The Death of Manual Transmission: Dodge Muscle Cars Go Automatic Only

It's official - Dodge muscle cars with manual transmissions are a thing of the past. With the recent reveal of the 2024 Charger, Dodge confirmed that there are 'no plans for a manual transmission' for their latest models. While the new Charger boasts impressive features like twin-turbo I6 variants and a 670-horsepower Daytona Scat Pack EV, enthusiasts will no longer have the option for a manual gearbox.

The absence of manual transmissions in the Charger doesn't come as a shock, as the model has been without a stick shift for years. Although the Challenger Hellcat made a brief return with a manual option in 2023, Dodge has now shifted focus to the Charger following the discontinuation of the Challenger. Unfortunately, the manual transmission enthusiasts had hoped for is nowhere to be found.

While the idea of driving a twin-turbo 3.0-liter Hurricane I6 Charger with a manual transmission sounds exhilarating, the new Charger comes exclusively with all-wheel drive. The Line Lock function, which allows power to be sent to the rear axle for tire warming, only works when the vehicle is stationary - limiting the car's ability to drift or perform stunts on the road. As the automotive industry continues to prioritize automatic transmissions and advanced technologies, the demise of the manual gearbox is a bitter pill for enthusiasts to swallow.

As manual transmissions become increasingly rare in the automotive industry, it's evident that the era of rowing your own gears is fading away. While the excitement of driving Dodge muscle cars remains, the nostalgic charm of a manual transmission is now a thing of the past.