Manual Transmission Car of the Year

[Squint]

I like Rope's idea of a retroactive award. That opens up the following possibility -

MY2013 nominations so far
2013 Chevy Sonic 1.4T, for manual-only debut
2013 Dodge Dart, for manual-only debut
2013 Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, for offering manual transmission in a critically-acclaimed debut

Retroactive MY2012 nomination
2012 Porsche 911, for 7-speed innovation

This approach would recognize two winners in 2013.

AWARD CRITERIA, revised based on AHTOXA's input: Passenger vehicle that has made a significant contribution to the promotion of manual transmission during the model year.

TERRITORY: To keep things manageable, I suppose we should limit nominations to U.S.-market vehicles given the predominant U.S. bias of our membership base. However, foreign-based members would be welcome to cast a vote.

I would propose that future model-year vehicles like the 2014 Corvette be nominated in said future year.

Any comments, suggestions? Once we have a final list, I'll create a poll to vote on the candidates. After initial voting, we can either give the award to the highest vote-getter or hold a run-off if no nominee receives a simple majority.

I would also mention that the BRZ/FRS has an extrememly high manual take rate, even though it is offered with an auto. I think we only had one or two show up the whole time since it came out to when I left the dealership.

[Saabstory02]

I would agree on the Golf R; it is a similar enthusiast car as the BRZ/FR-S is and is offered in manual only for the US market.

VW did this in accord with enthusiast input; as they brought the previous model in DSG only.

So I second the nomination for the Golf R for 2013



As for the Toyobaru; it is overwhelmingly purchased in manual trim because it is crazy low on power. With the autobox it is sleep-inducing

[ClutchDisc]

My vote goes to the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ.

[Boston Fit]

I think we've had two more nominations, so here's an updated list. Might as well accept nominations for a few more days, with voting to open next week via poll.

Model Year 2013 nominations to date
Chevy Sonic 1.4T, for manual-only debut
Dodge Dart, for manual-only debut
Porsche Cayman, for making potownrob drool
Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, for offering manual transmission in a critically-acclaimed debut
Volkswagen Golf R, for offering manual-only transmission over DSG

Retroactive Model Year 2012 nomination
Porsche 911, for 7-speed innovation

[potownrob]

[Squint]

Are the Fiesta and Focus ST from MY 2013 or 2014? My dad told me yesterday that apparently the Fiesta/Focus STs are coming with a free driving lesson. Here's a Motor Trend link I found on it, though my dad said there was more than one location for the lesson when he saw an article - perhaps they changed it.

Success on a race track isn't the only way to build a reputation for a performance-oriented subbrand like Ford's ST. The automaker has just announced that all owners of 2014 Fiesta ST or 2013-2014 Focus ST hot hatches are eligible for a complimentary ST Octane Academy driving school program.

I bring it up because I believe they are only offered with a stick as well.

[tankinbeans]

Focus ST is 2013. Fiesta ST is 2014.

[AHTOXA]

I think we've had two more nominations, so here's an updated list. Might as well accept nominations for a few more days, with voting to open next week via poll.

Model Year 2013 nominations to date
Chevy Sonic 1.4T, for manual-only debut
Dodge Dart, for manual-only debut
Porsche Cayman, for making potownrob drool
Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S, for offering manual transmission in a critically-acclaimed debut
Volkswagen Golf R, for offering manual-only transmission over DSG

Retroactive Model Year 2012 nomination
Porsche 911, for 7-speed innovation

Sonic came out as a 2012 model year.

[Boston Fit]

Certainly a 2013 debut makes a nomination that much more compelling, but I think it's OK to allow model-year 2013 cars that debuted in some other year. Otherwise the pool of candidates would be too small.

[Rope-Pusher]

.....Otherwise the pool of candidates would be too small.

[Boston Fit]

Voting is underway. See update to original post.

[ClutchDisc]

I voted for Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S. Not only is this car helping the manual transmission have a comeback, but it's also giving RWD a comeback too.

[tankinbeans]

I had to pick the Focus ST. Even though I wouldn't own one, too difficult for me to drive (I know most people would find it easier than me; the Fiesta ST is apparently easier to deal with), I think it has interesting things that might trickle down into standard Focuses. I think the Focus hatch shares some bits.

I wouldn't have felt right voting for something I don't have a little personal experience with.

[AHTOXA]

Picked the Golf R, mostly because VW listed to the enthusiasts and brought back the manual in the R after the previous gen DSG-only.

[potownrob]

Cayman FTW!!