Manual transmission cars are still out there and they solve a problem you didn't know you had. You can't steal one if you don't know how to drive it, and you can't look at your phone while you're driving it. Both of those things turn out to be features, not limitations, and the list of new cars still offering a stick shift is longer than you think.

Brian Makse spent the last few days driving a Mazda MX-5 manual on California roads and says there was no moment to even consider picking up his phone. Cadillac makes a luxury sedan with 640 horsepower and a manual gearbox. The Porsche Boxster and Cayman were headed for permanent retirement as EVs until that plan was scrapped and both are now coming back. BMW, Honda, Ford, Jeep, Volkswagen and Acura all still offer manuals. Audi doesn't anymore, and the BMW Z4 manual is about to end production.

The Save the Manuals merch line is the top seller on Brian's store, and his YouTube audience skews younger. The people buying manuals right now aren't the ones you'd expect, and some of them are brand new drivers whose parents figured out the phone problem before the car companies did.

Topics: manual transmission cars 2025, save the manuals, stick shift anti-theft, distracted driving solution, Porsche Boxster Cayman return

GUEST: Brian Makse | makse.com

Originally aired on 2026-02-19

Manual transmission cars are still out there and they solve a problem you didn't know you had. You can't steal one if you don't know how to drive it, and you can't look at your phone while you're driving it. Both of those things turn out to be features, not limitations, and the list of new cars still offering a stick shift is longer than you think.
Brian Makse spent the last few days driving a Mazda MX-5 manual on California roads and says there was no moment to even consider picking up his phone. Cadillac makes a luxury sedan with 640 horsepower and a manual gearbox. The Porsche Boxster and Cayman were headed for permanent retirement as EVs until that plan was scrapped and both are now coming back. BMW, Honda, Ford, Jeep, Volkswagen and Acura all still offer manuals. Audi doesn't anymore, and the BMW Z4 manual is about to end production.
The Save the Manuals merch line is the top seller on Brian's store, and his YouTube audience skews younger. The people buying manuals right now aren't the ones you'd expect, and some of them are brand new drivers whose parents figured out the phone problem before the car companies did.
Topics: manual transmission cars 2025, save the manuals, stick shift anti-theft, distracted driving solution, Porsche Boxster Cayman return
GUEST: Brian Makse |<a href="http://makse.com"> makse.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-19

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.