The once-celebrated manual transmission has regrettably fallen somewhat out of favor with enthusiastic drivers over the years. Early automatic transmissions fitted to supercars and sports cars were no match for their manual counterparts. They were slower to change gear, often indecisive, and generally far less engaging. The "F1" box fitted to cars like the Ferrari 360 and the F430 are prime examples, and now the manual versions of these cars are highly coveted. The "F1" boxes actually sold in higher numbers, primarily due to the novelty factor, as the "flappy paddles" had simply not been available before.

In recent years, however, with the advent of the dual-clutch box and vastly improved torque convertor automatics, the manual has fallen to the wayside in many respects. This is especially true when you consider the increase in electric and hybrid powertrains which are simply incompatible with a manual. Thankfully, many manufacturers do still offer the transmission option, and there are some seriously rapid manuals on the market today. Here are the fastest manual transmission sports cars of 2022.

Related:Everything We Love About The New Manual 2023 Toyota GR Supra

10 BMW M2 Competition (4.4 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

The BMW M2 Competition is a rear-wheel-drive powerhouse and a true enthusiast's choice. Under its hood, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine can be found. The four-seater coupe has a power output of 405 hp, which is ample for this relatively compact model.

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Via: Netcarshow

The car is aggressively styled and will appeal to many buyers. Regarding performance, a standard six-speed manual helps deliver a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The car is electronically limited to 155 mph unless the M Driver's Package is specified, in which case this is raised to a rapid 174 mph

9 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 (4.4 Seconds)

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via: Porsche Forum

The 718 Cayman is well respected as a driver's car, and this is for good reason. In the engine bay sits a 4.0-liter flat-six that revs up to 8000 rpm. Combined with an excellent short-throw six-speed manual gearbox, the car has a supercar rivaling a top speed of 188 mph.

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Via: Netcarshow

0-60 mph takes just 4.4 seconds, and the car can even make GT3 drivers sweat. Compared to the previous generation, the car generates 50 percent more downforce with a massive rear wing, a functional front splitter, and an underbody diffuser.

8 Ford Mustang Mach 1 (4.3 Seconds)

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NetCarShow

The Ford Mustang Mach 1 occupies a middle spot within the Mustang lineup. The car is kitted out with a 480-hp 5.0-liter V8 mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Bought new, the car represents great value for money, retailing for around the $50,000 mark.

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Via: Netcarshow

The manual box is sourced from the Shelby GT350 and helps the Mach 1 complete a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.3 seconds. It is pleasing to see Ford continuing to offer a manual option, as it just suits the V8's characteristics so well.

Related: Ford Wants To Save The Manuals With Its 7th Generation Ford Mustang

7 BMW M4 (4.3 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

The sleek but controversially styled BMW M4 Coupe is a seriously powerful rear-wheel-drive car. Powering the beast is a 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine producing 480 hp, this transports the M4 from 0-60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. The car tops out at an electronically limited 155 mph, or a massive 180 mph when specified with the M Driver's Package.

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via: BMW

It is a real bonus BMW has decided to fit the M4 with a manual, given the high power levels generated.

Related: 8 Great Reasons To Be Driving A Manual Transmission Car In 2022

6 BMW M3 (4.2 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

Sharing much mechanically with the M4 above, the marginally faster M3 adds a more practical choice to the BMW "M" car range. Performance is certainly not compromised, however, since the car is fitted with the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six as the M4. As a standard car, it retails for around $71,000, and buyers wishing to opt for the manual must select this version, the slightly more expensive "Competition" can only be specified with an automatic transmission.

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Via: Netcarshow

Passing 473 hp through the M3's rear wheels, the car can slingshot to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Potentially benefiting the handling, the manual car is 25 kg lighter than the automatic and 165 lbs lighter than the all-wheel-drive version.

5 Porsche 911 Sport Classic (4.1 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

The beautifully styled and retro-influenced 911 Sport Classic is the most powerful manual 911 available today. Powering this thing of beauty is a 402-hp 3.7-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, which is mated to a seven-speed manual gearbox

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Via: Netcarshow

The car will be a rare thing, with just 1250 examples rolling off the production line. The car's most obvious design feature is its "ducktail" spoiler, something that was featured on the Carrera 2.7 RS and was widely celebrated.

4 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing (4.0 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

Retailing at just over $60,000, the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing is an intriguing proposition. Under the car's hood is a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 producing 472 hp. This stonking unit propels the CT4-V to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, most impressively this is achieved in combination with a standard six-speed manual transmission.

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Via: Cadillac

The power output enables the car to go on to a top speed of 189 mph, not far off the significant 200 mph mark.

3 Lotus Evora GT (3.8 Seconds)

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Via: Lotus

The stripped-back and raw Lotus Evora GT is powered by a 416-hp supercharged 3.5-liter V6. Lotus is renowned for its driver-focused and engaging cars, and the Evora GT is no exception. It is also the only Lotus sports car currently on sale in the US, making it an easy choice

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Via: Lotus

The car's top speed is supercar rivaling 188 mph.

2 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (3.7 Seconds)

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Via: Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 offers great value for the money, retailing for around $66,000 and being fitted with a 650-hp engine. The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 found under the car's hood really makes the car, providing enough grunt to enjoy a track day.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Rear
Via: Chevrolet

0-60 mph is rated at 3.7 seconds, and the car eventually runs out of steam at a scarcely believable 198 mph.

1 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (3.4 Seconds)

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Via: Netcarshow

Perhaps surprisingly, the fastest manual on this list is actually a sports sedan rather than a sports car. This is no ordinary sedan however, this car has a top speed in excess of 200 mph and remarkably can still be chosen with a six-speed manual gearbox.

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Via: Netcarshow

Under the hood, a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine sits producing a huge 677 hp. The engine has previously been fitted to the C7 generation of the Corvette, so it really is something special.