It's a bad PR game if that's all it is. At this point I'm pretty tempted to order a Supra, but am still holding out for the manual he's been dangling in front of us for a year. I understand the Japanese culture and the position he's in, but it makes it difficult.
Also make sure he sees that C&D picked the GT350 over the Supra because the Mustang is "more engaging". How do we make something more engaging? Step 1, manual transmission. :p
That's what I got out of it. The Shelby is great and that engine is outstanding, but it was still a close comparison. Put a manual in the Supra and they'd have a hard decision to make.
Sad, but not surprising. Fiat dealers have been closing all over the place in recent years leaving it up to Dodge/Jeep dealers to sell them and they just don't seem to care.
I think I'm one of the few that said I would take a 4cyl if it were the only way to get a manual. Regardless, if there's a manual model available, that's the one I'll buy, whether that's the top trim or bottom.
They're not exactly quoting him as saying "there will be no manual." They say that themselves and quote him again saying "Customers who want a manual should choose the 86." He's said this before, nothing new here. I'm curious if he actually said to them that there will absolutely not be a manual...
Apparently Corolla was under 1% in 2018, but 15% just counting the hatchback. Still pretty low. Tacoma was 5%. Sounds like it should be a go for the Supra then. :p
https://carbuzz.com/news/toyota-reveals-how-many-manual-transmissions-it-sells
(I know it's not that simple)
You can do what you want and I have no problem with it, but I do think it's hilarious. If someone comes along and for some absurd reason takes you up on your offer, more power to you. That person would almost have to be a moron though. Enjoy your car.