At least, that's what the Christian on the HP said in this post about the 2018 Vantage teaser shots.

"Aston CEO Andy Palmer has said the company will be the last on earth offer a manual sports car, so the new V8 Vantage will offer the option of a clutch."

Given how the company kind of specializes in GT cars at this point, it totally makes sense, I think. And I don't think there's much worry that they'll take the manual option away from the V-12s either. It seems like a no-brainer to offer it...

 

Hard to believe that Porsche won't continue to offer a manual transmission option for their 911's and Boxster/Cayman's.

 

Agreed about 911s and Boxster Caymans. I just think of Aston as more of an exotic, even if Porsche makes super-rare cars with crazier performance.

 

I agree
Porsche's are wonderful cars but not "exotic".

 

I mean Porsche is doing a Manual transmission option for the 2018 GT3 but yeah, 911's aren't "exotic" really even if its a GT3

 

Not sure being "exotic " has much to do with their decision. I believe it's just the bottom line (profitability)
From a pure performance point of you, one can no longer justify that a manual transmission is superior to the latest dual clutch automatics, they are not. The manuals only advantage is that they are somewhat lighter than the equivalent auto boxes, however the modern automatics, now capable of 10 speeds, shifts too damm fast, a manual just can't duplicate that.
Yes, the manual is still the transmission to have for total engagement in driving a car, problem is too few customers care.
To manufactures like Porsche, it's no longer makes financial sense to tool up for a few manual transmission cars.
Aston Martin on the other hand serves essentially a niche market. In that market there is enough demand for a manually transmission to make that decision viable.

 

Hi guys...in this months Automobile mag..they interview Porsche American guy and he stated yes they will offer clutch...but further stated it let's driver feel in control but not as quick as their dual clutch Automatic...which is faster shifting and better time on track conditions...
Evening...

 

Embdemb you are correct...I agree but on one point ...AM has announced going electric with RapidE in 2019 and many hybrids and total electric by mid 2020...probably all Automatics of some type. Yes they will offer manual but on special order only.

AM is talking IPO too...finally turned a profit ...the DB11 must be doing well
Night

 

They probably need money for expansion and R&D more than anything, hopefully they remain private but the way of the auto manufacturing these days is to take that wall st. money and run