Porsche CEO Says the Mission S Platform Is Compatible with a Manual

Chris Bruce has worked in the automotive industry since 2011 and has written thousands of stories about cars, motorsports, and motorcycles in that time. He has written for Autoblog, Autoviva, CarFax, Edmunds, Hagerty, InsideEVs, Motor1, and New Roads. He has also hosted hundreds of podcast episodes. As hobbies, Bruce enjoys building plastic models of robots and cars. He also enjoys video games, particularly the 16-bit variety. His dog keeps him busy. We added more information about AC Motorsport's Francesco Calzavara and his prior involvement with Michelotto.

The C8 Corvette was a complete rethink, which naturally led to grumbling from people who don’t like change. One of the biggest sticking points with enthusiasts was the lack of a manual transmission. A clutch pedal and shift linkage would have been difficult to package in the mid-engine C8, and the performance and drivability benefits of the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission Chevrolet went with are undeniable. But with manuals making a comeback in limited-edition supercars, maybe there’s an opportunity to make something happen, at least on high-end versions of the Corvette? Tony Roma, executive chief engineer for the Corvette and performance cars at General Motors, explained on the latest episode of our show The Drivecast why manual-transmission diehards shouldn’t get their hopes up. Like so many other things in the auto industry, it’s mainly an issue of cost.

Joel was previously an editor at Autoblog for nearly a decade, covering cars from humble economy hatchbacks to high-end sports cars. He has extensive driving experience with plenty of track time, and even dabbles in motorcycling. Joel has shared his experiences in the car world not just in text, but also on podcasts and web videos.

It's all dashboard lights and touchscreen warnings these days For decades, the vast majority of cars had a very simple tool to help owners properly maintain their car. That tool was a dipstick, and it enabled a quick, objective look at whether or not an engine or transmission had enough fluid inside for safe operation. Today, many cars don't offer that same simple tool to their owners. Instead, they offer digital displays that are often hidden deep in touchscreen menus. That can feel like a real step backward for DIY drivers. There is, however, a reason behind the change.

A lot of British slang doesn't seem to make a lot of sense at face value, but there is always a reason for it. Terms like 'Chelsea tractor' or 'sleeping policeman' are examples that no Brit would blink an eye at, and alongside them sits the 'jam sandwich.' Among the many key differences between American and European police cars, or in this instance, specifically British ones, is that police vehicles from a very specific era in Britain picked up the nickname 'jam sandwiches.' The reason is simple.

Brett T. Evans has more than a decade of experience driving, writing about, and evaluating automobiles. His early career comprised writing about pre- and post-war classic cars, as well as late-model performance diesel trucks. These varied experiences allowed him the chance to gain expertise in every corner of the auto world. Today, he spends much of his time on modern car culture and mass-market news. The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible is getting some special attention from a most unlikely place. The Bow Tie's Japanese business arm will build a rare special edition of the V8-powered droptop, and although the changes are primarily cosmetic, hardcore Corvette fans may want to consider moving to Hokkaido or Kyoto to get their hands on one. Although oddly, the new V8 Tourer – as it's called – doesn't even get the American market's updated 6.7-liter small-block engine. This could be the first time that JDM "forbidden fruit" is less tasty than the American varietal.