Unveiled at Monterey Car Week, the Eccentrica V12 Roadster is a roofless Diablo restomod limited to 19 cars, powered by a 5.7L naturally aspirated V12 (550 hp, 443 lb-ft) and a six-speed manual, delivering 0–62 mph in 3.8s and a 208 mph top speed, with carbon-fiber chassis reinforcements and bespoke, modernized interiors.
Hennessey unveils the Blackbird, a 1,400 kg carbon‑fiber hypercar that sticks to a naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 tuned to 800–850hp, revving to 9,000 rpm and paired with a six‑speed manual and rear‑wheel drive. It abandons screens for a focused, analogue interior, channels SR‑71 aesthetics with dramatic rear fins, and promises 0–60 mph in 2.5 seconds and a 220 mph top speed. Only 71 will be built, priced at about $2.5 million, making it a touring‑focused, soul‑driven counterpoint to today’s horsepower arms race.
Porsche’s 911 GT3 S/C takes a Carrera Cabriolet and grafts in lightweight, race-honed bits from the GT3/S/T line: carbon panels, magnesium wheels, carbon-ceramic brakes and a carbon shear plate, weighing about 1,497 kg. It uses a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat‑six that revs to 9,000 rpm, producing 503 hp and 332 lb‑ft, with a 0–62 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph. The car keeps a six‑speed manual and the roof can be lowered in 12 seconds up to 31 mph, while the double-wishbone front suspension and GT3 Touring–inspired setup deliver minimal body roll and sharp, communicative handling. It starts at £200,500, but optioning up (including the £24k Street Style Pack) can push prices well beyond £260k. Porsche says demand has exceeded expectations, and while some see the cabriolet approach as controversial, the S/C offers a road-focused alternative that still feels like a proper GT3 on every bend.
Ferrari patents a by-wire system that mimics a manual for the V12 12Cilindri, delivering a gated shifter and three pedals while the gearbox remains electronically controlled; manual mode uses gears 1–6 and is slower than automatic; 830-hp V12, 1,499 units, about $700k, deliveries begin in 2027, and the model is effectively sold out.
Ferrari reveals the 2027 12Cilindri Manuale, a V12 flagship that uses a bespoke six-speed gated shifter and clutch driven by a manuale-by-wire system. It reworks the SF90 Stradale’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission to six gears, offering a true manual experience with an automatic mode, stall capability, and a 9,500 rpm redline. Only 1,499 Tailor Made coupes will be built, priced from €590,000 in Italy (no Spider).
BMW confirms the sixth-generation M3 will end with the 2027 model year, marking the CS Handschalter as North America’s sendoff for the manual version. Final production of the current M3 is expected in early 2027, while the next-generation M3 is planned for 2028 and will shift production to Dingolfing; an electric M3 is teased to arrive earlier, possibly next year, with a quad-motor ZA0 setup and a large battery. The new M3 is anticipated to keep a turbo inline-six in some form but may adopt mild-hybrid tech and, in some markets, be automatic-only with all-wheel drive, signaling the end of the traditional six-speed manual. BMW hints that M2/M4 manuals may survive a few more years, but the industry trend suggests manuals will fade by the decade’s end, so enthusiasts should act soon if they want a manual M3 (or related models).
Fans recently discovered that the North American manual for Super Smash Bros. Melee includes the date "02.01.24," which coincidentally matches yesterday's date, 1st February 2024. Despite speculation, it appears to be a random occurrence with no significant meaning, leading to lighthearted amusement among the gaming community. The discovery has sparked nostalgia for the beloved GameCube classic and serves as a reminder of the game's enduring popularity over the past 23 years.
The 23-year-old Super Smash Bros. Melee manual contains a reference to today's date, February 1, 2024, in an example of documenting player achievements, sparking speculation about potential hidden game features or developer intentions. This Easter egg has intrigued fans to explore the game for any related secrets, raising questions about the manual's inclusion of a date nearly a quarter century into the future.
Building a PC can be tricky, but with the right tools, precautions, and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience. Some important tips to keep in mind include using the right tools, avoiding static, not overusing thermal paste, reading the manual, being gentle when installing components, and keeping cables tidy. With patience and care, anyone can successfully build their own PC.
Basic car maintenance and repairs are surprisingly easy for anyone to tackle. You can use your car's manual to locate parts and learn how to perform maintenance tasks. Auto parts stores are invaluable and staff can lend you tools to accomplish repairs. You can handle tasks such as changing headlights and taillights, checking tire pressure, replacing wiper blades, checking oil level, jumpstarting a dead battery, refilling windshield washer fluid, and checking your engine's air filter. Reading your car's manual can teach you a lot and save you money.