In Wheel Time - Cartalk Radio

The humble manual transmission is quietly disappearing from American roads, and most drivers haven't even noticed. Nissan recently halted production of manual transmission Versa for the US market, effectively ending America's last five-speed manual econobox. With fewer than 5% of buyers choosing the stick shift option and automatic transmissions now delivering superior fuel economy (35 mpg vs 30 mpg), the writing is on the wall for the beloved manual gearbox.We explore the technological evolution that's made this possible, from the inefficient two-speed "slush-o-matics" of the 1960s to today's sophisticated multi-speed automatics that shift faster than any human could. The manufacturing complexities of offering both transmission types create additional challenges for automakers already struggling with integration of modern safety features and hybrid powertrains.Our personal experiences with manual transmissions spark a nostalgic conversation about learning to drive stick and the