When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Sounds great. What cars have them now? And why don't more have it? What's the downside?
Ferrari has offered it since the F355 and F50, but I don't know what others make a paddle shift with a clutch.
The only downsides are the lack of satisfaction from a perfectly executed heel-toe doenshift, not getting to row through the gears, and somewhat less control options (mostly goofing off stuff). The worst case would be if GM decided to go the route Porsche did with the 996 where there wasn't a clutch, but a torque convertor, just like an ordinary auto, except you tell it when to shift. I believe GM would use the computer controlled clutch for paddle shifting, otherwise a lot less people will buy it. Paddle shifting is a pretty cool idea, it'll make like 95% of drivers faster on a track. It's just that a lot of people get more satisfaction from driving an old tech stick.
Coupes and Convertibles to have the opportunity of selecting engine options (up to and including the 427 Z06),
Now, this would be the coolest of all since it would allow the owner/purcheser the opportunity of defining what they desire as options, and not GM stuffing their options down the throats of the consumer, JMHO
Of course the stock C5 coupe was the same HP for the run of the model. Sure, they added the competition mode on the traction control, and the suspension changes, clutch, and so on, but the #'s from 97 to 04 were the same. After all 400 hP may be more common, but the #'s don't lie, and the Vette is still leagues above comon priced competitors (are their any?)
Minor Hp increases in both C5 & C5Z06
C5 97 - 00 = 345Hp
01 - 04 = 350Hp
Z06 01 = 385Hp
02 - 04 = 405Hp
That is a quote from the Dave Hill interview from CrossedFlags. Curiosity is killing me on this one. I know there have been a few posts on this before but it was all BS until now in my opinion since Hill himself seems to be saying "Something really cool is coming". So what's it gonna be? 6-spd auto? The 425HP stock that was mentioned a few months ago? It would just about kill me to get my 05 and then a month later they announce something totally kick-*** for the 06's.
Hey enjoy what you have something better is always on the way
Months ago someone (Rick Conti?) said they saw a regular C6 with paddles mounted near the steering wheel. The new 6spds autos like the one in the STS-V were designed to do this, and we know one version is more than capable of handling the C6's 400HP.
If there's a power bump, I wouldn't expect it to be more than 5hp...
Ferrari has offered it since the F355 and F50, but I don't know what others make a paddle shift with a clutch.
The only downsides are the lack of satisfaction from a perfectly executed heel-toe doenshift, not getting to row through the gears, and somewhat less control options (mostly goofing off stuff). The worst case would be if GM decided to go the route Porsche did with the 996 where there wasn't a clutch, but a torque convertor, just like an ordinary auto, except you tell it when to shift. I believe GM would use the computer controlled clutch for paddle shifting, otherwise a lot less people will buy it. Paddle shifting is a pretty cool idea, it'll make like 95% of drivers faster on a track. It's just that a lot of people get more satisfaction from driving an old tech stick.
Oh yeah, its expensive too
I've also heard that these have trouble with burning up the clutches when creeping along at low speeds, as in heavy traffic. (Speaking of the computer-operated clutch boxes, not the torque converter ones.)
Clutch and gear shifting is as old technology as drum brakes, solid axels and carbs. Time for Corvette to join the 20th century.
Well, Timmy - automatic transmissions have been available in Corvettes for many years. And in the C5's, the manual was an extra charge. But many of us still bought it. So I guess some people like that "old technology".
Paddle shifting is for people who want an automatic transmission, but think it would be cool to act like they have a manual every once in a while. I've had a couple of cars with manual modes. My Acura TL actually has one that works better than most. And despite the fact that I like shifting a manual tranmission car, this "manumatic" does absolutely nothing for me.
I'm not flaming anyone who wants paddle shifters, just explaining that the reason the old technology is still offered is because many of us just plain like it.
Dave Hill is a Bag of Wind from Cadillac. I wish he would BLOW back there and Let us get a real sports car guy back at Corvette. Im tired of his GM propaganda His Cracker Jack team can't even make a manual seat track for the C6 to work, or a fuel gauge to read correctly in 9 years! Im not impressed at all.
Months ago someone (Rick Conti?) said they saw a regular C6 with paddles mounted near the steering wheel. The new 6spds autos like the one in the STS-V were designed to do this, and we know one version is more than capable of handling the C6's 400HP.
If there's a power bump, I wouldn't expect it to be more than 5hp...
Ithink I'll wait for 07 for paddle shift, you know they will have some problems with that. But it should be great!
