Lexus’ answer on 2016 IS 200t with a manual stick shift

I hate paddle shifters!!!! They are nothing like a good ol' manual!! Give me back my stickshifts! How can you call it a sports car if it doesn't feel like one? I don't care about faster shifting times or the ease of driving automatic. I am not lazy.

I can understand that engineers have been able to find ways to cut times in an automatic transmission and that had given more efficiency to the term high speed, etc. Sadly, most of the people that have the financial capacity to buy Lexus, MW, Porsche kind of vehicles are wealthy, the I don't have the time to learn manual transmission kind of people. I wouldn't say lazy cause they work their way to buy these cars just not appreciative of a good performance manual vehicle.
This is sad cause at last I and many others are in search for the last revelation on manual AWD performance vehicle but it looks like these companies only care about the profits period. Maybe it's time for someone to invest in those of us who do care about manual shifting and will like high end looks and performance. Thanks for listening.

For some reason I can't reply from my phone. Thanks for replying John. I'm a manual transmission enthusiast. My biggest problem finding a vehicle is that when I learned of manual with all wheel drive performance I became inclined to it. I live up north so when winter kicks in I want a car that I don't want to worry about getting stuck in the snow or a rwd car with many ponies that can't get out of the barn. :) I think today the only manufacturers making this kind of car are Audi, Subaru and maybe another one. I actually checked Cadillac and like what they offer but will not move fwd because they only offer RWD. It looks like the future of manual is coming to an end. I do hope that's not the case.

It looks like I'm a little late to this party, but I believe I have something to contribute.
This move to eliminate manual transmissions from vehicle lineups might have something to do with the current push for "driverless" (automated) cars. Of course new vehicles are jam packed with all kinds of crap that is inherently distracting to the driver, and perhaps M/T was just one of the first technologies that had to go to pave the way to completely eliminate driver input.
I daresay that very few drivers (that is, people who like to drive for fun) want to see this happen. If that is not the case, then most of these manufacturers are motivated only by cost reduction or profits. Either way, it seems that the most effective protest is to VOTE WITH YOUR WALLET and buy those vehicles that offer these options and try our best to push the rest to get off their ivory towers or F-OFF.

Honestly i would buy a corolla over most other cars at this point.. you get a 6speed manual, moon roof, leather optional interior, LED head lights, and no electronics to wreck the driving experience of a manual transmission. No it's not RWD, no it's not winning any races, but it's 4 doors, has more than just basic plastic interior basics, and it's cheap in comparison to most other cars.. it's also not huge like the civic SI has gotten.. for the cost savings a good turbo charger will make it come close to running numbers with the IS without the price tag... and with my required manual transmission, i see it as a win..

I too prefer manual over paddle shift. Lexus Manufacturers should be more in tune with what a car enthusiasts are looking for, it's not about one size fits all! There should be diversity and choices, after all it's our money that's keeping them in business. This is something that should be taken into consideration, in stead of the mentality "if we make it the people will like it" Car manufacturers only cater to the wealthy, and they piss on those who are of less means! Lexus should produce a ISF that has a manual trans, preferably IS350 sedan.

I do wish more cars were made with manual but things are changing. The new generation of drivers don't like to be in control any more. If you are to look at how things are going, the government, finding and getting a job, hell even moving out and getting a place of their own is slowly disappearing. The new generation wants everything handed to them, which driving is expected from them, it's just sad. All my cars are manual since I was 16. Even now at the age of 34 I only look at buying manual cars, which my options are getting less every new model.

They should just make manuals as an OPTION only. For Special orders / or maybe just carry 1 in stock and then re-stock when it sells.

I PREFER manuals over auto. That why I went with a 2015 Q60 Coupe instead of the RC Coupe.

Yeah it truly sucks that manufacturers are converting to auto only I mean most people just don't understand that feel of just busting through the gears the sound of the engine when you drop a gear and rev match it just gives me the chills and I lover and thats why today I still own a manual 2002 Lexus Is300 every car I've owned has been manual from maximas to my 2005 Si Hatch. I've had my 2002 5speed is300 since 2007 and still have it today with lots of mods to many to name but just the sound of my 2jz that it makes going through the gears is just phenomenal the sound of the exhaust when I get in it is love.

Man, I love my stick. I'm a millennial born in 1997. My dad bought my first car, a 2002 celica 5spd. I learned manual from the age of 10 but really got in tune with it on that car. sold it after a year and I made sure my now current car is also a stick (2009 honda accord coupe 5 spd). I love lexus, always have and I love what they're doing with the line-up, but removing that manual tranny is a mistake - no matter if it is sluggish or whatever. It's fun to shift, to rev-match, to downshift into the wrong gear and shit yourself because your engine screams like it's gonna blow. That is what it's about. Being realistic, sure auto's are more fuel efficient now, and in a race they will get a head start on the manual's, however it just isn't fun!
Of the vehicles being offered with stick right now, once you opt to the more luxury trims they force you into taking the auto tranny. like wtf i should be able to choose but k. As a loyal lexus enthusiast, I would strongly consider an M4 as opposed to the RCF because at least you can get it mated to a 6 speed.

The control of being able to ease into and out of gears is essential to me, especially when driving in inclement conditions. Fortunately, still plenty of good options out there. A friend of mine recently bought a new 2017 Jeep Renegade with turbocharged engine and 6-speed manual trans. He added a piggy back ECU upgrade and that little Jeepster is an absolute blast to drive. Quite snappy and handles far better than I expected it to. Kinda reminds me of my old Colt Turbo, which I should have never sold.