In a world increasingly dominated by automatics‚ the manual transmission remains a symbol of pure driving engagement․ For those who crave the visceral connection of shifting gears themselves‚ the manual gearbox offers a unique and rewarding experience․ 2017 saw a number of fantastic sports cars still offering this option‚ giving enthusiasts a chance to revel in the art of driving․ Here are the top 5 manual transmission sports cars that captured the hearts of drivers in 2017⁚
1․ Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has long been the poster child for affordable‚ fun-to-drive sports cars․ The 2017 model year was no different‚ offering a spirited 2․0-liter engine and a precise six-speed manual transmission that made every drive a joy․ Its lightweight design and nimble handling ensured that every turn was an exhilarating experience․ The Miata’s focus on pure driving pleasure made it a perennial favorite among enthusiasts․
2․ Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ‚ along with its twin‚ the Toyota 86‚ offered a compelling blend of affordability and performance․ Its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution made it incredibly fun to drive on twisty roads․ The BRZ’s six-speed manual transmission provided smooth and precise shifts‚ allowing drivers to fully exploit its playful nature․ The BRZ’s rear-wheel drive layout and responsive handling made it a true driver’s car․
3․ Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R‚ while not strictly a “sports car” in the traditional sense‚ offered an undeniably sporty driving experience․ Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual transmission delivered a thrilling combination of power and responsiveness․ The Type R’s aggressive styling and track-focused suspension made it a standout performer on both the road and the track․
4․ Chevrolet Camaro SS
The Chevrolet Camaro SS was a muscle car with a strong emphasis on performance․ Its 6․2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission provided a potent combination of power and torque․ The Camaro’s muscular design and rear-wheel drive layout made it a driver’s car that could handle both everyday driving and track duty․ Its throaty exhaust note added to its captivating presence․
5․ Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 is an icon in the world of sports cars․ The 2017 model year continued the tradition of excellence‚ offering a range of powerful engine options and a seven-speed manual transmission that was both smooth and precise․ The 911’s legendary handling and iconic styling made it a dream car for many enthusiasts․ Its performance and prestige cemented its position as a benchmark in the automotive world․
These five manual transmission sports cars offered a diverse range of driving experiences‚ from the affordable fun of the MX-5 Miata to the high-performance thrills of the Porsche 911․ For those who appreciate the art of driving‚ a manual transmission is an essential ingredient in the ultimate driving experience․ These cars embodied the spirit of driving engagement‚ reminding us that even in a world of automation‚ the joy of shifting gears remains alive and well․