MINI Brings Back Manual Gearbox Into Some Of Its Two-Door 2023 Hardtop Models

Starting in November of this year, MINI buyers will have the chance to add a manual transmission to some models. The standalone option isn’t the only change coming to production though. New paint finishes and changes to new Special Edition cars are coming too.

Mini says that supply chain issues are starting to ease and that’s great news for those who love to row their own gears. Earlier this year the automaker removed the option for a manual gearbox in light of supply chain struggles. Now, it returns for the Cooper two-door hardtop.

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Manual transmissions still won’t be an option for convertible Coopers or other four-door Mini models. On top of that change, Mini also announced three new Special Editions called Untamed, Untold, and Resolute. Each one comes with its own blend of special colors and features.

These special editions do have some availability limitations though. The Untold only comes on the Cooper S, John Cooper Works, and Cooper S All4. The Untamed is available on the Cooper S Countryman All4 only. The Resolute trim is more widely available across the lineup and comes with a Rebel Green exterior paint complemented by a Pepper White roof. Each special edition also comes with a specific interior color as well.

That White Pepper roof is important because Mini says that as of the end of October, it and Moonwalk Grey will no longer be available as selectable options. In their place, Mini is introducing Nanuq White and Melting Silver III paint colors.

On top of that, Mini says it’s simplifying its lineup to “ensure continued delivery of new vehicles to the market.” Those changes include dropping the Classic trim and adding some features to its Iconic 2.0 and Signature 2.0 trim levels. The 2023 Mini Cooper starts at $28,600 and the range is topped off by the Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works which starts at $49,075.