Despite the rise of EVs, the manual gearbox endures in high-end sports cars like the Aston Martin Valour and Porsche 911 S/T, offering enthusiasts a pure driving experience.
Battle of the Manuals: Aston Martin Valour vs. Porsche 911 S/T
As electric vehicles and stringent emissions regulations make manual gearboxes increasingly rare, a surprising resurgence is taking place in the world of high-performance cars. For instance, the £2.8 million GMA T.50 is exclusively offered with a manual gearbox, and the £2.2 million Pagani Utopia allows buyers to choose between two or three pedals, with most opting for the manual option. Even Toyota is exploring manual transmissions for electric vehicles.
Amid this backdrop, two standout examples from the higher end of the market have emerged: the £1 million Aston Martin Valour and the £231,000 Porsche 911 S/T.
The Aston Martin Valour introduces a manual gearbox to its twin-turbo 5.2-liter V12 engine for the first time, encased in retro-inspired carbon fiber bodywork. Limited to just 110 units, each priced at over £1 million, the Valour is a celebration of mechanical purity.
On the other hand, the Porsche 911 S/T can be seen as either a 911 GT3 RS equipped with a manual gearbox but minus the wing or as a GT3 Touring with an extra dose of performance. Either way, it pairs a high-revving engine that reaches 9,000rpm with a manual transmission and a lightweight clutch, offering a thrilling driving experience.
Clearly, the manual gearbox isn’t dead yet. To celebrate, we took both the Aston Martin Valour and Porsche 911 S/T to some scenic roads, accompanied by editor-in-chief Jack Rix and deputy editor Ollie Kew, for a true enthusiast’s comparison.
