Why Aston Martin's Commitment to Manual Transmissions Is a Game Changer
May 31, 2024 marked a pivotal moment for Aston Martin enthusiasts around the globe. During a recent media roundtable, Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll shed light on the overwhelming success of the limited-edition Valour supercar. Inspired by the company's illustrious models from the 1970s and 1980s, the Valour—featuring a formidable 705-horsepower V-12 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission—was sold out almost instantaneously. The resounding reception was so impactful that Stroll revealed the production run was ten times oversubscribed.
Stroll made a compelling observation: while the automotive industry appears steadfast on an electric future, a significant contingent of car enthusiasts, often referred to as petrolheads, are actively seeking out the nostalgic charm of manual transmissions.