Everybody was speculating whether or not Jaguar F-Type will be getting a manual gearbox from day one. Then the car was revealed with only an automatic option and disappointed many of the fans. Now though Adrian Hallmark, Jag’s global brand director, sets the record straight by saying it will get a manual, but not for quite some time.

Adrian points out cost and fun as the main advantages of manual gearboxes, like the Bonfiglioli Gearboxes, which make them a no-brainer. The younger paddle-shift generation may not get the appeal of a manual, but the control and the interaction they provide makes driving more interesting, especially in a drop-top sport car.

Jag is pondering manual ‘boxes with at least six speeds, first for the F-Type, and then maybe for their saloon cars like the XF. In any case, manual Jags are at lest 12 months away.

Along with developing new manual models, Jaguar will gradually adapt the next generation of ZF automatics with nine speeds.

via Autocar