Porsche is one of the only high-performance automakers that still offers a pure manual transmission. In the 911, it's a seven-speed manual like the Corvette's. Porsche is also one of the only manufacturers to spend any money to improve the manual transmission, and what's most amazing is they did so for the mere 30 percent of 911 buyers who still like to row their own gears. The R&D effort shows. The 911's manual is a wonderful, easy-shifting gearbox. There's even a lockout, so if you're driving aggressively and aiming for fifth gear, it won't let you flub a shift and end up in seventh. When you're driving in that seventh gear at 60 mph, the revs drop down to just 1800 rpm for easy highway cruising and better fuel economy.