Supercars You Can Still Purchase with a Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is nearly a thing of the past. Fewer and fewer automakers rely on manual gearboxes, especially in America, due to low financial gains and rapid development of automatic gearboxes. Modern automatic gearboxes are just as good as manual gearboxes in parameters which were previously considered as advantages of the manuals. But when we talk about niche segments like supercars, there’s a different set of rules (the automation trend is not so obvious). So in this article we will review several supercars that are still equipped with three pedals, however admirers of high-performance sports cars with manual gearboxes will have to loosen their purse strings to purchase these great cars.

Chevy Corvette ZR1

The main advantage of the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 2018 is its new 6,2-liter V8 LT5 engine with direct fluid injection and mechanical compressor. The engine power moved to a new level for Corvette – 755 h. p. It is 100 h.p. higher than in well-known Corvette Z06. The maximum torque in the ZR1 is 969 Nm (715 lb-ft). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 sec., while the maximum speed exceeds 340 km/h (211mph). The ZR1 2018 can be equipped with a 7-manual gearbox or an 8-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox. The price for this supercar starts at $119,995.

Porsche 911 GT3

The new Porsche 911 GT3 has a naturally aspirated 4-liter and 6-cylinder boxer engine with the power equal to 500 h.p. (373 kW) and 458 Nm (340 lb-ft) of torque. This model can be equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

It is worth mentioning that the automatic transmission described as standard option for 911 GT3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h for 3,4 seconds and the maximum speed exceeds 328 km/h. In case with an optional manual gearbox, acceleration up to 100 km/h will take 0.6 seconds longer and the maximum speed up to 330 km/h (205 mph). The manual GT3 is 41 kg. lighter than the model with the PDK transmission, but both versions have upgraded chassis with rear wheel steering. Potential buyers will have to pay at least $145,000.

Lotus Evora GT430

In 2017 the company Lotus presented a new modification of its sports car Evora named as GT430. The new car has become the most powerful road car manufactured by the British automaker. The GT430 is powered by a supercharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 436 h.p. and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The car can accelerate from standstill to 96 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and its maximum speed is 305 km/h (189 mph). The weight of GT430 is 1258kg— 26 kg less than the Evora Sport 410. A set of standard features also includes a titanium exhaust system, self-locking differential Torsen, new light springs Ohlins. Like its predecessors, the Lotus Evora GT430 is based on the company’s principle. “Simplify, then add lightness.”

Noble M600

The roadster Noble M600 is equipped with the 4,4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine designed by Yamaha. This engine was installed on the first generation of Volvo SUVs XC90. The power output is 650 horsepower, and torque reaches up to 880 Nm (604 lb-ft). The model M600 can be equipped with the sequential gearbox, where the torque is transmitted from the engine to the rear axle of the roadster, or with the 6-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to such «under-the-hood» components, the Noble M600 Speedster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds, while the maximum speed reaches up to 320 km/h (198 mph). Unfortunately, Noble is not sold in America, so if you’re keen to get one (for at least 200,000 GBP), taking up UK residency is highly recommended.

Chevy Corvette Z06

The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is a great supercar, which combines top-level of engineering skills and sophisticated car components designed using the most advanced scientific achievements. Experts especially point out the perfectly designed chassis, engine and aerodynamics system. The upgraded Z06 is based on the concept «Reality exceeds expectations ».

The Z06 is powered by an LT4 8-cylinder, 6.2-liter aluminum supercharged engine with the output equal to 650 hp and 880 Nm (650 lb-ft) of torque. This Corvette is a powerful and productive supercar with direct fuel injection, fuel management system known as Active Fuel Management and continuously variable valve timing.The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has two transmission options: a seven-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed automatic gearbox with shift paddles. The manual version with the technology Active Rev Matching technology enhances your driving experience creating a feeling of lightness when you press on the clutch pedal. The 8-speed automatic gearbox guarantees smooth operation and rapid gear shifting. The base price for the Z06 is $82,000.

Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta

Finally, we will review an incredible Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta. This $17.5 Million Italian supercar is the most expensive car in the world. The “under-the-hood” components of the HP Barchetta include the following: an AMG V12 engine that is capable of producing 789 bhp and 850 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, along with a mechanical locking diff and rear-wheel-drive. The top-speed is 355 km/h (220 mph) and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds. The interior of this exclusive supercar is made of beige leather, and the inserts are made in Scottish style to match the color of the blue body. The company Pagani Automobili has produced only 3 supercars Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta so far, one of them belongs to the owner of the company Horacio Pagani. It is worth mentioning that the Italian carmaker had been manufacturing production cars from 1999 to 2011. After that, Pagani supercars have been produced only on a by-order basis as exclusive cars.

As you can see producers of supercars still see a strong potential in cars with manual transmissions and admirers of fancy cars are ready to pay big money for models with a stick shift. Therefore, it is premature to say that manual transmissions outlived their usefulness.