My last post was about cars that don’t come with a manual transmission. This is the other foot that drops on a shoe; the Peter robbing Paul’s Mary; the left hand spying on the right. This one is about the good cars.
The list is biased toward cars that have both a manual transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), because that’s that what I want. If there’s a car that I missed, send me a comment and I’ll add it.
Acura
2014 TL SH-AWD 6-Speed Manual Transmission — Okay, that’s officially one of the options for the TL, but it has 6-speed manual right in the name. You gotta love Acura for that. I’ve been a fan of Honda/Acura shifters for years, so kudos to Acura for putting one on their AWD TL.
Audi
2014 Audi A4/S4 — I had Audi on the List of Shame, but they do make a car that I like with a manual transmission. If only they still sold this as a station wagon (Avant), that would be perfect.
BMW
2014 BMW 335i xDrive Sedan — Yet another sedan with AWD and a manual transmission (YASWAAAMT). It can’t be that hard to do, can it?
Chevrolet
2014 Chevrolet Corvette — It’s been vilified for not having a dual-clutch transmission, but I think it should be glorified for still having a manual.
Mitsubishi
2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — Manual transmission – check. All-wheel drive – check. Four doors – check. A trunk that barely fits diaper wipes – check. Who cares—I’m sure this is a fun car.
Porsche
2014 Porsche Carrera 4S — I’m glad to see that Porsche still makes a $105,630 family car, and with a 7-speed manual transmission to boot.
Subaru
2015 Subaru WRX STI — Subaru has only offered the STI with a manual transmission. This deserves some recognition from enthusiasts.
Volkswagen
2015 Volkswagen Golf R — If the Golf R is the people’s car, then I’m people. Unfortunately there isn’t any information on this car at VW’s U.S. website yet. I’m sure it will be expensive, but did you see how long this list is? Beggars may not afford this car, but it may be the car they choose.
Fahr-out vergnügen.
Updates
March 21, 2014, 2:48 pm: Added the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R.↩
Crankiness Rating: 1 out of 11 (Sadly this list is shorter than that other list.)
