For many driving enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like the sensation of rowing through the gears of a high-performance car with a manual transmission.
While many automakers have moved away from manual gearboxes in their fastest models, there are still plenty of options out there for those who prefer to take control of their driving experience.
In this article, we'll be taking a look at the top eleven fastest cars on the market that still offer a manual transmission. From blistering acceleration to razor-sharp handling, these cars are sure to get your heart racing and your hands gripping the gearshift. So buckle up and get ready to explore the pinnacle of manual driving performance.
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Top Speed: 155 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.8 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
The 2009 IFR Aspid Supersport is a lightweight, high-performance sports car designed and built by the British automaker IFR Automotive.
The car is a true driver's car, designed to provide maximum performance and handling on both the street and the track.
Under the hood, the Aspid Supersport gets urging from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces up to 400 horsepower to support the car's impressive 2.8 seconds 0-to-60 mph acceleration.
The engine mates with a six-speed manual transmission, providing a direct and engaging driving experience. One of the most distinctive features of the Aspid Supersport is its lightweight construction, with a total weight of just 1,650 pounds.
IFR achieved this by using advanced materials, such as carbon fiber and aluminum, engendering a reduced weight without sacrificing strength and rigidity.
Like many others on this list, the Aspid Supersport features a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, marked by a low-slung profile and sharp lines that give it a futuristic look.
The sleek design is far from just for show. The front splitter and rear diffuser work together to improve downforce and aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the Aspid Supersport is sparsely appointed since the focus is on providing a pure driving experience. The interior features lightweight racing seats and a minimalist dashboard, with a large tachometer and speedometer front and center.
Overall, the 2009 IFR Aspid Supersport is a unique and exciting sports car that combines cutting-edge technology with a pure and engaging driving experience.
While it may not have the same level of brand recognition as other high-performance sports cars, the Aspid Supersport is sure to turn heads and deliver an unforgettable driving experience for those lucky enough to plant their rear on the driver’s seat.
Top Speed: 155 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.7 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Sadev Sequential Manual
The 2015 Ariel Atom 3.5R is a high-performance sports car designed and built by British automotive manufacturer Ariel Motor Company.
The car is an updated version of the popular Ariel Atom, meaning improved performance and handling capabilities. One of the most notable features of the Ariel Atom 3.5R is its lightweight design. The car weighs just 550 kg, allowing it to accelerate quickly and handle corners with sweet ease.
The Atom 3.5R gets motivation from a supercharged 2.0-liter Honda engine that produces 350 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, propelling it to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph.
In addition to its impressive performance, the Ariel Atom 3.5R also features a unique open-wheel design that promotes maximum visibility and a sense of connection with the road. Consequently, the 3.5R has a minimalist interior focusing on functionality and performance.
The Ariel Atom 3.5R also features a range of high-performance features, including adjustable suspension, limited-slip differential, and high-performance brakes. These features help improve the car's handling and ensure it can handle even the most challenging driving conditions.
Overall, the Ariel Atom 3.5R is a highly capable and exciting sports car guaranteed to impress driving enthusiasts. With its lightweight design, powerful engine, and advanced performance features, the Atom 3.5R offers a thrilling driving experience that is hard to match.
Top Speed: 175 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.5 Seconds
Transmission: 6-speed Honda Civic Type R Manual & 6-speed Sequential Manual
The 2017 Rezvani Beast is a high-performance sports car designed and built by Rezvani Motors, a California-based boutique automaker.
The Beast was the company’s first offering and boasts a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, plus a powerful engine and advanced technology features to stand out in its class.
At the belly of the Beast lies a 2.4-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 500 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. This impressive powertrain allows the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars on the road.
Note that the Beast has several variants: the 500-hp Beast Alpha, powered by a Cosworth-tuned turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-4; the 700-hp Beast X, powered by a Cosworth 2.5-liter straight-4 with Borg Warners turbo; the 525-hp Beast Alpha X, powered by a Cosworth 2.5-liter I-4, and the 700hp Beast Alpha X Blackbird.
In terms of design, the 2017 Rezvani Beast features sharp lines and aggressive styling that give it a distinctive and eye-catching appearance.
The car's lightweight carbon fiber body and aerodynamic shape helps to improve its performance and handling, while its premium leather interior and advanced tech features provide a comfortable and luxurious driving experience.
Overall, the 2017 Rezvani Beast is a true driver's car with exceptional performance, style, and technology.
The Beast's unique design and powerful engine make it a standout in the crowded sports car market, and its advanced features and luxurious interior make it a joy to drive on both the track and the open road. Rezvani makes just a handful of them each year.
Top Speed: 200 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.3 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Sequential Manual
The 2012 Ariel Atom 500 (V8) is a high-performance sports car with incredible acceleration and handling capabilities.
