While car enthusiasts will claim to only buy vehicles with a manual transmission, sales numbers tell a different story. Manual sales dwindle with each passing year, as even purpose-built enthusiast cars only come with an automatic gearbox. Take the 2022 BMW Z4 Roadster as an example; it's been on the market for a few years now and only offers a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic.
According to BMW Blog, that may soon change. The outlet claims that the Z4 M40i, which is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, could receive a stick shift option in the US. Rumors indicate this option is under "active consideration" by BMW.