Good analogies. As a guitarist, I'll add another: I tend to see the manual gearbox in a similar light to a tube-powered guitar amplifier.

$250 for 2 BMW valve caps, I can totally see that.

My rule is, if your lap times pay the bills, use the best technology available in your transmission. If not (the vast majority of us), get a manual transmission and enjoy the ride.

The Mini dealer around me at least tries to look different on the outside (It is actually a really cool looking building)

From this:

The pre-facelift A8 is a far handsomer car. It looks longer and wider, not just like a bigger A6.

Depends on what Matt Farah weighed in 1994.

No visible Plastidip. Can't be an SRT-4.

Whoah!

Cheap, low maintenance, and reliable. Also, 8 shell tube.

I disagree. Maximum performance in a road car is irrelevant. Performance cars are about fun, and a manual is more fun and engaging. Leaving a few tenths of a second on the table is an acceptable trade off.

Wanting something that we used to be able to have is hardly elitism. All we are asking for is the option, while you seem content to force us to do without due to a perceived advantage. You are the elitist in this scenario.

Some of us just really enjoy having a manual.

Awww... did someone hurt your feelings, Mr. cant-work-a-clutch-to-save-my-life.

This one time a deer took the bus

I don't think I've ever seen a GPB reference on Gawker/Jalop.

You provide an important service, Mr. Harris. Without the haters, these executives would have no motivators.