These Are All the V8-Powered Cars Available With a Manual Gearbox You Can Buy Today

Whether it is driving on twisty roads and disturbing the silence with a sonorous lump, venturing farther into the unknown than we would've ever thought possible courtesy of the numerous off-roaders, feasting on apexes at the track, challenging various fast rides to straight-line duels, having a home on wheels, or simply going to and fro, there are countless machines dedicated to those purposes.

We are all united by gasoline fumes (okay, most of us are), and since it's the end of the year, we decided to revisit some of the most spectacular rides that money can currently buy. In this story, we will put the spotlight on the great V8 engine paired with a good-old stick shift. And you would have probably thought that there are multiple such models on sale today, but the result is disappointing and very eye-watery.

As with every topic we cover, it all starts with research. And having concluded that, I quickly learned that the offering is anything but vast. In fact, it revolves around three models and a bonus car that recently left the production line. A second car from this lot will bite the dust soon, though, at the time of writing, you could still get each of them with a V8 lump and a manual gearbox. So, let's delve into them.

The 2024 Ford Mustang - Aka The New-Gen

It is the most recent vehicle from this list, and it's great to remind ourselves that the Dearborn company is still committed to this recipe. The new-gen Ford Mustang, whose deliveries kicked off a few months ago, can be specified with a V8 and a manual transmission in three different configurations. You can choose this combo on the GT Fastback, GT Convertible, and Dark Horse.

All versions feature a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 that produces 480 hp (487 ps/358 5kW) and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque in the GTs and 500 hp (507 ps/373 kW) and 418 lb-ft (567 Nm) in the Dark Horse. As for the transmission in question, it is a six-speed manual with rev-matching, offered alongside a ten-speed auto. Prices start at $42,710 for the Mustang GT Fastback, $52,730 for the GT Convertible, and $59,485 for the Dark Horse.

2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

You probably wouldn't expect to find an executive super sedan on this list, but hat off to Cadillac for remaining committed to this recipe (for now, anyway). The CT5-V Blackwing is the GM premium brand's sole low-slung model to feature a manual gearbox and a V8 engine under the hood, and for the performance it offers and the fact that it's fitted with a lot of gizmos, it certainly is a lot of car for the money.

Priced from $93,495, excluding destination, the 2024 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is used to challenging models such as the BMW M5 to all kinds of tests. Under the elegant hood lies a handbuilt 6.2-liter supercharged V8, which produces 668 horsepower (678 ps/498 kW) and 659 pound-feet (893 Nm) of torque. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, yet interested parties can also order it with a ten-speed automatic as an option.

The Old Dodge Challenger

Together with its sedan sibling, the Charger, Dodge's Challenger is about to drive off into the sunset for good. The Stellantis-owned car marque has already announced that production will end before the end of 2023, and the company has already released a teaser for its upcoming muscle car, which is believed to launch in late 2024, likely as a Charger. For now, though, the outgoing Challenger is still on sale, and it can be specified with a V8 engine and a manual gearbox.

There are several configurations to choose from. The most affordable is the R/T, which starts at $41,640, packing a 5.7L V8 with 375 horsepower (380 ps/280 kW) and a six-speed manual transmission. Dodge's official US website reveals that the R/T Scat Pack also makes use of this recipe by mixing a 6.4L V8 with 485 hp (492 ps/362 kW) and a stick shift, in return for at least $49,265, excluding destination. The R/T Scat Pack Widebody comes from $57,260 and completes the V8 manual offering.

Bonus Model: The Sixth-Gen Chevrolet Camaro

Production of the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro recently ended altogether, with the last one rolling off the line at the Lansing factory in Michigan. Nevertheless, for the time being, there are still several models in dealer lots that feature the V8 and stick shift combo. We should also mention that the bowtie brand's muscle car is still listed on the official website for the 2024 model year, which is available in multiple configurations.

Nevertheless, it is the V8 firepower that interests us here, together with the six-speed manual transmission, and it is available on the LT1 trim level. This version starts at $40,395 and uses a 455 horsepower (461 ps/339 kW) and 455 lb-ft (617 Nm) of torque 6.2L V8. Starting at $43,895 before destination, the 1SS uses the same combo, and so does the 2SS, with its $48,895 MSRP. Topping the family is the ZL1, which boasts 650 hp (659 ps/485 kW) and 650 lb-ft (881 Nm) from its 6.2L supercharged V8, which is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission.

Are these models not enough to quench your thirst for this configuration? Well, then, perhaps you should search the used car market for older vehicles, as there are literally tons of them out there. And while we're at it, we should also remind you that even supercars used to be available with a V8 engine under their hoods and a good-ol' stick shift, so perhaps it is a blue-blooded exotic model that's more to your liking. Now, if you were shopping for a new V8-powered model with three pedals, which of these would get your vote? It's probably the age talking, but the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing would get my vote.