Perry Mason

I see more and more threads about the A6. I have enjoyed my C6 for exactly one year now. I drive exclusively with the paddles (except if I am trying to maximize acceleration off the line).

After driving manual transmissions for over 40 years, I test drove the paddle shift '06 last January. I told the dealer that I didn't know how to drive an automatic and insisted that we go back so that I could drive the MN6. At that time, I owned an '04 MN6 and I was always a stick shift guy, especially with my other Corvettes that I have caretaken over the last 10 years. I replaced the shifter in the '04 with a B&M ripper, with great improvement.

After driving the MN6 at the dealership, I realized that I would have to immediately replace the shifter if I wanted to return to the performance I enjoyed with my ripper. I was unwilling to buy a new Corvette, only to have to begin by removing the console, etc. for the aftermarket shifter.

I then asked to drive the A6 again. This time, I drove it differently. Instead of backing off the throttle during shifts, I kept my foot on the accelerator. What a difference! I bought the A6, despite my inner voices (that used to criticize those who bought auto Corvettes).

One year later, I am happy with my decision to break my tradition and to drive an automatic Corvette. I now offer the following observations:

1. The paddles are crisper and more fluent after 1 year (11K miles) of driving.

2. I enjoy paddling as much as rowing, (if not more).

3. My '04 Mini S has a great six speed manual transmission, and I enjoy driving it greatly. However, I almost wish it had paddles.

4. While the paddles could shift with less "lag," I am hoping for a "fix" that will tighten the shifting up a bit. In the meantime, it shifts much better now than when it was new.

5. I do not like how automatics run you up to 6th gear as fast as possible. Therefore, I don't use the automatic regular or sport automatic modes, except as stated above.

6. With the paddles, I can keep the car in any gear I want, just like the MN6, with the same control I had with the MN6.

I will probably trade/sell my '06 whenever there is a significant engine/transmission change in the C6, or when the 'C7 is released. When that occurs, I will again consider the paddles, despite my long-time preference for manual transmissions. Perhaps, by then, the manuals will no longer be an option. I will, however, test drive the MN6 or MN7 because I still enjoy shifting the old-fashioned way.

What are the thoughts of old (or new) rowers who made the drastic change to the automatic?

Vette_DD

I would think this is to get better gas mileage.

With my 06 C6 in sport automatic mode, it shifts to 6th gear at about 60 mph.

I shift sometimes, but since most of my driving is in town, I usually leave it in sport automatic mode.

kenw

Good post. I love my paddles too.

eboggs_jkvl

So.... An automatic when in say... 3rd and at 4500 rpm will have the same "engine drag" when you let off the throttle as the M6. Really?


Elmer

JC7

A6, the sign of the times...Love it!

Tony B4

LBL C6

One year old. I too like the paddle and the sport mode.
Glad I have it.

MikeyTX

First Vette ever owned with an automatic. I would not go back to an M6 unless GM finds a way to smooth out the shifter . Seemed to hang up between shifts. Even after changing to Royal Purple. I enjoy being able to shift when I want to and if in heavy traffic, just letting the car do its thing.

ka mano

Nice report.

vettesmith02

Thanks for the report!

Good info; now I have to think about the decision all over again.

Evilways

Mine pulls back better than most manuals I've been in when letting off the throttle at high rpms....

debmwb

They put a lot of thought into the A6!

glennhl

Excellent review, agree with all of it. The A6 is my first auto and I really like it. I have to admit that I've gotten lazy and run it in S auto mode 95% of the time!

twfreightman

Great recap counselor. I have had my A6 for 5 months/3000 miles and have no regrets. I agree it is improving with time and miles and seems to shift with less lag now than when it was new.

eboggs_jkvl

Great! I'm glad to hear it. Usually an auto just cruises

Wayne O

With the A6 you're in 6th gear going only 60 mph....that's unbelievable! I know 'the handwriting's on the wall' regarding the paddle-shifts and I'll never say never but for now, I think I'm very pleased to have my manual transmission.

BLU2FUL

When the MN6 has the same snick-snick feel of my wife's '00 Miata...I MAY consider going back....but the more I drive the A6 the more I like it.....two hands on the wheel while shifting has much to be desired.

Hoonose

Please explain.

double eagle

Thanx for sharing - I use the paddles exclusively, wouldn't leave home without them.

kgelliott

Sorry for seeming so uninformed, but...
I'm a new 2006 A6 paddle owner. I have only occasionally used the paddles, but don't seem to be too good at it yet as I've had years of manuael shift driving (Just traded a heavy-clutched Mustang GT), and always tend to want to back off the gas a bunch between shifts.
Anyway, what is the difference between regular automatic Drive mode and Sport? Isn't Sport only for when using the paddles to shift? :o