I share your desire in wanting a manual transmission. That is the reason I got tired of waiting and got the S60R. I believe the auto transmission will be the one developed jointly with GM so who knows how it will turn out. The current 6 speed auto is made by Aisin, a Toyota affiliate.

George Hodge New: Volvo S60R Old:2000 SVT Silver Frost 1188/2150 DMD, 75mm Pro-M, HPP rear strut tower bar Aussie 24mm sway bar (with boxed in subframe) BAT European Handling Kit, Brullen Y-pipe Performance Ford spherical bearing end links