PASMAG

Passenger cars, much like manual transmissions, have been steadily disappearing from North American showrooms over the past few decades, and it seems like nothing can stop the decline. The sand keeps running through the hourglass, and eventually it will be empty. Or so it would seem. Over the past 18 months or so, reports have started to bubble up – based on rumors – that suggest passenger cars could make a bit of a comeback as we get closer to the end of the decade.

We’ve known for some time that market share for manual transmissions in new car sales has been steadily declining, but where things stand now are even more dire than we realized. Based on our research, there are just 24 distinct vehicle models that offer a stick shift in the U.S. in 2026. These cars account for less than one percent of all new cars sold in the U.S. To illustrate how steep the decline has been, manuals accounted for 35 percent of sales in 1980.

This is the late-summer kind of news we can really get behind: a new Mustang convertible. And a very powerful one at that, as in 795 horsepower. That’s right, the Dark Horse SC has spawned a convertible, and it’s just as powerful as the coupe. Just like the coupe, the 2027 Dark Horse SC Convertible is powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that produces 795 horsepower and 660 pounds-feet of torque that’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Media Courtesy of PASMAG / MANSORY MANSORY is making its Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance debut in 2026 with two Bugatti-based world premieres: the MANSORY Vincerò and MANSORY Vivere. Both vehicles have been created as one-of-one special editions. The MANSORY Vincerò, based on the Bugatti Mistral, features new body components constructed from colored exposed carbon fiber, newly developed aerodynamic elements, and newly designed forged MANSORY wheels.

Photos Courtesy of RAYS / Mackin Industries RAYS has introduced Mag Blue to the VOLK RACING TE37 SAGA S-plus 30th Anniversary lineup, adding the deep blue finish to both the Machining Version and Sticker Version of the anniversary wheel. Based on the TE37 SAGA S-plus, the 30th Anniversary model pays tribute to the original TE37 while incorporating the strength standards and construction of the current S-plus platform.

Photos Courtesy of Formula DRIFT Conor Shanahan earned his second victory of the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO season at Evergreen Speedway, closing to within five points of championship leader James Deane with two rounds remaining.

Story by Jamie Lake Photography by RJ Lake (@nerdy.m3dia) After a three-year absence, IMPORTEXPO Texas returned to the Austin area on August 1, bringing the show back to a crowd that was clearly ready for it. Spectators lined up around the building before the doors opened, giving an early indication that enthusiasts were eager to see IMPORTEXPO return to Texas.

Hero Photo Courtesy of Win Motoring / Additional Photos Courtesy of Mackin Industries CPM has introduced an Aluminum Front Upper Strut Brace for the BMW G8X platform, including the M2, M3, and M4. Designed to increase front-end chassis rigidity, the brace is intended to provide sharper steering response and improved stability during cornering and higher-speed driving.

Story by PASMAG Staff Photography by Jason Carroll (@square1photo) PASMAG's Tuning365 Tour made its Indianapolis debut on August 1 as part of Formula DRIFT's first visit to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, bringing another collection of standout builds together alongside a memorable weekend of drifting competition.

Photos Courtesy of KICKER KICKER has introduced the SoloXS L7XS, a new high-output square subwoofer line designed for competition-level bass while retaining the musical performance of the SoloX platform. The SoloXS lineup is available in 12-, 15-, and 18-inch sizes, with both 1-ohm and 2-ohm dual-voice-coil configurations offered for each size. All three models provide more than 43 mm, or 1.71 inches, of Xmax.