This is really disheartening. Automatic transmissions are great for daily drivers. But for high performance cars, manuals are so much more fun and engaging.

"BMW M sales and marketing boss Peter Quintus said that manual transmissions will die off over the next several years. “Basically I think it’s six or seven years before there will be no manual transmission, unfortunately, because we still have fans who want manual shift in their cars.”

Currently, manual transmissions are offered on the M2, M3, and M4. As more and more consumers want automatic transmissions, Quintus said he’s not sure if the next-generation M3 and M4 will receive a row-your-own option. Also, a BMW spokesperson confirmed last year that the automaker wouldn’t offer a manual transmission on the new M5 and M6."

http://www.motortrend.com/news/bmw-m-exec-sees-bleak-future-manual-dct-transmissions/