The New Corvette! Porsche Saves the Manual, Four Seat Lamborghini! THIS CAR POD! EP104

TL;DR

This week's automotive news covers the new Corvette Grand Sport, Porsche's manual transmission patent for EVs, and Lamborghini's rumored four-seat grand tourer.

Key Points

• 1.The C8 Corvette Grand Sport was officially announced at Sebring. It features red stripe styling cues from previous Grand Sports, and rumors suggest two variants including a Grand Sport X based on the Z06 platform.
• 2.GM's chief Corvette engineer Tony Roma explicitly denied a manual transmission is coming. He criticized supplier Tremec for showing a manual swap prototype at SEMA, calling it 'not real,' despite strong enthusiast demand.
• 3.Porsche filed a 2024 patent for a shift-by-wire manual transmission system. The H-pattern shifter uses electric motors and springs for feedback and is designed primarily for future EVs like the electric Cayman and Boxster.
• 4.Lamborghini CEO Stefan Winkelmann confirmed they're exploring a two-door 2+2 grand tourer. The company ruled out a sedan and small SUV, but sees a gap for a Ferrari Roma/California-style competitor at an estimated $380,000+ price point.
• 5.Sony Honda Mobility officially discontinued the Afeela EV before a single production car was built. Honda's March 2025 electrification strategy reassessment removed key technology and assets, leaving the project without a viable path forward.
• 6.The hosts debated whether automakers pulling back on EVs will regret that decision. Rising gas prices, a potential Iran oil crisis, and possible future political changes were cited as reasons EV abandonment could backfire.
• 7.The Nissan Z received a minor facelift including an 'Unreal Green' paint option. More significantly, the Nismo Z variant is finally getting a manual transmission, though hosts called it too little too late for a dying model line.
• 8.Mercedes-Benz confirmed a new AMG GT Black Series is in development. It will feature a V8 engine, has been tested at the Nürburgring and other European tracks, and a GT3 racing homologation version is targeting the 2027 racing season.
• 9.Mercedes confirmed a Maybach VLS luxury van alongside the electric VLE. Described as a purpose-built VIP shuttle, the VLS is expected to cost around $200,000 and will likely feature premium interior amenities.
• 10.Jaguar Land Rover design chief Gerry McGovern officially retired at age 70. Ian Callum separately revealed that finished designs for a new XF, XJ, F-Type, and F-Pace were scrapped in favor of the Type 00 concept direction.
• 11.Rolls-Royce announced a new Coach Build Collection for ultra-wealthy clients. Based on the electric Spectre platform, it promises bespoke one-off creations with access to engineers at 'top secret test facilities,' drawing comparisons to the Boat Tail and Sweet Tail.
• 12.The show announced two major internal changes: the launch of 'Key,' a new cinematic automotive YouTube channel, and the retirement of the 'Doug's Take' auction blurb feature. Key's first video covers JDM car culture hosted by Ryan Lopez, while Doug's Take is ending due to the volume of 50+ daily auctions.