01-23-2019, 01:18 PM
The thing about manual take rates is that they are very different between volume models and performance-oriented models. So for a volume model like the regular 3 series, take rates might be 10% or lower. For the M3 it's something like 40-50%. With the new M3 moving to a slushbox I wouldn't be surprised to see the manual take rate to stay the same or even rise. I would drive another DCT M3, but under no circumstances will I buy a torque converter auto.
For Toyota, they might look at historical sales for Lexus when they offered manuals for stuff like the IS300, and surmise that the Supra doesn't really need a manual. Or they might figure that some people will say they want a manual, but they'll settle for an automatic. They are wrong.
Maybe there's a market for a 'sports' car without a sports car transmission in that price range, but Toyota is setting themselves up for failure. Again, who is this car for? An original Supra fan that doesn't care that it's reskinned Z4 and doesn't want a manual or DCT? Someone who wants a sports car for around $50k, but doesn't care that the Supra is down 100 or more horsepower from everything in that segment? People who don't really care about cars but like how the Supra looks? People who can't wait for a new 370Z with an automatic and wanna pay about $10k more for the privilege?
For Toyota, they might look at historical sales for Lexus when they offered manuals for stuff like the IS300, and surmise that the Supra doesn't really need a manual. Or they might figure that some people will say they want a manual, but they'll settle for an automatic. They are wrong.
Maybe there's a market for a 'sports' car without a sports car transmission in that price range, but Toyota is setting themselves up for failure. Again, who is this car for? An original Supra fan that doesn't care that it's reskinned Z4 and doesn't want a manual or DCT? Someone who wants a sports car for around $50k, but doesn't care that the Supra is down 100 or more horsepower from everything in that segment? People who don't really care about cars but like how the Supra looks? People who can't wait for a new 370Z with an automatic and wanna pay about $10k more for the privilege?
2018 Ducati Panigale V4
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com
Past: 2018 Honda Civic Type-R, 2015 Yamaha R1, 2009 BMW M3, 2013 Aprilia RSV4R, 2006 Honda Ridgeline, 2006 Porsche Cayman S, 2012 Ducati 1199, 2009 Subaru WRX, 2008 CBR1000RR, 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R, 2000 Toyota Tundra, 2005 Honda CBR600RR, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1996 Acura Integra GS-R, 1997 Honda Civic EX
http://www.aclr8.com