Lamborghini has confirmed it will not develop a new model with a traditional manual gearbox, signaling a shift away from the clutch‑pedal era even as rivals experiment with hybrid‑friendly transmissions.
Company says manual is off the table
Chief marketing officer Federico Foschini told Road & Track that while a handful of buyers still cherish a stick‑shift experience, the brand “won’t pursue” a new manual offering. “There are a few customers that are still in love with this kind of stuff,” he said, before adding that Lamborghini will stick with its paddle‑shift automated system.
Foschini linked the decision to the broader push toward hybridisation and the need for an automatic gearbox that still lets drivers command shifts from the wheel. “That’s the way that I think we need to go,” he explained, citing the company’s motorsport heritage as a guide.
Last manual models and the industry context
The most recent Lamborghini with a manual transmission was the V10‑powered Gallardo LP 560‑2 50° Anniversario, released in 2013. Before that, the V12‑engine Murciélago offered a manual option until its production ended in 2010. Its successor, the Aventador, launched with a single‑clutch automated transmission as the sole choice.
By contrast, Porsche continues to offer a true six‑speed manual on the 911 GT3, positioning it as one of the few elite brands still supporting a conventional stick shift. Ferrari, meanwhile, announced a limited‑edition 12 Cilindri Manuale that keeps the standard eight‑speed dual‑clutch but adds an electronically‑actuated clutch pedal and gear lever, allowing drivers to simulate a manual feel, even risking a stall if mis‑operated.
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Koenigsegg’s CC850 provides a similar experience, overlaying a simulated manual interface on a nine‑speed automated transmission. Both systems give six forward gears or let the vehicle resume full automatic control.
The decision also affects Audi’s upcoming sports car, the R8 successor, which inherits its mechanical architecture from Lamborghini’s upcoming Temerario. Both the hybrid‑ready R8 models would likely receive a simulated manual rather than a true mechanical gearbox, given the constraints of electrified powertrains.
The first‑generation R8 was once available with a six‑speed manual, but the second generation moved straight to automated options, reflecting a broader industry trend.
Looking ahead, the market for manual transmissions appears to be narrowing, with only a few niche models preserving the traditional setup. Enthusiasts who favour a physical clutch may find fewer choices as manufacturers prioritize efficiency and electronic control.
While Lamborghini’s stance may disappoint some purists, the brand’s focus on paddle‑shift technology aligns with its performance goals and the evolving expectations of luxury‑sports‑car buyers.
