by Gabrielle DeSantis

The manual transmission is dying. That’s especially true in the luxury sports cars segment. Unfortunately, it’s just a fact of life for sports coupes and other cars. You see, modern dual-clutch and automatic transmissions can move gears far faster than your hands and feet. However, if you like rowing your own, no matter how slowly, there’s still a few special vehicles out there with a stick if you have the coin.

What sports cars are still manual?

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For starters, you can in fact get a BMW with a manual transmission. Hell, you can get a few BMW models with a good ol’ six-speed gearbox. However, the pinnacle of that is the BMW M2 and its sportier variant, the M2 CS. While this doesn’t necessarily fit into the “luxury sports cars” niche, the M2 is simply too good a car to leave off the list.

For starters, it’s the spiritual successor to the E46 M3, a personal favorite of mine. By that I mean it’s small, makes strong power for its size, and comes with a manual transmission. Journalists the world over have heralded it for its razor-sharp handling and fantastic driving engagement; both things that scream “stick-shift sports car.” Oh, also 444 hp.

There will be no manual Genesis G70 in 2022

Now, this is truly one of the unsung heroes of the luxury sports cars segment. The Genesis G70 is one of the last of the rear-wheel-drive manual transmission-equipped sports sedans. Of course, the BMW M3 does offer a manual transmission, but not for this kind of price. You can get a G70 on the road for under $50,000.

You’ll also be getting Brembo brakes and a limited-slip differential. Moreover, you get to be cooler than all the other kids by having a stick luxury car. Now that’s an idea that hasn’t been commonplace since the ’90s. However, I should note that MotorTrend found the G70 in stick flavor to be somewhat lacking, even with a somewhat healthy 252 hp.

The 2021 Porsche 911 still has a manual transmission

To the surprise of no one, Porsche is happy to sell you a manual. In fact, were I a betting man, I’d be willing to stick my neck out and say the company will find a way to make a stick EV if it means #savingthemanuals. You can get just about every flavor of 911 with a manual, from a base Carrera (for an eye-watering $100K), all the way up to the 500 hp GT3.

No matter what, consumers are still spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury sports cars with a manual transmission. Unfortunately, the “luxury” part of that statement (and price tag) means that the rest of us filthy commoners will have to wait for depreciation to do its dirty work to get our hands on a new stick car. Go buy a WRX I guess.

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The post These Luxury Sports Cars Kick It Old-School With Manual Transmissions appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the many celebrities who leave us in awe with their stunning car collections. His fleet includes models from Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce. He’s also the sole owner of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, a purchase that set the footballer back nearly $19 million.

And the latest addition to his collection is a matte-black Mercedes-Benz G-Class. As if this SUV weren’t already stellar, Ronaldo’s has modifications from Brabus. How much did he pay for this G-Wagen, and what makes it unique?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Brabus G-Wagen

There are a few Brabus G-Wagens out there, so we’re unsure which one Ronaldo acquired for himself. Autoevolution thinks it might be a rare version from the “One of Ten” production run. Only 10 models were produced and cost around $668,000 each. Additionally, the Brabus G-Wagen was available only for European drivers.

However, according to the specs listed on the duPont Registry, it’s a closer match to the 800 version released last year. This one uses a souped-up version of the turbocharged V8 you can find on today’s Mercedes-AMG G65. 

Cristiano Ronaldo shows off custom £516k Brabus ‘G-Wagon’ gifted to him by Georgina Rodriguezhttps://t.co/02V1xyiWAJ pic.twitter.com/MWkpwonBHA

— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) August 3, 2021

There used to be a V12 offering capable of over 600 hp, but that’s available only on a used G-Wagen now. The “One of Ten” models sport an improved version of this motor capable of 900 hp. It can reach 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and boasts a maximum speed of 174 mph. On Ronaldo’s example, the V8 makes around 800 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, the 2021 model makes only a maximum of 577 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. 

Brabus also outfitted this new engine with larger turbochargers, forged pistons, an improved crankshaft, and billet connecting rods. All of these new enhancements allow the Brabus G-Wagen to reach 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds. 

We’ve yet to see Ronaldo drive his new toy, but we’re sure it handles as well as a standard G-Wagen. In fact, it’s probably better on civilized roads now thanks to its upgraded engine.

The duPont Registry says Ronaldo’s G-Wagen is a custom order with black paint contrasted by shiny silver wheel accents. The grille replaces the traditional Benz emblem with a capital “B” for “Brabus.” We’d be willing to guess the interior sports sumptuous black leather complemented by genuine wood and chrome trim.

What is Brabus?

Brabus actually already works closely with Mercedes-Benz, providing restoration services for classic Benz models, Brabus says. The company also offers after-market tuning for existing models, as seen on Ronaldo’s new G-Wagen. Although based in Germany, Brabus operates in 100 other countries.

In addition to making power upgrades, Brabus also modifies interiors with upgraded materials and custom accommodations. Its engineers also add new safety features, eco-friendly engine technology, and upgraded wheels. 

Brabus also offers certain models already retuned or restored, though they aren’t cheap. If you want only an upgraded engine, you can purchase a kit from VividRacing for around $10,000. Of course, you’ll have to provide your own G-Wagen.

What is Cristiano Ronaldo’s net worth?

Cristiano Ronaldo given wrapped G-Wagon by stunning girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez for 35th birthday https://t.co/6NXfOZC0kb

— The Sun Football (@TheSunFootball) February 7, 2020

According to Forbes, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. His current net worth is $120 million, and he reportedly makes an average of $64 million per year playing soccer. Additionally, he receives revenue from his Nike sponsorship and multiple branded products.

He’s the first athlete to acquire over $1 billion in lifetime earnings, which explains how he can afford so many exotic cars. However, Ronaldo didn’t have to spend a dime on his new Brabus G-Wagen: It was a gift from his girlfriend.

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The post Cristiano Ronaldo Just Added This Insane G-Wagen to His Car Collection appeared first on MotorBiscuit.