Photo: audi
When it comes to performance vehicles, it’s hard to build a business case for manual transmissions these days, with the only solid argument behind keeping them alive being the driver’s pleasure. Thus, more and more automakers are excluding manuals from their list of goodies and it seems that Audi is also planning such a move.
According to Audi enthusiast website Fortitude, the German company will discontinue manual transmissions on the facelifted S4 and S5 models, which are scheduled to go on sale next year.
However, this move is only scheduled for the European market, so the US will still get the six-speed manual. The aforementioned source contacted Barry Hoch, Audi of America product planning manager and asked him about the news.
“They (Europe) lose the manual. We keep the manual! 100% confirmed, although I don’t know what other markets also get to keep it. I don’t want to fear for my life when I leave the office. The manual transmission enthusiasts are… umm… passionate individuals. Save the Manuals!” the executive said.
Our say: the manual should stay as an option.
However, this move is only scheduled for the European market, so the US will still get the six-speed manual. The aforementioned source contacted Barry Hoch, Audi of America product planning manager and asked him about the news.
“They (Europe) lose the manual. We keep the manual! 100% confirmed, although I don’t know what other markets also get to keep it. I don’t want to fear for my life when I leave the office. The manual transmission enthusiasts are… umm… passionate individuals. Save the Manuals!” the executive said.
Our say: the manual should stay as an option.
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