The sports cars still available with a manual transmission

Save the manuals

In this era of electrification and increased efficiency, it seems like the days of the manual transmission are numbered.

Yet despite the ever-increasing range of cars fitted with an automatic gearbox as standard, there are still three-pedal options out there. BMW has become the latest to buck the trend, by adding a stick shift to the Z4 roadster.

Here, we take a look at the performance cars on sale with a manual transmission option. Time to enjoy shifting your own gears…

2025 BMW Z4 M40i

BMW claims to have listened to enthusiasts and their requests to have the latest Z4 roadster available with a manual transmission. It means the new 2025 model year Z4 M40i will be offered with a six-speed stick shift.

Named the ‘Handschalter’ (German for hand shift), the new three-pedal Z4 model uses a 3.0-liter 382 horsepower turbocharged inline-six engine. The manual version can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 155 mph.

The eight-speed Steptronic automatic will continue to be offered, but the Handschalter is likely to be the Z4 M40i for the keenest of drivers.

2024 BMW M2

The updated Z4 is not the only car in the BMW range available with a stick shift. In fact, the German brand continues to offer purists a selection of models to choose from.

The second-generation M2 is larger and more powerful than its predecessor, using a 453 horsepower version of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six engine.

Unlike other BMW M models, which have shifted towards all-wheel drive, the M2 remains resolutely rear-driven. Although there is an eight-speed automatic transmission on the options list, a six-speed manual remains the default choice.

2023 BMW M3

Sidestep the challenging looks of the latest BMW M3 and the car underneath is an impressive performance sedan. A manual transmission is still on the cards, but only for M3 models in rear-wheel-drive specification. Opting for an all-wheel-drive xDrive version requires an eight-speed ZF automatic.

With a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, the standard rear-driven M3 has 473 horsepower on offer. This allows for a top speed limited to 155 mph, plus a 0-60 mph sprint of just 4.1 seconds.

2025 BMW M4 Coupe

For those who prefer their BMW performance cars with two doors, the M4 Coupe offers similar thrills and performance to the M3.

BMW has updated its famous M3 for the 2025 model year, with a revised interior and new styling details.

It continues to allow the choice of a six-speed manual transmission for rear-wheel-drive versions, too.

2024 Toyota GR Supra

Toyota launched the fifth-generation GR Supra with an impressive ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Used by auto manufacturers around the world, the ZF ’box is renowned for snappy shifts and well-chosen gear ratios. However, it did not stop Supra fans demanding a manual option.

After years of pressure, Toyota finally relented by adding a stick shift. Toyota’s Intelligent Manual Transmission uses rev-matching technology to deliver perfect downshifts. Sharing the same platform as the BMW Z4, the manual version is only available with the 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine.

2024 Toyota GR Corolla

Enthusiasts will be well-served by the 2023 Toyota GR Corolla, too. With rally-bred all-wheel-drive ability, plus a 300 horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, there could only be one transmission to ensure maximum enjoyment.

A six-speed manual is the only gearbox available. Multiple settings allow the torque-split to be varied between the front and rear axles. Buyers opting for the Circuit Edition also gain front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials.

2024 Toyota GR86

Completing Toyota’s Gazoo Racing performance fleet is the GR86 coupe. Successor to the popular GT86 model, like its predecessor it was developed in partnership with Subaru.

A larger 2.4-liter flat-four ‘Boxer’ engine offers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. As standard, Toyota fits the GR86 with a six-speed manual transmission, which sends power to the rear wheels.

Buyers can opt for a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters, but it hardly seems in keeping with the spirit of the GR86.

2024 Subaru BRZ tS

Developed alongside the Toyota GR86, the new Subaru BRZ also features a manual transmission as standard.

As with the Toyota, customers can specify a six-speed automatic transmission should they so wish. Along with increasing the 0-60 mph time, however, the auto ’box adds $2,000 to the list price.

New for 2024 is the BRZ tS model, with upgraded suspension and Brembo brakes. But a manual transmission remains.

2024 Subaru WRX

Subaru has said that this is likely to be the final WRX without some form of electrification. There will also be no range-topping STI performance version, meaning fans will have to make do with ‘just’ 271 horsepower.

The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine comes as standard with Subaru’s six-speed manual transmission. Subaru’s Sport Performance CVT unit is available as an option, and fitted as standard to the upmarket WRX GT model.

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Continuing to be the solution to virtually all motoring questions on the internet, the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains focussed on driving pleasure. Both the regular Roadster and the RF (Retractable Fastback) model have a manual transmission by default.

