turbocharged options.

As we witness the slow fade of the manual transmission, it leaves a nostalgic crack in the fabric of automotive history. The thrill of shifting gears by hand may skirt into the past, but the thrill of performance remains, albeit in an evolving form.