The Manual transmission is being phased out of the Mini Cooper lineup. The next-generation Mini Cooper will only offer automatic transmissions, with the manual transmission being discontinued with the current generation. Mini chief Stefanie Wurst confirmed this decision to Top Gear. The final manual-equipped Mini Cooper models, the JCW 1 to 6 Edition, are based on the previous generation hatchback and celebrate the DIY-gearboxed John Cooper Works that ran at the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Why Is Mini Doing So?
MINI is killing the manual because of CO2 emissions and regulations in the European Union. Due to the new regulations, a lot of high performance vehicles are leaving the market such as the most recent, Honda Civic Type R. On the face of it, the F56’s Getrag six-speed could have easily been carried over to the new F66 Generation of the Mini Cooper due to the almost identical drivetrain, but the realities of meeting the ever-evolving emission standards in the EU made that choice nearly impossible.
Although In most cases manuals are cleaner than autos, the emissions depends on how they’re driven, in which case the tests are done in a manner that exposes the manual transmission towards a higher figure of emissions.
What Does This Mean?
This means that after a legendary 66-year run, the most loved and epic hatchback will now join the mundane hatchback group after losing a third pedal. Mini Cooper JCW models were the most fun out of them with the peppiest engines and a manual transmission. From the next generation onwards, all models will feature an automatic only.
This marks the end of an entire Era and the manual Minis will be missed dearly by the entire world.
