5 Exciting New Cars That Are Keeping Manual Transmission Alive

In the year 2023, driving a vehicle with manual transmission can be seen as something worth bragging about. According to The New York Times, approximately 18 percent of Americans know how to drive a stick shift, and that number has been gradually decreasing year by year as vehicles with automatic transmissions drastically outnumber those with three pedals. But even with the age of the electric car upon us, many automakers are keeping the thrill and engagement of the stick shift alive.

RELATED: Study Suggests That More Young People Are Purposefully Driving Manual Cars

2024 Ford Mustang GT

Available in both automatic and six-speed manual transmission, the 2024 Ford Mustang dropped the stick shift from its EcoBoost model, making the GT the most affordable new trim featuring a stick shift with a starting MSRP of $42,495. Not to mention that this model is also powered by the mighty next-generation 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 engine that throttle junkies will absolutely love, especially considering it is capable of producing 500 horsepower and 418 pound-feet of torque. Plus, for those that want their cars to come with even more performance, there is the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse that features the race-ready Tremec TR-3160 six-speed manual transmission.

2024 BMW M2

As new cars with a manual transmission can feel like a commodity sometimes, BMW’s M series like the M2 and M3 manages to fulfill the needs of eager drivers aiming to get behind the wheel of a sport car. Regarding the 2024 BMW M2, this second-generation model features an option to come with a six-speed stick shift to satisfy the desire of having complete control over this high-powered coupe. For added excitement, the M2 is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-litre N55B30T0 straight-six engine that generates 453 horsepower and 343 lb-ft of torque. Of course, a lot of that power can be wrangled in for those interested in the eight-speed automatic model.

#3 2024 Honda Civic Type R

While most new vehicles are produced with an automatic transmission in mind with a handful of manual options, the 2024 Honda Civic Type R doesn’t follow this pattern. The 11th-generation Type R is strictly manual transmission only with a 6-speed manual transmission with rev-match control coupled with its 315-horsepower 2.0L VTEC engine. It’s no surprise to find one of these cars on the track, so it only makes sense that the same kind of thrill and excitement is carried over to the street.

#4 2024 Toyota GR86

The 2024 Toyota GR86 will be available both in six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmission. But even though we all know and enjoy the ease and comfort that comes with an automatic transmission, it would be a disservice to overlook the fun of shifting through the gears running the 2.4L flat four-cylinder engine. As an added bonus, this car is rear-wheel drive, meaning that the opportunities for burnouts are always there as long as you’ve got a healthy budget for extra tires.

#5 2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0

If you are a fan of the GZAOO Racing team, then you are in for a treat. That is because the 2024 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 is available for ordering with a manual transmission, and you can finally make those octane-fueled dreams of yours into a reality. It should be noted that the six-speed manual transmission is available only with the turbocharged 3.0L inline six-cylinder, rather than the 2.0L engine.

Very much like how the 2024 Ford Mustang excluded stick shift from its base model, the next available trim with a manual option comes with an MSRP starting at $54,000. But if you’re the kind of auto enthusiast that likes to get the most bang for their buck, that is money well spent.