Published on June 4th, 2024 | by Sounder Rajen

Aston Martin Knows We Want Manual Transmissions, Will We Get Them Though?

Aston Martin knows enthusiasts are getting nostalgic as the EV push trudges forward

Aston Martin CEO Lawrence Stroll announced that the USD2 million (roughly RM9.4 million) limited-edition Valour received an overwhelmingly positive response, selling out its 110-car run swiftly and being 10 times oversubscribed.

Inspired by the one-off Victor, a tribute to Aston models of the 1970s and 1980s, the Valour features a 705-horsepower V-12 and a six-speed manual transmission. Stroll attributes much of its success to the manual transmission, reflecting a resurgence of interest among car enthusiasts.

Moreover, Stroll emphasised that despite the industry’s shift towards electrification, there’s a strong demand for traditional manual cars among enthusiasts. However, this doesn’t mean Aston Martin will produce manual cars in large numbers like Porsche. The company is considering the potential for stick shifts in limited-run specials, with Stroll noting that integrating a manual transmission in the Valour was straightforward.

While the automotive industry trends towards electrification, Aston Martin’s customers are embracing tradition. The company recently confirmed the return of the Vanquish, featuring a new V-12 with 824 horsepower, likely reviving the name after a six-year hiatus. This new engine will debut in the brand’s flagship model, set to launch soon.

Aston Martin, a low-volume manufacturer, is also less concerned about stringent European emissions regulations. Both the manual transmission and the V-12 engine might feature in future special models. Nonetheless, the company is committed to electrification, with the upcoming Valhalla hypercar being its first plug-in hybrid, scheduled for delivery by the end of the year.

On top of that, Aston Martin also plans to launch its first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in 2026, followed by three more electric models, including a hypercar. Stroll is aggressively revitalising the brand’s lineup. The new DB12 debuted last year, and this year has seen the launch of the new Vantage, DB12 Volante, and a DBX707 with an updated interior.

Future releases include the Valhalla, the new Vanquish and a Vantage roadster. Reflecting on Aston Martin’s progress, Stroll remarked on the significant achievements over the past four years, contrasting with the company’s previous pace of one new car every three to five years. Under his leadership, Aston Martin is on track to deliver 12 new cars within 12 months.