While the automotive industry races towards self-driving cars and lightning-fast automatics, a small but passionate group still yearns for the raw connection offered by a manual transmission. These drivers crave the visceral thrill of controlling every gear change, feeling the engine’s throb against the revs, and crafting their own symphony of sound from the exhaust note. While modern sports cars increasingly eschew the stick shift in favor of dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs) that shift quicker and smoother, a handful still offer this driver-centric experience. Here are ten manual transmission sports cars set to be available in 2025, ranging from nimble lightweight fun to high-horsepower beasts.
The Classics Reborn: Lightweight Agility Reigns
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Mazda MX-5 Miata: The quintessential affordable roadster epitomizes the pure joy of driving. Its compact size and balanced chassis are tailor-made for carving corners, while its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a lively punch through a precise six-speed manual transmission. Available with a retractable hardtop or soft top, the Miata remains the undisputed king of affordable open-air thrills.
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Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86: These twins represent an exciting return to form for lightweight, rear-wheel drive sports coupes. Sharing their platform and spirit, they pack nimble handling into packages that are surprisingly roomy for passengers (though don’t expect much backseat practicality). The 2.4-liter flat-four engine might not be a powerhouse, but its responsive character shines through the six-speed manual gearbox.
Hot Hatch Havoc: Performance with Practicality
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Toyota GR Corolla: Built to wage war on the hot hatch battlefield, the GR Corolla packs a potent punch with a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission ensure maximum traction and driver engagement for conquering twisty roads or even rally stages.
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Honda Civic Type R: Long a favorite among enthusiasts, the Type R continues to deliver on its promise of blistering performance with a refined chassis and razor-sharp handling. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sends 315 horsepower through a lightning-quick six-speed manual transmission.
The Luxury Muscle:
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BMW M2: The BMW M2 embodies the quintessential driver’s coupe with its potent inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, and perfectly balanced chassis. The standard eight-speed automatic might be quick, but opting for the six-speed manual elevates the experience, giving you complete control over every gear change in this exhilarating performance machine.
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Ford Mustang: The iconic American muscle car remains a powerful symbol of freedom and raw power. While its EcoBoost four-cylinder engine comes solely with an automatic transmission, the V8 models still offer the satisfaction of a six-speed manual gearbox and a rumbling soundtrack that echoes across generations.
Precision Engineering at Its Finest:
- Lotus Emira: A swansong to combustion engines from Lotus, the Emira blends their legendary lightweight design philosophy with potent performance. The supercharged V6 engine borrowed from Toyota delivers 400 horsepower through either a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission. The Emira’s focus on raw driving feedback and razor-sharp handling makes it a serious contender for those seeking purity of form and function.
Unbridled Performance:
- Porsche 718 Cayman/Boxster: Porsche’s mid-engine sports car duo delivers legendary handling and a balanced chassis that rewards skillful driving. While both the Cayman and Boxster offer powerful turbocharged flat-four engines, those seeking maximum engagement should opt for one of their more potent flat-six configurations paired with the sublime six-speed manual transmission.
These ten remaining sports cars demonstrate that the spirit of manual driving endures, proving that the tactile connection between driver and machine remains deeply alluring in an increasingly automated world.
