You are in the right place. I have a base 718C with the 6MT. For me it is a daily driver, not a track toy. I will leave it to other forum members to discuss the merits of the 718 on the track. There is a purity of purpose to the 718 that is remarkable and yet it is perfectly livable as a DD. Since I find it more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow, that guided how I ordered the car. Not that the 718 is slow, but that is why I got the base, not the S, and left off all performance enhancements. And yet, when a canyon appears and traffic disappears, the 718, even in its most basic form, with 18" wheels, is simply magnificent. I knew I was going to get the car after the very first curve that I took during my first test drive. It is that good.