MrGeorge

What are the pro's for having a 8 speed in the new 2015 models? I don't believe it improves the top end, if not does it just stretch out the lower gears? I just don't get it, any suggestions? Thanks, George

OnPoint

Pros:

1. Easier to drive for some than the M7
2. May provide better mpg.
3. Will probably be quicker in 0-60 or 1/4 for most.
4. Allows you to paddle shift if you want, and not if you don't.
5. Lets you play around with the misses with your free hand.

Cons:
1. Unproven (tho not exotic so should be reliable).
2. Can't control when car goes into eco/AFM mode like M7 trans.
3. For some, not as much fun to drive.
4. If on a tight budget, is an extra cost option.
5. May overheat on road courses.
6. Misses may want to drive it.

thelongwait

I think for those who want the fastest accelerating and shifting transmission, the a-8 has a deep first gear also, although from what i have read it has delay if paddle shifting, but left in auto its very fast, and in track mode it is a smart transmission. And also i suppose some just want an auto. My only concern would be will it get boring.

MrGeorge

Things seem to be moving to the paddle shifters, like it or not, I don't but won't fight the trend. If the 8 speed lowers the ratio in first how in the world are you going to get that HP from the rear end into the ground without burning the tires off. I have a 14 and it's not easy to do that transfer with the 7 speed. If it's such a good ideal why not have an 8 sp manual. Just asking?

blasted_concrete

Auto. Hmmff.

I had to actually DRIVE my M7 home from the dealer today. Enjoyed every second of it.

First manual in five years. (since C6Z) Man I missed it!

Crossed Flags Fan

Upside - Better MPG, etc.

Downside - the continous put downs by the macho manual misfits.

John_R

From Carscoops: http://www.carscoops.com/2014/08/201...to-does-0.html

2015 Corvette with 8-Speed Auto Does 0-60 MPH in 3.7 Seconds, Averages 29 MPG Highway

rramjet

Also at 6'3" clutching in the confines of the C7 isn't something I'm interested in. I already have an old hot rod pickup with a Muncie 4 speed that I really love driving but can't do more than about 50 miles without getting out to stretch. I'm about being as comfortable as possible while enjoying my C7.

Corgidog1

Shhh don't mention an 8 spd manual-7 is probably too much.

Crossed Flags Fan

WHAT! I'm tradin' in the A6 '14 to get that extra 0.1 second!!!

Woodson

nailed it. @ #5 pro

Daekwan06

Acceleration is quicker 0-60 & 1/4mile than all the 2014 models, the transmission itself shifts quicker than A6 it replaced.. and A8 C7's get the absolute best gas milage possible.

What else is there to know?

clegg

Don't forget, no remote start with 7sp. If that matters.

hawkgfr

No sir...Real pros can play with the misses while she plays with your shifter...

mkr1966

Based on what? No tests yet unless you drink the Kool-aid and believe everything the GM says.

AFVETTE

HAD2HAV2

Auto or manual. For some of us the decision is based on where we live and at what time of day we do the most driving. I ordered an C7
A8 simply because it will be my DD and the traffic in and around Charlotte, NC sucks. 60% of the time traffic gets snarled either in the morning or worse, in the late afternoon. As an extreme example, I got stuck on I-77 in my manual speed truck going home one day from work. Drove 5 miles never getting out of second gear and there were no exits to bailout on.

RedC7AZ

That's what GM says, and they need to keep selling cars.

It will be impossible to prove it is .1 seconds quicker and no one can really feel .1

DerStig

I won't be ordering my Z06 with a A8. Simply because I have now had 3 generations of DCT (dual clutch) in my M3s and M5s, and I just cannot stand the feeling of a traditional automatic transmission no matter how fast it shifts. I always hate people braking on a hill because the car keeps going faster and faster or having to keep my foot on the brake pedal in a red light. DCT is so good that it feels and works just like a manual transmission with the convenience and performance of automatic. I don't understand why GM did not make one for Corvette. Well I sort of do, because it would be expensive, but then they could buy it off of Getrag (which is the company that makes BMW's, Ferrari's, and Formula 1's dual clutch transmissions) and put a steep price tag on it ($2,900 in BMWs).

That being said, the 7MT in Z06 is going to have a phenomenal architecture, cooling, and really excites me. I honestly bought DCTs in my cars because BMW's 6MT sucked. Corvette's 7MT is the real deal!

DerStig

With all due respect, you can feel it being faster. It will most likely be 0.1-0.2s faster per shift. In a quarter mile, you'll be shifting twice. 90% of this forum is not professional, so you vs me in a MT vs AT will be half a second apart in a 1/4 mile and that is quite a lot. It also feels fast in day to day driving.

Dont kid yourself with all of this not faster or won't feel faster. You should be picking one other because of your needs. I want 7MT because its a true racing transmission, I'm a car enthusiast, this will be my weekend car, and I don't like automatic transmission GM offers with a torque converter. You may want A8 for completely opposite reasons, and it's perfectly fine.

They say the A8 is as fast as PDK. My DCT is not as fast as PDK and even then it feels so much faster than a manual transmission.