Despite the continuing outcry from enthusiasts, manual transmissions have all but disappeared from mainstream passenger vehicles. That said, there are two GM vehicles out there that still offer a three-pedaled setup for the U.S. and Canadian market, namely the Chevrolet Camaro, and the Chevrolet Spark.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a pretty obvious choice when it comes to a GM vehicle that should offer a traditional manual transmission. After all, for some drivers, slamming through the gears is a critical element to the driving experience in a high-powered muscle car, and with the new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette going auto-only due to development and packaging constraints, the Camaro is the GM vehicle that needs to hold the line for diehard fans of the clutch pedal.
As such, the Chevrolet Camaro is offered with the six-speed MN6 manual transmission. The exact transmission used depends on the trim level selected, with the LS, 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT equipped with the TR3160, while the LT1, SS, and ZL1 are equipped with the more-robust TR6060 plus Active Rev Matching. Both the TR3160 and the TR6060 are supplied by Tremec.
To note, the Camaro is also offered with the 10-speed automatic MX6.
While it certainly makes perfect sense to throw a manual transmission into a sports car, it also makes sense to offer one in an entry-level GM vehicle like the Chevrolet Spark. As such, the Spark is offered with the five-speed MR7 manual transmission as standard, while the MR8 continuously variable transmission (CVT) is available. The standard manual transmission is less expensive than the CVT, making the Spark that much more affordable.
Note that information listed here, including that for the Camaro and the Spark, applies to 2016 through 2021 model year vehicles.
The upcoming Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
While the Camaro and Spark are currently the only GM vehicles to offer manual transmissions in the U.S. and Canada, that will change with the introduction of two new high-performance Cadillac sedans, namely the upcoming Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing, both of which will offer big power and a row-your-own driving experience.
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Comments
It’s a bummer the Sonic or Cruze is no longer offered in a 6MT. The B/C segments, along with the sports cars, are one of the few remaining strong holds for the stick shift.
Although they don’t account for a ton of sales, manuals are still a staple for pretty much all the Japanese manufacturers, Honda, Toyota, and Mazda all offer great manual transmissions. Even VW still offers a competitive B/C segment stick with the GLI and GTI.
On the bright side, I did look at a new trailblazer today and it is a very well assembled vehicle. It also appears that the engine bay definitely has plenty of room for a 2.0t. So, there’s still hope for a 2.0t hothatch on the VSS-F platform.
I don’t disagree with support for manuals. It’s just weird that Japanese people would buy the most engaging transmission in an engagement handicapped vehicle layout, unless it’s an economic choice. I think a Chevy hot-hatch would be a miss.
Yeah, Chevy should make some more luke-warm CUVs, or maybe a new sports car that people can’t afford. Cutting hatchbacks from the lineup has worked so well for Ford lately, right? 🙄
I’m not supporting manuals, in fact my next car will probably be an automatic, I’m just saying lots of car manufacturers still offer it.
I don’t really know what your trying to say about Japanese people and handicapped cars, that sentence doesn’t actually make any sense.
It’s simple. Sticks for fun driving. Fwd for luke-warm fun. Ford’s hatchbacks were ultimately forgettable.
I’m saying maybe many Japanese people buy low-spec/price manual fwd, that or they don’t realize fwd sucks.
Manuals are on Endangered Species List. When manual goes away as a Camaro option, Camaro will be gone a couple years later.
The Asian companies can offer manuals as they still sell well in the far east and the emission laws are not as harsh. If they only sold them here you would see them vanishing in their models too.
As for the Manual in the Camaro. They both will vanish at the same time is my sad feeling.
I Will be shocked if the Camaro as we know it is here in 2025. The lack of any future news is disturbing.
We just need a 9mt to get those fuel economy numbers up. No big deal 😆
Fuel economy is not the top issue.
#1 is sales. No one is buying and most people today can’t drive one or wants to drive one. It gets in the way of texting……..
#2 emissions are tough to meet.
#3 Development cost to sell 6% Or less of the models is not worth the cost..
GM does not hate manuals. Even with tough emissions they would find a way to sell them if there was money there.
When you see most of the high dollar great super cars Even with out a manual it is telling.
It is just simple business of Demand vs cost.
Best thing to do is if you have a manual Is to teach a kid to drive it.
Owned a 1999 Contour SVT, 2013 Cruze LS, 2005 GTO, and a 2006 GTO. All manuals. All were a lot of fun to drive, even the n/a 1.8.
Regret I missed out on the SS during 2017.
With two kids my only manual choices these days are non-GM. Jetta GLI or Accord Sport.
I don’t know if links work here, but I saw this sticker on a car’s back window at a parking lot, LOL!
https://img.ifunny.co/images/dadf1a7f01af34ed666634f76f897b76af6ac2eb7ae4f753f3a0f5868f2a5a84_1.jpg
Just sad! Our choices are dwindling each year with 50 shades of grey boring CUV’s and loads of over priced trucks. You now have to look at the foreign competition to see a blasted car or a hot hatch with a stick!
The Camaro is an obvious choice but the Corvette isn’t?
There should be a transmission option for the Escalade. It doesn’t seem practical to have a vehicle that can go off the road without a real gear shifter. The Escalade is a truck that should shift like a Sierra or have. Manual transmission like the old days! Other automakers offer these options.