This six-speed unit comes complete with a short-throw shifter. Mazda does offer a six-speed automatic on the options list, but the Miata is very much a car that deserves to be driven with three pedals.

2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI 380

The Volkswagen Golf GTI was one of the few compact performance cars available with a manual transmission. However, 2024 marks the final model year that a stick shift will be offered for the GTI. With an updated version recently announced, you will need to move fast to own one.

Every manual-equipped 2024 Golf GTI will be sold in special ‘380’ trim, commemorating the old-school transmission. The name is taken from the internal model code used for the eighth-generation Golf GTI, and is a reminder of the 2002 GTI 337 edition.

With the Golf GTI 380, buyers will get DCC adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels and a gloss black roof. Power comes from the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.

2024 Volkswagen Golf R

North America is a special place for the Volkswagen Golf R, too. Other countries around the world have to accept a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission for the all-wheel-drive hot hatchback. The company made the six-speed manual an exclusive option, but one that also ends with the 2024 model year.

With a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Golf R delivers 315 horsepower. Cars fitted with a DSG auto transmission get an extra 15 lb-ft of torque compared to the manual, but that seems a small price to pay for driving a stick shift.

2024 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 40th Anniversary

The Jetta GLI is Volkswagen’s compact performance sedan, with the latest seventh-generation version offering more ability than ever. For the 2024 model year, the Jetta GLI is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

It shares a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the Golf GTI, delivering 228 horsepower through the front wheels. Volkswagen supplies the Jetta GLI as standard with a six-speed manual transmission. A seven-speed DSG dual-clutcher is an option.

2024 Honda Civic Si

Now into its 11th generation, Honda shows no sign of changing the successful formula for the Civic. This means continuing the performance Si model, even though the latest version comes solely in a sedan body style.

Powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new Civic Si has 200 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque. Feeding this to the front wheels is a limited-slip differential, combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Rev-matching technology ensures perfect downshifts every time.

2024 Honda Civic Type R

Not only does the Honda Civic Type R come with a six-speed manual transmission, it also happens to be one of the best stick shifts ever fitted to a compact performance car. In fact, you will need a Porsche 911 GT3 to find a manual gearbox that is more mechanically rewarding.

Combined with a 320 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the Civic Type R is one of the best hot hatchbacks around. Honda does not even bother offering an auto version of the Type R, sure of what its customers really want.

2024 Acura Integra Type S

Returning after an absence of two decades, the new Acura Integra has matured during its time away. Unlike the previous two coupe models, the latest Integra features a five-door liftback design.

The high-performance Type S version uses a 320 horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual transmission is the only option for the Type S, complete with automatic rev-matching.

2024 Nissan Z

The latest model in Nissan’s famous Z-car lineage has now entered production. Compared with the previous 370Z, the new car has received a substantial boost in performance. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 offers 400 horsepower, combined with 350 lb-ft of torque.

To ensure the Z remains a car for enthusiasts, a six-speed manual is the default transmission. This includes launch control for the rear-driven machine, along with rev-matching technology for downshifts. A new Nismo Z model for 2024 only comes with a nine-speed automatic, however.

2024 Hyundai Elantra N

Hyundai has updated its compact performance sedan for the 2024 model year, and the six-speed manual transmission remains the default option. Choosing the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic requires spending an additional $1,500.

Although the 2024 Elantra N gains some sharp styling enhancements, and minor technical tweaks, its 276 horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine remains the same.

2024 Kia Forte GT

It might come as a surprise to learn that in the age of electrified Kia SUVs, the Forte compact sedan still exists. Even more surprisingly, it continues to be sold in sporty GT trim with a six-speed manual transmission.

Fitted with a 201 horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, the Forte GT is a commendable rival to compact cars like the Honda Civic Si.

It’s also one of the most affordable ways to own a new sports car with a stick shift transmission.

2024 Mini John Cooper Works Hardtop

Promising to put a smile on the face of its driver, the Mini John Cooper Works lives to entertain. This includes retaining a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is a relatively large motor for such a small car. It allows the John Cooper Works to accelerate from 0-62 mph in around six seconds.

Mini does offer an eight-speed automatic paddle-shift transmission as an option, but the hot hatchback begs to be driven with three pedals.

2024 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang is now into its seventh generation, with new styling and a host of advanced technology. Even with progress, though, some things manage to stay the same.

