Consider this a sign of the times: Even though Chevrolet is readying its highest-performance Camaro ever, General Motors executives are reportedly already hedging their bets that over 50 per cent of all 2012 ZL1 orders will be for automatic transmission models.

The high expected order rate for automatics paired with the 6.2-litre, 580-horsepower ZL1 not only follows a growing market preference for two-pedal vehicles, it also suggests that even sporty car buyers are noting that advancements in design have all but eliminated the performance deficit long associated with this type of transmission.

Low take rates also means that fewer models are even available with manual transmissions, and it'* a problem that'* only getting more acute. With fewer new cars being fitted with manual transmissions, opportunities for learning how to drive a three-pedal car (along with people who can teach how to drive them) are fewer and further between. The result? Even fewer manual transmissions.

According to the Ward'* Auto report, fully 89 per cent of 2010 model-year passenger cars were fitted with automatic gearboxes. In the case of Chevrolet'* Camaro, even the existing SS model is trending at 70 per cent automatic, and that'* higher than the 65 per cent take rate among base Corvette purchasers.

The Oshawa, Ontario-built Camaro ZL1 is expected in dealers in the first quarter of 2012.

source autoblog

Thats disappointing, but understandable. Most people now (me included) can't drive stick.

I'll be taking your man card now.

Its not my fault. I've been raised around automatics. For my next car, I want a manual. I know how to drive one, but the last time I tried on my friends car..didn't end real well.

I taught myself how to drive stick.

I know i could do it if I it was my own car. I was just nervous because I didn't want to break his car. I can drive a motorcycle no problem, so I know how the whole clutch and gears work.

Yeah, if you can ride a bike, a car is no problem. That'* how I learned.

very disappointing, i hate auto'*. for performance cars its all about the feel of shifting your own not waiting for the computer to figure out what it wants to do. for towing its way better to be able to downshift for a hill before you get there. ive always had nothing but manual but the last few times ive bought cars they dont offer what i want with a manual at all anymore. i seriously think if i ever have trans issues with my yukon im going to take the 5spd and parts from a k1500.

This is why trucks/SUVs have a "Tow/haul" mode on them. Also, you can downshift an auto. Take it out of "D" and move it into whatever gear you want. It won't go past that gear.

in an auto you have to haul in 3rd, so if you want to go up a hill and whether you put your foot down or pull the lever now your in second, not good for engine, trans, mileage. with a 5spd you can haul alot more in od like my atvs weigh about 3500 i have to tow that in 3rd now too to save the trans. but say im hualing my camper, 6k, its got to be in 4rth then i can put it in third and roll into it as im coming up to the hill saves alot of wear on everything.