Which Luxury Cars Still Come with a Manual Transmission in 2019?
In an era where automatic transmissions and paddle shifters reign supreme, it’s becoming increasingly rare to find a luxury car that offers the visceral thrill of a manual transmission. However, there are still a few holdouts that cater to driving enthusiasts who crave the tactile connection with their machines.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the luxury cars that still come with a manual transmission in 2019:
BMW
* BMW M2 Competition: This compact sports coupe offers a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, pairing perfectly with its potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine.
* BMW M4 Competition: The larger M4 coupe also comes with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission, giving drivers control over the car’s 444 horsepower engine.
Cadillac
* Cadillac ATS-V: This high-performance sedan is available with a 6-speed manual transmission, which complements its track-ready chassis and 464 horsepower engine.
* Cadillac CTS-V: The CTS-V sedan offers a 6-speed manual transmission as an option, delivering a thrilling driving experience with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine.
Chevrolet
* Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE: This track-focused muscle car comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, maximizing the driver’s control over its 650 horsepower supercharged V8 engine.
* Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: The iconic Corvette sports car is available with a 7-speed manual transmission, providing an unparalleled connection to its 460 horsepower V8 engine.
Dodge
* Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat: This brutally powerful muscle car offers a 6-speed manual transmission as an option, giving drivers the raw experience of controlling over 700 horsepower.
* Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye: The ultimate Challenger variant also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, providing a visceral driving experience with its 797 horsepower engine.
Fiat
* Fiat 124 Spider Abarth: This sporty convertible offers a 6-speed manual transmission, perfectly complementing its lively 1.4-liter turbocharged engine.
Ford
* Ford Mustang (EcoBoost, GT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350R): The legendary Mustang is still available with a 6-speed manual transmission across multiple trim levels, providing enthusiasts with a pure driving experience.
Honda
* Honda Civic Type R: This acclaimed hot hatchback comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission, delivering precise gear changes and an exhilarating driving experience.
Lotus
* Lotus Elise: This lightweight and agile sports car offers a 6-speed manual transmission in various variants, including the Elise Sport, Elise Sport 220, and Elise Cup 250.
* Lotus Exige: The Exige, a more potent version of the Elise, also comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, maximizing the driver’s control over its supercharged V6 engine.
Mini
* Mini John Cooper Works: This compact hot hatch offers a 6-speed manual transmission, providing a thrilling and agile driving experience.
Porsche
* Porsche 718 Boxster/Cayman: These mid-engine sports cars are available with a 6-speed manual transmission in both Boxster (convertible) and Cayman (coupe) variants.
* Porsche 911 Carrera/Carrera S/Carrera 4S/Targa 4/Targa 4S: The iconic 911 sports car offers a 7-speed manual transmission as an option in various trims, delivering a pure and engaging driving experience.
Toyota
* Toyota Supra: The revived Supra sports car comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, but it also offers a 6-speed manual transmission in select trims.
Conclusion
While automatic transmissions offer convenience and efficiency, manual transmissions continue to hold a special allure for driving enthusiasts who crave a more visceral and engaging driving experience. The luxury cars listed above offer a rare opportunity to indulge in the joy of shifting gears yourself, providing an unparalleled connection with the road and the machine beneath you.