The C8 Corvette broke tradition by dropping the manual transmission option, which the brand had included for 67 years. However, Chevy does not rule out bringing it back. Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma stated on The Drivecast podcast that the choice was based on financial constraints and shifting customer tastes.
The C8’s mid-engine design required a new transmission, and with manual transmissions becoming less popular, Chevrolet couldn’t justify the expense. Roma noted that the previous manual transmission, used from the C5 to the C7, had been refined over 30 years and was cost-effective to maintain. He emphasized that the architecture was “mostly paid for,” with only minor upgrades needed over the years, making it affordable to keep in production.
The shift away from manuals isn’t unique to Corvette. Industry trends show a decline in manual transmission options, with only about 25 affordable models available in 2026. Many start under $40,000, which isn’t cheap, but it is attainable. The Mazda MX-5 Miata, starting at just over $31,000, is one of the cheapest manual options, with 70% of buyers choosing this gearbox.
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Some automakers are exploring innovative solutions, blending automatic and manual functionalities. Koenigsegg and Ferrari have developed systems that offer both automatic and manual shifting within the same gearbox. Ferrari’s new 12Cilindri Manuale, for instance, allows drivers to shift through the first six gears of its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Even Porsche has patented a simulated manual gearbox based on a dual-clutch automatic transmission, showcasing the industry’s efforts to preserve the manual driving experience.
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