We’ve known for some time that market share for manual transmissions in new car sales has been steadily declining, but where things stand now are even more dire than we realized. Based on our research, there are just 24 distinct vehicle models that offer a stick shift in the U.S. in 2026.
These cars account for less than one percent of all new cars sold in the U.S. To illustrate how steep the decline has been, manuals accounted for 35 percent of sales in 1980. In Europe, manuals accounted for between 80 and 90 percent of the new car market well into the 2000s. They now account for between 32 and 34 percent. The decline is generally attributed to consumer preferences shifting away from manuals and towards automatics over the past few decades. Consumers have largely quit buying cars with manuals, so automakers have gradually built fewer of them.
So, when McLaren and Porsche recently confirmed they were adding a manual option to one of their models, we thought it was worth noting given the downward trend.
Now, context is important here, as these are expensive, niche cars that represent relatively small sales volume. The McLaren McL 6GT, which made its debut as a concept in Monterey last week, won’t go on sale until 2028 and will be capped at 500 units. And it will be quite expensive. McLaren said the starting MSRP should be around $1.5 million USD.
The other is the Porsche 911 Carrera S, which starts north of $160K. Less than the McLaren, sure, but a bit still pricey. That said, Carrera S is the best-selling 911 worldwide with about 31 percent of sales, and 35 percent in North America. For context the 911 ranks third behind Porsches two SUVs, Cayenne and Macan.
It’s important to note also that six other 911s are available with manual transmissions, including variants for Carrera T and GT3. Porsche was initially going to offer the facelifted 2027 Carrera S with a PDK-automatic only but added the manual option after high customer demand in North America caused it to reconsider. As a result, Carrera S units bound for the U.S. and Canada will be available with a MT Package. This option is exclusive to North America and won’t be available in other markets, including Europe.
McLaren’s decision to equip the McL 6GT with a manual is especially interesting given that it hasn’t been making cars with three-pedal setups. In fact, every car the British automaker has produced since its modern era began in 2011 has been equipped with an automatic or dual-clutch transmission. The last McLaren with a manual gearbox was the F1, which had just 106 units built between 1992 and 1998.
McLaren says the McL 6GT gets a manual because the company wanted the car to deliver an old-school, analog feel. “The McL 6GT blends its purity of character with lightweight carbon-fibre construction, V8 internal combustion power, and for the first time in a McLaren since the McLaren F1, an authentic manual transmission sending drive to the rear wheels, creating a level of involvement that is increasingly rare,” according to an announce statement.
While the return of manuals to two traditional sports car manufacturers is welcome news, the decline of manual gearbox availability continues. The reality that most consumers prefer an automatic or dual-clutch transmissions – even in sports cars – remains unchanged. In other words, it’s on us. If we don’t buy these cars, automakers will stop building them. Best thing enthusiasts can do is vote with their wallets. We hope they do.
Photos courtesy of McLaren and Porsche