I'm not flaming anyone who wants paddle shifters, just explaining that the reason the old technology is still offered is because many of us just plain like it.
I believe there are 2 different types of Paddles.
The first is like you say, like the tiptronic. Auto, but shift if you want.
What I think we're getting into is more like the SMG BMW.
It is much like the MN6 shifter/clutch, except the computer does the clutch for you, internally. It's quicker and more consistent than humans. It also does its own heel-and-toe routine, matching revs with downshifts!
You can still have yure fun with the MN6, but me and my computer will be passing you in the twisties!
'Course the Paddles will cost me an extra $2-3 G's I bet.
That is a quote from the Dave Hill interview from CrossedFlags. Curiosity is killing me on this one. I know there have been a few posts on this before but it was all BS until now in my opinion since Hill himself seems to be saying "Something really cool is coming". So what's it gonna be? 6-spd auto? The 425HP stock that was mentioned a few months ago? It would just about kill me to get my 05 and then a month later they announce something totally kick-*** for the 06's.
Does anyone know when this supprise will be revealed? C6 Bash?
I believe there are 2 different types of Paddles.
The first is like you say, like the tiptronic. Auto, but shift if you want.
What I think we're getting into is more like the SMG BMW.
It is much like the MN6 shifter/clutch, except the computer does the clutch for you, internally. It's quicker and more consistent than humans. It also does its own heel-and-toe routine, matching revs with downshifts!
You can still have yure fun with the MN6, but me and my computer will be passing you in the twisties!
'Course the Paddles will cost me an extra $2-3 G's I bet.
I fully understand the two systems, both in how they work and the advantages/disadvantages. I'm willing on betting that no way/no how is the Corvette going to see a true SMG type system anytime soon. Just my opinion. And again, no flames, but these systems still don't do anything for me. I just really like the interaction of the clutch and shifter. Sure, those systems are the way to go on a race track, but I don't race my car.
Having said that, I would like to see it offered as they have many advantages for the people who prefer that route.
I fully understand the two systems, both in how they work and the advantages/disadvantages. I'm willing on betting that no way/no how is the Corvette going to see a true SMG type system anytime soon. Just my opinion. And again, no flames, but these systems still don't do anything for me. I just really like the interaction of the clutch and shifter. Sure, those systems are the way to go on a race track, but I don't race my car.
Having said that, I would like to see it offered as they have many advantages for the people who prefer that route.
I really like the idea, since I have and like the MN6, but found out later that I have a neuroma on my clutch foot that's getting aggravated.
The 350Z offers paddle shifting except the paddle is in the counsel. I thought it was pretty cool and easy to use. Shifts seems precise and it's designed so you can't screw up; basically, you can't downshift too far or accidently put it in reverse. My wife can't drive a stick, and since she liked the 350Z paddle option so much, she'd rather buy that than a Corvette. I like the 350Z but it's feels to be on the verge of gutless next to the Vette's power.
I really like the idea, since I have and like the MN6, but found out later that I have a neuroma on my clutch foot that's getting aggravated.
I thought I had something like that about four years ago. In fact, it happened right after I bought my first C5 (2001). I know this sounds goofey, but I thought it was caused by the clutch pedal on the C5. I actually tired grinding down the raised humps on the pedal, and even tried a rubber pad over it.
In a couple of months, the problem mysteriously dissapeared and has never done it again. And it had nothing to do with the pedals (I bought a 2003 with the same pedals and never did anything to them).
From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Originally Posted by AT T 2D
Look what GM did with the 2nd year C4 - remember cross-fire injection was only there for '84 and then was replaced with tuned port injection and more horesepower.
Actually the L83 Crossfire engine was in the 1982 and 1984 Corvette. It was also in the Z28. GM finally realized that they were garbage and changed it for the 1985 model year. It was also way underpowered for the technology they already had in the newer TPI L98 engine.
Such is not the case with the new LS2 engine, so don't expect any major changes to it after only one model year.
From: Frankenstein never scared me. Marsupials do, because they're fassst…and they DART, THAT'S crazy!
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Originally Posted by AT T 2D
Look what GM did with the 2nd year C4 - remember cross-fire injection was only there for '84 and then was replaced with tuned port injection and more horesepower.
Actually the L83 Crossfire engine was in the 1982 and 1984 Corvette. It was also in the Z28. GM finally realized that they were garbage and changed it for the 1985 model year. It was also way underpowered for the technology they already had in the newer TPI L98 engine.
Such is not the case with the new LS2 engine, so don't expect any major changes to it after only one model year.
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.