Vantage Coupe

Segment
Coupe

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer has gone on record talking about his love for manual transmissions. He literally told Car and Driver, "I've already gone on the record saying I want to be the last manufacturer in the world to offer a manual sports car." According to The Truth About Cars (TTAC) Palmer went one step further during a press conference at the Canadian International Auto Show, declaring that Aston Martin will always offer at least one model with a manual transmission. Here's hoping Palmer never loses or leaves his job.

The new DB11 is not available with a manual. The only transmission option is an eight-speed automatic that can be manually shifted via flappy paddles. But, glass half full, the 2017 V12 Vantage S (seen here) now offers a dogleg seven-speed manual at no extra charge. In today's world selling a manual V12 takes some stones. Those who want a slightly more fuel-efficient engine (ha!) will be happy to know that the next-gen V8 Vantage will also get a stick. Aston Martin still has a long way to go when it comes to achieving sales success, which we all know will come on the back of an eventual SUV. The good news is that the English company won't sell its soul-or sell out its devoted enthusiast fans-in the quest for cash.