5 Reasons the C8 Corvette Should Offer a Manual Transmission

What Does the Customer Want?

In a poll conducted by Motor Authority on Twitter, sixty-eight percent are for a manual transmission. Twenty-one percent voted for an automatic while another eight percent are content with either.

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Is It Worth It for GM?

General Motors will have to determine whether enough buyers are present to justify spending additional research and development funds on a manual transmission option. The cost of engineering parts to install a clutch pedal and shift cables may outweigh the demand, but research so far shows the manual may be just as profitable as the automatic. 

>>Join the conversation on the reasons the C8 should offer a manual transmission here in Corvette Forum.

Reliability

In general, when properly maintained and driven correctly, manual transmission are more reliable than automatics. Automatics (especially electronic controlled) must have added computer systems, actuators, and solenoids. A manual transmission excludes those parts by having a mechanical link between the driver and transmission. 

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More Power

Automatic transmissions lose some power through the process of gear reduction/multiplication. The large number of clutches inside the transmission combined with the loss of efficiency at the torque converter can reduce power output by five to ten percent at the wheels when compared with a manual. Sometimes it's hard to see the difference at the track because the fast gear changes of the automatic offset the reduced power. 

>>Join the conversation on the reasons the C8 should offer a manual transmission here in Corvette Forum.

Easier to Upgrade

If you decide to do some modifications there will come a point when the transmission needs to be upgraded. For the most part, your manual transmission will only need a stronger clutch installed to keep it reliable. An automatic at the same power levels may require a torque converter, valve body modifications, and transmission control module tuning. 

>>Join the conversation on the reasons the C8 should offer a manual transmission here in Corvette Forum.

For information on maintenance and repairs of your C5, C6 or C7, visit our How-To section by clicking here.