After driving my ‘03 4Runner and LC 200 I have no desire for an SUV with a manual transmission. And I drove exclusively manual transmissions for over 25 years.I though I am a manual transmission hard core. But after getting the taste of newer 8, 9 and 10 speed auto, I would not buy off road oriented SUV with manual transmission anymore.
6 speed manual just would not have:
1. Wide gear spread
2. Low speed torque multiplication of torque converter equipped automatic transmission.
3. Faster shifting
4. Better fuel economy
5. Same level of Integration with advance traction control
Now for a sports car or drift car, that is totally different story. It might not be faster but definitely way more fun to heel and toe when shifting down and trying to keep the ref high.