With a lightweight construction and a powerful V8 engine, this car is capable of reaching speeds of up to 200 mph and can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds.
The Atom 500 (V8) features a unique design that places the driver at the center of the action. It uses a minimalist interior that focuses on performance and functionality.
This car is for gearheads who demand the ultimate driving experience. It delivers precise handling, lightning-fast acceleration, and a thrilling exhaust note that will turn heads wherever you go.
Despite its incredible performance capabilities, the Atom 500 (V8) is surprisingly easy to drive, thanks to responsive steering and excellent visibility that make it a joy to operate on both the track and the open road.
Overall, the 2012 Ariel Atom 500 (V8) is a true masterpiece of engineering and design, offering a driving experience unlike anything else on the road.
Top Speed: 205 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.5 Seconds
Transmission: Hewland Six-Speed Sequential Manual
The 2007 Caparo T1 is a high-performance sports car designed with racing in mind. It’s the product of British engineering company Caparo Vehicle Technologies and got unveiled in 2006 at the British International Motor Show.
Caparo Vehicle Technologies designed the T1 as a road-legal go-to car for the ultimate track experience, at least in certain countries.
This lightweight, open-cockpit track car uses a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V8 engine producing 575 horsepower, enabling the T1 to reach a top speed of 205 miles per hour and accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds.
The T1's advanced aerodynamics, lightweight construction, and high-performance brakes make it an exceptional performer on the track. You could consider it a prettier and more powerful alternative to the Atom 3.5R.
The T1's chassis is constructed from carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb, making it incredibly lightweight and strong. The suspension is also fully adjustable, allowing drivers to fine-tune the handling to their preferences.
Caparo designed the T1's cockpit to provide a comfortable driving experience, complete with adjustable pedals and seats that mold to the driver's body.
Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the T1 is equally conscious of safety. That explains the full roll cage, fire suppression system, and other safety features that make it suitable for both track use and road driving.
Summarily, the 2007 Caparo T1 is a race-bred high-performance sports car. Its lightweight construction, powerful engine, and advanced aerodynamics make it an exceptional performer on the track, while its road-legal status in certain countries makes it a versatile option for driving enthusiasts.
Top Speed: 217 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.7 Seconds
Transmission: 6-Speed Xtrac 672 Sequential Manual
The Pagani Zonda R is a limited edition supercar released in 2010 by the Italian automaker Pagani. It was designed as the ultimate track-focused version of the Zonda, with several performance enhancements and weight-saving measures that make it one of the most impressive cars ever produced.
The Zonda R gets urging from a massive 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 800 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This is mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox that provides lightning-fast shifts and incredible acceleration.
The car also features a custom suspension system, with double wishbones and adjustable dampers that lets it handle even the most challenging tracks with ease.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Zonda R is its lightweight construction.
The car weighs just 2,359 pounds, thanks in part to its carbon fiber monocoque chassis and body panels. This allows it to achieve incredible performance figures, with 0-60 mph times of just 2.7 seconds and a top speed of over 217 mph.
The Zonda R was produced in a limited run of just 15 units between 2009 and 2011, making it a highly sought-after collector's item among automotive enthusiasts.
Its stunning design, incredible performance, and exclusivity have cemented its place as one of the most iconic supercars of all time.
If you're looking for a track-focused supercar that combines stunning design with incredible performance, the Pagani Zonda R is an excellent choice (assuming one pops up on the market).
Its limited production run and exclusive status make it a rare find, but for those lucky enough to get their hands on one, it's an experience unlike any other.
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Top Speed: 220 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.6 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
The Ultima GTR 720 is a high-performance sports car first introduced in 2006 by British automaker Ultima Sports Ltd. This car got designed with one goal: to provide an unparalleled driving experience for those who crave speed and adrenaline.
At the heart of the Ultima GTR 720 lies a massive 7.0-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. This powerful engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, allowing for lightning-fast gear changes and incredible acceleration.
The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and has a top speed of over 220 mph. The Ultima GTR 720 also boasts a lightweight construction.
Its chassis is of high-strength steel, and the body is of lightweight composite materials. This allows the car to achieve an exceptional power-to-weight ratio to engender an even faster acceleration and better handling.
The GTR 720 features a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, highlighted by its low profile and sharp angles that give it a menacing appearance. The interior is equally impressive, though with a minimalist design that puts the focus squarely on the driving experience.
The Ultima GTR 720 is a limited production car, with only a handful of units produced each year. This exclusivity, combined with its exceptional performance and stunning design, makes it a highly sought-after sports car among automotive enthusiasts.
If you have the cash and want a high-performance sports car that delivers unparalleled speed and handling, the Ultima GTR 720 is an excellent choice. Its powerful engine, lightweight construction, and exclusive status make it not only a rare and thrilling ride but also a head-turner wherever you go.
