2026 looks like a good year for the manual transmission
There’s no debating it. Modern automatics and dual-clutch gearboxes are faster and more efficient than any smooth-shifting manual transmission on the market. But that’s not why enthusiasts continue to buy three-pedal cars. And if you’re one of those fans, or simply manual-curious, 2026 is shaping up to be a year for new cars that refuse to give up the gear shift.
Between the Nissan Z NISMO and the BMW Z4, 2026 might be a good year for the manual transmission
I drove the Nissan Z NISMO last year. It certainly looked the part and never failed to draw a crowd at various get-togethers around town. But it was missing something.
For starters, the Nissan Z NISMO doesn’t have the daily driver manners of a lesser Z; it’s devoid of rear seats and behaves as harshly as a short-fused friend when navigating over bumpy or otherwise imperfect roads. I forgave it. After all, the Nissan Z NISMO is a track-goer more so than a daily companion. You know, if it quacks and whatnot.
Trouble is, you couldn’t have the taut, eye-catching retro performance car with a manual transmission. That changes now. The Nissan Z NISMO returns for 2026, this time with a six-speed manual option. Don’t believe me? That’s straight from the mouth of Nissan America boss, Christian Meunier.
But let’s say the Z NISMO isn’t your style. Perhaps you’d rather a posher roadster with a six-speed in the middle and a BMW badge? Fortunately, for the third consecutive year, the G29 Z4 returns with an optional manual transmission.
Unfortunately, you have to pay to play with the Z4’s third pedal. Opting for the Handschalter package on the G29 will tack an extra $3,500 onto your purchase. They say you can’t put a price on happiness. BMW sure tried.
It’s not just those two
The Z NISMO might be joining the rowing club for the first time, but that doesn’t mean it and the BMW Z4 are the only ones. The Porsche 911, Ford Mustang, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, BMW M2, Toyota GR Supra, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GR86, and Mazda MX-5 return for 2026, to name a few.
Better yet, they all offer optional six-speed manual transmissions. There’s also the Honda Civic Type R, one of the few remaining new cars on the market to be offered as a manual-only affair.
