For those who love the pure, unfiltered connection between driver and machine, the manual transmission remains a cherished feature. In a world increasingly dominated by automatic gearboxes, a select group of sports cars continues to offer the thrill of shifting gears manually. Here are 25 thrilling sports cars that keep the spirit of the stick shift alive.
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Porsche 911 Carrera
The Porsche 911 Carrera remains an icon in the world of sports cars, offering a 7-speed manual transmission that enhances the driver’s connection to its powerful rear-engine layout. With a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter flat-six engine producing up to 443 horsepower, the 911 Carrera provides an exhilarating driving experience.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is beloved for its lightweight design and balanced handling. Its 6-speed manual transmission pairs perfectly with the 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering a spirited 181 horsepower. The Miata’s simplicity and direct driving feel make it a joy on any road.
Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Chevrolet Camaro SS offers a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine with 455 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination provides an intense, visceral driving experience that highlights the Camaro’s muscle car heritage and modern performance.
Ford Mustang GT
The Ford Mustang GT features a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 450 horsepower, matched with a 6-speed manual transmission. This iconic muscle car delivers raw power and a traditional driving feel, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who love to shift gears.
BMW M2
The BMW M2 is a compact powerhouse with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, offering 405 horsepower. Its precise 6-speed manual transmission ensures a thrilling drive, accentuating the car’s agility and performance-oriented design.
Subaru WRX STI
The Subaru WRX STI boasts a rally-inspired design with a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine generating 310 horsepower. The 6-speed manual transmission enhances its sporty character, providing drivers with control over its all-wheel-drive system and performance capabilities.
Toyota GR Supra
The Toyota GR Supra has reintroduced a manual transmission option, catering to purists. Its 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 382 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, offers a more engaging driving experience and precise control.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z, with its 3.7-liter V6 engine producing 332 horsepower, features a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match technology. This combination delivers smooth gear changes and a direct connection to the car’s performance.
Dodge Challenger R/T
The Dodge Challenger R/T packs a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine with 375 horsepower, available with a 6-speed manual transmission. This setup provides a nostalgic muscle car experience with modern performance enhancements.
Lotus Evora GT
The Lotus Evora GT offers a 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine delivering 416 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Known for its lightweight construction and sharp handling, the Evora GT provides a pure driving experience.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) features a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 455 horsepower, coupled with a 7-speed manual transmission. This combination offers precise control and exhilarating performance, making it a true American sports car icon.
Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R stands out with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine generating 306 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Its precise shifting and front-wheel-drive setup make it a standout in the hot hatch segment.
Ford Focus RS
The Ford Focus RS, with its 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 350 horsepower, comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. This all-wheel-drive hot hatch delivers incredible performance and agility, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI features a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 228 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Known for its balanced performance and practicality, the GTI remains a top choice for driving enthusiasts.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, while not a traditional sports car, offers a thrilling off-road experience with its 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. Its capability and rugged design make it a unique choice for those who love to drive stick.
Porsche Cayman GT4
The Porsche Cayman GT4, with its naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine producing 414 horsepower, features a 6-speed manual transmission. This mid-engine sports car offers precise handling and an immersive driving experience.
Toyota 86 (GT86)
The Toyota 86, also known as the GT86, comes with a 2.0-liter flat-four engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight design and rear-wheel-drive layout provide a pure and engaging driving experience.
Audi TT RS
The Audi TT RS, with its 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-five engine producing 394 horsepower, offers a 7-speed manual transmission. This compact sports car delivers impressive performance and distinctive styling.
Cadillac ATS-V
The Cadillac ATS-V features a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 464 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination offers luxury, performance, and a direct connection to the road.
Hyundai Veloster N
The Hyundai Veloster N comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 275 horsepower, available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its sharp handling and sporty design make it a fun-to-drive hot hatch.
Kia Stinger GT
The Kia Stinger GT offers a twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6 engine with 365 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. This grand tourer combines performance, comfort, and practicality.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, with its turbocharged 1.75-liter inline-four engine producing 237 horsepower, features a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. Its lightweight design and mid-engine layout provide a thrilling driving experience.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Aston Martin Vantage comes with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 503 horsepower, paired with a 7-speed manual transmission. This luxury sports car delivers exceptional performance and style.
Shelby GT350
The Shelby GT350 features a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V8 engine with 526 horsepower, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. This high-performance Mustang offers an exhilarating driving experience and track-ready capabilities.
Mini John Cooper Works
The Mini John Cooper Works, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine producing 228 horsepower, comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Its compact size and sporty handling make it a fun and agile performer on the road.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
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