Visitors to the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show will see supercars, hoverboards, self-propelling luggage and all manner of new transportation options.
But they'll be hard pressed to find a clutch pedal or a stick shift. Available in nearly half of new models in the U.S. a decade ago, the manual transmission is going the way of the rumble seat, with stick availability falling to about a quarter this year.
Once standard equipment on all motor vehicles, preferred for its dependability, fuel efficiency and sporty characteristics, the four-on-the-floor is disappearing from major car manufacturers' lineups — and subsequently from the sprawling auto show's floors.
Consider, too, that electric vehicles don't even have a transmission.
(Score: 2) by bob_super on Friday November 18 2016, @08:41PM
I tried when I finally got rid of the original tires (don't expect to need new ones for a while). Even figured out the right tires to not have to buy new rims.
The problem is that legitimate shops in California all told me that they are not supposed to put tires over 3% bigger than stock, and actually did the math to be sure. I would guess it's for tachometer calibration reasons. So I still have tiny 14" ones and just try to ignore the engine noise.