Summary:
American performance cars are often stereotyped for prioritizing straight-line speed over handling or finesse, but this brute-force philosophy has birthed some of the most exciting manual-transmission machines ever built. This list celebrates the ten quickest American cars with manual gearboxes, blending raw power with driving engagement.
The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing leads modern sedans with a 688-hp supercharged V8 and a rare six-speed manual. Ford’s 2014 Mustang Shelby GT500 features a 5.8-liter supercharged V8, achieving 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds, and represents Carroll Shelby’s final legacy.
The Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, a carbon-bodied supercar, uses a 7.0-liter twin-turbo V8 to rocket to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds. The C6 Corvette ZR1, with 638 hp, matched European exotics in speed and performance. Less known but equally fast, the Rossion Q1 uses a twin-turbo V6 and lightweight British roots to achieve supercar speeds.
The legendary 2017 Dodge Viper ACR and 2005 Ford GT both deliver top-tier performance with massive V10 and V8 engines, respectively, and sub-3.4-second 0–60 mph times. The C7 Corvette ZR1 represents peak American muscle, packing 755 hp and a seven-speed manual.
The rare SSC Ultimate Aero TT stunned the world with a 0–60 in 2.78 seconds and 1,180 hp. It was once crowned the world’s fastest car. At the top sits the Hennessey Venom GT. It blends Lotus agility with 1,244 hp, delivering 0–60 in just 2.4 seconds and hitting a record-breaking 270 mph top speed.
Together, these cars highlight American ingenuity, emphasizing power, performance, and driver involvement in a way that’s uniquely American.
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