The manual transmission may not be dead after all. While nothing has been officially decided, MINI USA is actively petitioning to reintroduce the manual transmission to the MINI Cooper lineup. We recently sat down with MINI USA’s outgoing Head of Product Pat McKenna, who shared insights on MINI’s past, present, and future (look for the full interview soon). Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, was learning that MINI USA is leading the effort to bring back the manual.
The process is still ongoing, and there’s no guarantee it will ultimately receive approval. However, the move shows that MINI USA is listening to customers and advocating for what they want in their cars.
Why Did MINI Discontinue the Manual in the First Place?
MINI initially explained to MotoringFile that the manual transmission was discontinued due to CO2 emissions regulations in the European Union, specifically because of how the EU tests CO2 output. While manual transmissions can theoretically produce lower emissions than automatics, this depends on how they’re driven. EU tests reveal the inherent variability of manual operation, as it allows for limitless ways to shift gears. By contrast, an automatic transmission can be precisely programmed to stay in sync with the engine, thereby controlling CO2 output consistently. With a manual, however, human input introduces variability that can lead to higher emissions depending on driving style. Given the EU’s testing methods, this variability is amplified, leading regulators to view manuals as producing more CO2 than a well-engineered automatic—even if that might not be the case with optimal driving.
After speaking with numerous MINI employees over the past year, it’s clear that the decision to end manual transmission production wasn’t one they wanted to make.
The decision was especially difficult given the rising popularity of the manual in the U.S. market. By the second half of 2023, over 50% of F56 JCW hardtops in the U.S. were sold with manual transmissions. As a result, dealers have told MotoringFile that they’re not just losing sales, but an important group of long-time MINI customers.
If MINI USA receives approval to move forward, this development will undoubtedly be welcome news.
How MINI Might Integrate the Manual into the F66
Since the drivetrain is largely unchanged from the previously manual-equipped F56 generation, reintroducing the manual to the F66 shouldn’t technically be too challenging. MINI could simply source the same 6-speed Getrag manual previously used. However, this doesn’t mean it will be easy. The center console would need to be redesigned to accommodate the gear lever, and the engine electronics would also require recalibration.
No details were shared on what models might get the manual but the safe best would naturally be the F66 and F67 MINI Cooper JCWs.
When Might the Manual Return?
Given that nothing has been formally approved, any timeline is speculative. If we had to guess, implementing a change like this would likely take a minimum of 18 months after approval. Doing the math, that would mean the manual likely wouldn’t return before mid-2026 at the earliest. And that’s pending formal approval which is still an uphill battle.
Nonetheless, this is exciting news for MINI enthusiasts. This effort demonstrates MINI USA’s commitment to listening to customer feedback and acting on it. And this is just one of several changes that could be coming. We’ll share more insights from our interview with Pat McKenna soon.
That is Great NEWS!!!! There is hope!!!
I think this is a long shot, but worth pursuing for enthusiasts. I’m also glad the Cooper SE and possibly the Aceman are coming to the US (eventually). We need more choices, including drivetrain, exterior and interior colors, and styling.
Now if only they would drop the 4 door and bring the clubman back
I mean it would be awesome…..but I think the ship has sailed. All I can hear is a German accented person saying “It cannot be done”, which I’ve heard is the typical German engineers response when they just don’t want to do something. The interior redesign could make fix a lot of things I don’t like in the new cars. I test drove an F56 manual JCW and decided I’d be much happier keeping my R53 on the road for as long as I can. Maybe I’ll be wrong and the F66.2 manual will change my mind.
I tell you what, they bring back the manual AND give us some physical climate controls and I’m going to jump so fast to get one.
Manual transmission or just paddles?
Actual manual.