Top Speed: 256 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.7 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
The 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT is a high-performance supercar produced by SSC North America (formerly known as Shelby SuperCars).
With a top speed of 256 mph, the Ultimate Aero TT held the Guinness World Record as the fastest production car in the world from 2007 to 2010, outpacing formidable rivals like Bugatti Veyron.
Under the hood, the Ultimate Aero TT boasts a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces over 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds.
The engine married a six-speed manual transmission, providing a thrilling driving experience for those rich or lucky enough to get behind the wheel.
The Ultimate Aero TT’s sleek and aerodynamic body design flaunts a low-slung profile and sharp angles that give the car a futuristic look.
The body is made from lightweight carbon fiber, helping to reduce weight and improve performance. Inside, the Ultimate Aero TT is surprisingly comfortable, with leather seats and a high-end sound system. However, the focus is on performance, and the Aero TT delivers in spades.
Overall, the 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero TT is a true supercar that pushes the limits of what is possible in terms of speed and performance. While it may not have the same level of brand recognition as some of its rivals, it more than makes up for it with its raw power and impressive engineering.
Top Speed: 265.6 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.4 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Ricardo Manual
The 2016 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is a limited-production supercar with breathtaking performance and exclusivity.
With a top speed of over 260 mph, the Venom GT Spyder is one of the fastest production cars ever made, thanks to its twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a mind-boggling 1,451 horsepower.
The car's lightweight construction and aerodynamic design help it achieve incredible acceleration. It can vroom from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds.
The Venom GT Spyder features a convertible roof that allows drivers to experience the thrill of open-air motoring while enjoying the car's incredible performance capabilities.
Inside, the Venom GT Spyder offers a luxurious and high-tech cabin. The interior boasts premium materials and advanced features that enhance the driving experience.
With only a handful of examples produced, the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is an ultra-rare and highly sought-after supercar that offers a driving experience unlike anything else on the road.
Whether you're a collector or a driving enthusiast, the 2016 Hennessey Venom GT Spyder is a true masterpiece of automotive engineering and design.
Top Speed: 270 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.7 Seconds
Transmission: Six-Speed Ricardo Manual
The 2012 Hennessey Venom GT is a high-performance sports car by the American tuning company Hennessey Performance Engineering. The car is based on the Lotus Exige and features a modified design and a powerful engine.
One of the most notable features of the Hennessey Venom GT is its impressive performance.
The Venom gets motivation from a twin-turbocharged 7.0-liter V8 engine cranking out a massive 1,244 horsepower and 1,155 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Venom GT to wake from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 270 mph.
To achieve such impressive performance, The Venom GT supports its powerful engine with a lightweight design. Weighing just 2,743 pounds, the car delivers a near-lightning-quick acceleration and nimble cornering.
Its unique design features a low profile and aerodynamic elements that help improve its performance.
The Hennessey Venom GT is also equipped with a range of high-performance features, including adjustable suspension, high-performance brakes, and a limited-slip differential. These features improve the car's handling and ability to make mince meat of even the most challenging driving conditions.
Overall, the Hennessey Venom GT is a highly capable and exciting sports car that is sure to impress driving enthusiasts. With its powerful engine, lightweight design, and advanced performance features, the car offers a thrilling driving experience that is hard to match.
Top Speed: 316.11 MPH
0–60 MPH Acceleration: 2.5 Seconds
Transmission: Seven-Speed CIMA Automated Manual
The SSC Tuatara is a high-performance supercar designed and built by SSC (Shelby SuperCars Inc) North America, an American hypercar manufacturer.
The car was first introduced in 2011 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and after several years of development, the production version was finally unveiled in 2019.
One of the most notable features of the SSC Tuatara is its powerful engine. The gets power from a 5.9-liter V8 engine that produces a staggering 1,350 horsepower and 1,280 lb-ft of torque. This allows the Tuatara to reach a top speed of over 300 mph, making it one of the fastest cars in the world.
The Tuatara has more than its impressive powertrain to thank for its razor-sharp performance. It features a sleek and aerodynamic design, and the car's entirely carbon fiber body substantially reduced the weight and improved performance.
The SSC Tuatara also features a unique "delta-wing" design that significantly improved its aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
Inside, the SSC Tuatara flaunts a range of high-tech features and luxury amenities. It features a custom-designed interior with premium materials and finishes, as well as a high-end audio system and advanced infotainment system.
Overall, the SSC Tuatara is an impressive supercar that offers unparalleled speed, performance, and luxury. With its powerful engine, aerodynamic design, and high-tech features, the car is sure to turn heads and impress even the most discerning car enthusiasts.
Sources: Zeroto60Times