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15 Sports Cars Where the Automatic Outshines the Manual

Jimmy Adell June 9, 2025

For decades, the sports car world revered the manual transmission—its tactile feel and driver engagement were unmatched.
However, automatic transmissions have evolved dramatically, boasting rapid shifts, advanced technology, and performance that often eclipses their manual counterparts.
Today, some of the most thrilling sports cars offer automatics that deliver not just convenience, but superior speed, precision, and efficiency.
In this article, we explore 15 standout sports cars where the automatic transmission doesn’t just compete—it dominates the driving experience.

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1. Porsche 911 Turbo (992)

The Porsche 911 Turbo (992) features a cutting-edge PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission that redefines performance.
With lightning-fast gear changes and intelligent programming, it rockets the 911 Turbo from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds—quicker than any manual could achieve.
Car and Driver praises its seamless operation and everyday usability, making it the clear choice for those seeking both speed and refinement.

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2. Nissan GT-R

The Nissan GT-R, often dubbed ‘Godzilla,’ owes much of its legendary performance to its advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This system handles the GT-R’s massive power output with precision, delivering brutally quick shifts and relentless acceleration that no manual box could match.
According to MotorTrend, the transmission is a key factor in the GT-R’s reputation as a supercar slayer, blending science and sensation behind the wheel.

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3. Chevrolet Corvette C8

The Chevrolet Corvette C8 marks a bold move to a mid-engine design, complemented by its exclusive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
This transmission delivers lightning-fast shifts, maximizing the C8’s balance and agility on both road and track.
Road & Track notes that this advanced automatic is integral to the C8’s impressive lap times, making it the best-performing Corvette yet.

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4. BMW M4 Competition

The BMW M4 Competition is engineered for ultimate precision and speed, and its automatic transmission is a major contributor.
The sophisticated eight-speed M Steptronic delivers quicker and more accurate shifts than its manual counterpart, allowing drivers to extract the most from the M4’s potent powerplant, especially on demanding track days.
According to the BMW official site, this transmission optimizes both performance and daily drivability, redefining expectations for modern sports cars.

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5. Audi RS7

The Audi RS7 pairs its thunderous turbocharged V8 with a sophisticated eight-speed automatic, creating a blend of effortless acceleration and smooth, refined cruising.
According to Top Gear, this transmission delivers performance and composure that a manual could never match, making the RS7 a true all-rounder—ferocious when pushed, yet remarkably civilized in daily driving.

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6. Mercedes-AMG GT R

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s engineered for razor-sharp response and exceptional control.
This transmission not only shaves precious time off lap records but also delivers a level of comfort and refinement that a manual simply can’t rival.
According to Mercedes-AMG, the GT R’s automatic is key to its dominance both on the track and on the open road.

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7. Acura NSX (Second Generation)

The Acura NSX (Second Generation) showcases how far technology has come with its nine-speed dual-clutch automatic.
This advanced gearbox seamlessly blends electric and gasoline power, extracting maximum performance from the NSX’s innovative hybrid system—something a manual transmission could never accomplish.
As highlighted by Motor Authority, the NSX’s automatic transmission is essential for delivering rapid gear changes and perfectly synchronized power delivery, elevating the driving experience.

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8. Ferrari 488 GTB

The Ferrari 488 GTB is a testament to the brand’s relentless pursuit of speed and innovation.
Its seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission delivers instantaneous gear changes, offering a level of responsiveness that leaves the classic gated manual Ferraris in the dust.
According to Evo Magazine, this transmission is key to the 488 GTB’s electrifying acceleration and razor-sharp handling, marking a new era of Ferrari performance.

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9. Lamborghini Huracán EVO

The Lamborghini Huracán EVO relies exclusively on a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic to harness the full fury of its naturally aspirated V10.
This transmission delivers blisteringly quick shifts, ensuring the driver always gets maximum thrust and razor-sharp response.
As noted by Autocar, the absence of a manual option underlines just how essential this advanced automatic is to the Huracán EVO’s exhilarating performance.

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10. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 features an exclusive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that’s engineered to handle its monstrous supercharged V8.
This transmission enables the GT500 to achieve record-setting acceleration, eclipsing even the manual-only GT350 in straight-line speed and consistency.
As highlighted by Car and Driver, the GT500’s automatic setup is essential for putting its immense power to the pavement with both ferocity and finesse.

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11. Jaguar F-Type R

The Jaguar F-Type R benefits greatly from its advanced automatic transmission, which delivers consistent, rapid shifts that perfectly complement the high-torque V8 under the hood.
With the manual option now discontinued, Edmunds praises the automatic for its improved driveability and seamless power delivery, making every journey both thrilling and effortless—no matter the conditions.

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12. Lexus LC 500

The Lexus LC 500 pairs its sonorous V8 with a ten-speed automatic transmission designed for seamless power delivery and refined grand touring comfort.
The LC 500’s automatic shifts effortlessly between spirited performance and relaxed cruising, making the lack of a manual transmission feel like no compromise at all.
CarBuzz notes the transmission’s responsiveness and versatility as standout features in this luxury sports coupe.

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13. Aston Martin DB11

The Aston Martin DB11 exemplifies grand touring luxury with its eight-speed automatic transmission, mated to both V8 and V12 engine options.
This gearbox delivers refined yet rapid shifts, ensuring power is always on tap without sacrificing comfort or composure.
Auto Express highlights how the automatic enhances the DB11’s character, making every journey as smooth as it is exhilarating.

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14. Toyota Supra (A90)

The Toyota Supra (A90) makes the most of its ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, delivering sharper acceleration and impressively smooth shifts.
Even with a manual option now available, performance tests consistently show the automatic outpaces its counterpart in both speed and responsiveness.
As reported by The Drive, the automatic Supra remains the go-to for those seeking maximum performance and everyday usability.

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15. McLaren 720S

The McLaren 720S is a technological tour de force, and its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is integral to its breathtaking performance.
This transmission expertly manages the twin-turbo V8’s explosive power and works in harmony with the car’s advanced aerodynamics for seamless acceleration and control.
As emphasized by Motor1, a manual gearbox simply couldn’t keep pace, making the automatic the only rational choice for the 720S.

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Conclusion

Create Me An Image(3) — Image source: motor-junkie

The evolution of automatic transmissions has shattered old perceptions, proving that innovation can outpace nostalgia.
As we’ve seen with these 15 remarkable sports cars, cutting-edge automatics now deliver the speed, precision, and connection once reserved for manuals—often surpassing them outright.
For those seeking the ultimate blend of performance and everyday enjoyment, the automatic is no longer a compromise but the enthusiast’s choice.

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15 Sports Cars Where the Automatic Outshines the Manual

1. Porsche 911 Turbo (992)

2. Nissan GT-R

3. Chevrolet Corvette C8

4. BMW M4 Competition

5. Audi RS7

6. Mercedes-AMG GT R

7. Acura NSX (Second Generation)

8. Ferrari 488 GTB

9. Lamborghini Huracán EVO

10. Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

11. Jaguar F-Type R

12. Lexus LC 500

13. Aston Martin DB11

14. Toyota Supra (A90)

15. McLaren 720S

Conclusion

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