get a manual, it opens up your options to anything.
it sounds like you want a drag type car, how bout an 03ish z06. 405hp, great gearing, decent handling(shit compared to the new z06), great tq, i think there's atx versions, and overall a nice car(and i don't like vettes)
oooo....one more!!! Viper(used) the older one's are selling for low 20's, and nothing beats the sound of it's v10 at full song, only a 6spd though