The Pagani Utopia introduces a feature not found in its predecessor, the Huayra: an optional seven-speed gated manual transmission. This option has proven to be significantly more popular than the single-clutch automated gearbox. "Currently, we have over 70 percent of clients choosing the manual gearbox," commercial director Hannes Zanon revealed to Motor1 at the Utopia Roadster unveiling in Monterey. This trend is not unexpected. High-end performance car manufacturers, particularly those in niche markets, have observed a rising demand for vehicles equipped with a third pedal. This marks a substantial change from a decade ago when it appeared that vehicles pricier than a Miata were exclusively equipped with automatic transmissions. The shift was challenging for Pagani, which had to engineer a gearbox capable of handling 811 pound-feet of torque.
"[The gearbox] was difficult to develop as it required us to create specific components not available in the market," Zanon explained. "We had to design a gearbox and clutch that could manage such power while maintaining the right driving feel. It needed to be drivable and easy to operate, which it is. Thus, we had to develop our own clutch and begin manufacturing it internally at Pagani. This is the first time we've undertaken such a project." The Utopia's transmission features a dogleg first gear, positioned down and to the left just below reverse. The clutch is a 215-mm triple disc unit, as per Zanon.
"[The clutch] is not overly stressed due to our over-engineering," he noted. "Most of our clients experience very long intervals before needing a clutch replacement. Typically, they change the clutch at 20,000 to 25,000 kilometers, even with aggressive driving." Pagani, which has produced 40 Utopias to date, is not the only one offering a stick shift to high-end sports car buyers. The manual-equipped Porsche 911 GT3 has consistently outsold the PDK version in the U.S. Additionally, there's Aston Martin's limited-production Valour, and the latest entrant, the Nilu Hypercar. Demand for manual transmissions at the premium end of the market is soaring, but this trend is not reflected in more accessible sports cars. Currently, there are fewer than two dozen performance cars available with a stick shift, and BMW, which produces four of these models, is anticipated to discontinue the manual option by the end of the decade.
Our hope is that the demand for manual gearboxes will gradually spread to lower segments. However, with the increasing prevalence of hybridization and active safety systems in the market, it's challenging to predict a favorable outcome. At least the wealthy are content. Isn't that what matters most?
