Another Day, Another Model Loses The Manual Transmission...

I just don't see this Regal reversing the failure-level sales of the outgoing Regal. I also don't think the absence of a manual transmission will make any appreciable sales difference.

Manual transmissions are overrated

Especially in a Buick.

Let me add/subtract a bit to/from this sentiment:

Transmissions are overrated :)

I understand some folks' appreciation for a manual transmission, especially in a sporty car. I drove only stick for virtually all of my driving life[1].

It was argued that a manual transmission makes for a quicker car, shorter lap times, and better fuel economy, and that was true in days gone by. Today, even Ferrari and Lamborghini offer only sophisticated automatics because they're quicker, win more races, and result in better lap times. Go to the Porsche web site and you'll discover that the same car with an automatic transmission gets slightly better fuel economy than the manual counterpart. That's today's reality.

Still, some folks want a stick, just because that's what they like, and that's reason enough to get one. Just we aware that sadly, your frustration will continue to grow as fewer and fewer models are available with a stick, even as an option.

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[1] ALL my vehicles -- cars and motorcycles -- had manual transmissions. My previous car was a BMW 328 with a stick. I loved it! Two years ago, I got my first SUV, and it has a 7-speed auto. I love it for the more relaxed drive in crappy traffic, and for the super smooth shifts.

Like the footnote, could use more of them ;)

If you prefer smooth shifts how about no shifts, go with a CVT or with an all-electric?

@vidv A CVT??? Have you ever lived with one? They howl and drone. Horrible.

@TheSteve
I absolutely adore manuals even to the point of being ambidextrous about it. Because I have to deal with traffic on the 405 through LA at least once a week, give me an unobtrusive automatic in a cushy car (Continental). One of my guilty pleasures has been to occasionally fling a totally base Mustang V6 around a local track using the paddles. Granted, it's not the epitome of paddle boxes, but being able to keep the hands on the wheel and "toggle" up or down is better than having one hand off the wheel to change a gear. The automatic has so transcended its problems that it really is the better choice.

vdiv wrote “…If you prefer smooth shifts how about no shifts, go with a CVT or with an all-electric?...”

Because it’s not my sole or top priority. The vehicles that met most of my needs and preferences were not available with a CVT or in an EV version. Meanwhile, notable vehicles with a CVT or EV did not meet most of my needs.

Get over it already. Even the exotic cars have switched to dual clutch transmissions. I't bet you won't be able to find a car with a tube radio in it as well - and they produced warmer sound than solid state. My "55 buick had a starter switch on the floor near the emergency brake - gone too. What are you going to moan about next - the loss of Drum Brakes? Manual Steering? or maybe the two piece windshield. Frankly - I like my car with an electric Starter over cranking yourself -don't you?

Manual transmission is the cheapest anti-theft device . Also, everytime i look at automatic drivers in traffic they look bored and miserable

Not in Europe it's not, the other way around. People are allergic to slushboxes, prefer to work the stick up mountainous twisty roads or congested one-lane old towns.

Hey Tom, I guess DSLR cameras should be phased out because it's easier to take pictures with your mobile phone
Or why even have a kitchen when you can just buy a pre-made food and throw it in the microwave

@Istvan Given the fact DSLRs are in fact on the way out in favor of mirrorless designs, it follows that progress will march forward. That said, your response was completely illogical.

Wait. Buick offered manual transmissions?

Yes they did oddly enough.

MDarringer : Please take a picture with a DSLR and a picture with mobile phone. Tell me which one takes more superior pictures

Did I SAY mobile phone cameras were superior? NOPE! But given that you're an illogical moron, here goes an explanation...

To say that camera phones have obliterated the amateur camera market is not an exaggeration. Virtually no one buys amateur cameras these days because your camera phone is simply better hands down.

Have professional photographers used their camera phones professionally? Most decidedly so and there have been showings by working photographers who PURPOSEFULLY confined themselves to using their camera phones and the results are truly amazing.

Car spy photography depends on camera phone usage simply because the camera is of excellent quality and it is small and unobtrusive.

We've seen also ample proof of people with DSLRs shooting pictures that are no better than what could have been taken just as well with a camera phone.

It is also NOT an exaggeration that professionals are moving away from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras. Canon for example has mirrorless camera bodies that use their EOS lens system from the DSLRs. My next Canon will be mirrorless.

It does NOT take a rocket scientist to see that there will be a point of convergence where the camera phone impacts the professional camera market in much the same way that digital destroyed film.

So clue in!

old people drive bucks. old people dont like manuals . manuals for buicks dont make sense !

Old people drive Ferraris. Old people don't like manuals. Manuals for Ferraris don't make sense !