Pick the Mustang GT and a Tremec six-speed manual transmission is fitted, while the hardcore Dark Horse uses a six-speed Tremec unit. Both come with rev-matching as standard.

The 2.3-liter EcoBoost Mustang only comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission, though.

2024 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

With the mid-engined C8 Corvette built solely with a dual-clutch transmission, the Camaro is now the only sports car in the Chevrolet range with a manual. Time is nearly up on the Camaro, though, and you will need to find a new model in dealership stock to buy.

Thankfully, every engine in the 2024 Camaro range could be ordered with a stick shift, from the 1LS 3.6-liter V-6 through to the 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 in the ZL1.

Picking the latter means shifting your own gears, and the added bonus of 650 horsepower to play with.

2024 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing

Cadillac has gone all-out with its pair of Blackwing performance sedans. Optimized for track performance, the CT4-V Blackwing is powered by a 472 horsepower 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-6.

Although Cadillac does offer a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Tremec six-speed manual is not the poor relation. It only loses 0.2 seconds to the automatic version in a 0-60 mph sprint, with a still-swift time of 4.1 seconds.

2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

If you’re surprised that the CT4-V Blackwing is offered with a manual transmission, the CT5-V Blackwing coming with a stick shift will be even more of a shock. As the fastest and most powerful production Cadillac in history, this is a very special vehicle.

Caddy has updated its top performance sedan for the 2025 model year, with a new look and huge infotainment touchscreen. However, the manual transmission remains available.

The CT5-V Blackwing’s 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 produces 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. It allows for a top speed in excess of 200 mph, along with track-tailored handling. Yes, a 10-speed automatic is optional, but a manual ’box just seems right for this extreme sedan.

2024 Porsche 718 Boxster

Porsche is on a mission to electrify its range, with the Taycan proving to be an accomplished sports car in its own right. This does not mean the German company has forgotten its roots, though.

Despite Porsche’s excellent PDK dual-clutch transmission, multiple models in the range are still on sale with a stick shift. This includes all versions of the mid-engined 718 Boxster, including the GTS model with a 4.0-liter flat-six engine.

2024 Porsche 718 Cayman GTS

As the coupe version of the 718 Boxster, the Porsche Cayman can also be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission.

Like the Boxster, this includes the GTS version, which is powered by an impressive 394 horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine.

2024 Porsche 911 GT3

The continual evolution of the Porsche 911 sports car has seen many things change, but a manual transmission remains. Depending on the model chosen, customers are offered either a six- or seven-speed stick shift for their 911.

The three-pedal option even extends to the race-inspired 911 GT3, powered by a 518 horsepower 4.0-liter flat-six engine. Porsche previously offered the GT3 with a PDK dual-clutch transmission only, but customer demand saw the manual option reinstated.

2024 Porsche 911 T

Even one of the latest models to join the Porsche 911 range, the S/T, continues to be offered with the option of a six-speed manual.

Sold as a limited edition to celebrate the model line’s 60th anniversary, it seems only right that the 911 S/T is available with a stick shift.

Technology taken from the 911 GT3 has helped save weight, making the S/T the lightest Porsche of the 992 generation. The manual transmission is combined with a lighter clutch, plus a single-mass flywheel to help shed more pounds.

2024 Lotus Emira V6

As the last new Lotus with an internal combustion engine, much is riding on the Emira to deliver a lasting legacy. The mid-engined sports car is offered with a choice of two engines, dictating the availability of a stick shift.

The 360 horsepower AMG-supplied four-cylinder turbo engine is combined solely with an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. However, picking the 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V-6 results in 400 horsepower, plus the option of a six-speed manual.

2024 Ford Bronco EcoBoost

Are we stretching the definition of ‘sports car’ by including the Ford Bronco on this list? Maybe just a little, but it is technically a Sports Utility Vehicle, so that is our justification.

A seven-speed manual transmission is offered for Broncos powered by the turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine. With 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, 0-60 mph takes less than eight seconds.

The Getrag stick shift is designed to offer six normal forward gears, plus one ultra-low crawler gear for greater precision when off-roading.

2024 Jeep Wrangler

If we are going to include the Ford Bronco, then we may as well have the Jeep Wrangler round out this collection. Despite Jeep moving closer towards electrification, there is still the potential to shift your own gears with the right Wrangler options.

Choose a model powered by the base 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and the option of a six-speed manual transmission is still there. Similar to the Bronco, first gear in the Wrangler is extra-low, to help with control when in the dirt.

Sadly, the stick shift cannot be combined with the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 found in the Rubicon 392 model.