Six Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Questions
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 53
From: Dunkirk N.Y.
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09
Six Speed Paddle Shift Automatic Questions
Please put up with my questions this weekend. I only have until
Tuesday to finalize my order. Does anyone wish they would have gone
with the six speed manual? How often do you actually use the paddle
shift feature? Does anyone know what the percentage of automatics
versus standard transmissions is? Your opinions and input is greatly
appreciated!
Tuesday to finalize my order. Does anyone wish they would have gone
with the six speed manual? How often do you actually use the paddle
shift feature? Does anyone know what the percentage of automatics
versus standard transmissions is? Your opinions and input is greatly
appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
No, if I had wanted a manual tranny, I'd have bought one.
For model year 2007, 55% of all C6s made were automatics.
I don't use the paddles often, but it is fun when I do. It's nice having both. Driving with the tranny in "S" without using the paddles means the tranny will stay in the lower gears longer if you're gettin' on it a little.
For model year 2007, 55% of all C6s made were automatics.
I don't use the paddles often, but it is fun when I do. It's nice having both. Driving with the tranny in "S" without using the paddles means the tranny will stay in the lower gears longer if you're gettin' on it a little.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Harpers Ferry West Virginia
My last vette was a manual. Fun, sure. But as a to/from work car, driving around in stop/go Washington DC traffic, I admit it got old and a pain in the butt. So I tested the automatic A6, what a surprise! I actually felt the power more, and the shifting is so smooth and way more efficient than I ever was. So Ive ordered the auto for my 08. There is a reason most vettes are automatics, and about 3/4 of all convertibles are automatics. Do I miss all the shifting? Not at all, although I admit in my 20s I was hung up on the idea that 'all vettes (and real men) only have manual transmissions.' For those here that really do shift well, are track trained or use theirs on the track, go for it! But the fun factor was lost in the traffic I deal with every day.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Stafford VA
I agree with both JinTN & Kuu_08. I live in Northern Virginia and traffic is terrible. I have had automatics for the 17 years I have lived here. The paddle shift gives me both worlds. The manual fans will tell you that if you want to shift get manual. I suggest test driving both and see which you like better. I will say this, I did own a manual and my leg got pretty tired while shifting in this traffic.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 0
From: Lake County California
I have preferred manuals all my life. I did, however, buy an '06 with the paddles last year, and I used the paddles exclusively. I liked the concept, but I think the system needs to be tightened up. By that I mean there is a slight lag between the time you use the paddles and experience the shift. You will learn how to shift at an earlier point in order to compensate for the "lag." I do not like automatics, but the paddle shift concept is great. I now have a Z06 and I am again enjoying the shifting experience. I would recommend a protracted test drive so that you can experience both transmissions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio TX
I agree with both JinTN & Kuu_08. I live in Northern Virginia and traffic is terrible. I have had automatics for the 17 years I have lived here. The paddle shift gives me both worlds. The manual fans will tell you that if you want to shift get manual. I suggest test driving both and see which you like better. I will say this, I did own a manual and my leg got pretty tired while shifting in this traffic.
CF Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,313
Likes: 25
From: Tucson Arizona
There is no right or wrong...you have to decide which transmission is best for you....which coincides with your driving situation and expectations.
If I drove the hills of San Francisco everyday, I might consider an automatic but since I don't, there was no question I wanted the manual shift. For me, the manual shift is what 'sports driving' is all about. I enjoy running up and down through the gears, rev-matching and double-clutching. I enjoy using and perfecting the skills necessary with a manual shift. I feel the manual shift provides the greatest connection with the car, the road and the entire driving experience.
Each transmission has its own particular 'quirks' and either can have problems. From reading other posts (and notwithstanding the mechanical issues I read about) my take on the Corvette paddle-shift is its not quite 'there' yet....close maybe but not totally perfected.
It shouldn't matter how many of which other people buy...the only thing that matters is what you feel will be best for you.
If I drove the hills of San Francisco everyday, I might consider an automatic but since I don't, there was no question I wanted the manual shift. For me, the manual shift is what 'sports driving' is all about. I enjoy running up and down through the gears, rev-matching and double-clutching. I enjoy using and perfecting the skills necessary with a manual shift. I feel the manual shift provides the greatest connection with the car, the road and the entire driving experience.
Each transmission has its own particular 'quirks' and either can have problems. From reading other posts (and notwithstanding the mechanical issues I read about) my take on the Corvette paddle-shift is its not quite 'there' yet....close maybe but not totally perfected.
It shouldn't matter how many of which other people buy...the only thing that matters is what you feel will be best for you.
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 16,025
Likes: 1,656
From: Toronto, Canada
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
If you're asking the question then I can tell you should go with the paddle-shifter. A manual in traffic is a pain and the A6 is very adaptive.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 0
From: Royse City Texas
After believing my entire life that all real Vettes were manuals, and always planning on a M6, I decided the day before purchase to get the A6. Haven't regretted it at all. I have enjoyed the paddles, but only useful to me in the mountains.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 819
Likes: 0
From: Chambersburg pa.
I use my C6 as a DD and always put the transmission in sport mode and use the paddle shifters. Around town I'm either in third or fourth gear. On the open highway like an interstate I'll shift to drive. But as soon as I get off the interstate it's back to sport mode. I did the the quality clinic at BG in '06 and asked one of GM's chief engineers about using the paddle shifters. His remark was there their to use so use them whenever you want. All the time or some time it's didn't matter to them. So if you do get the A6 know that your your going to have fun and you can still lay back and enjoy the ride if you don't want to do all the shifting. 
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 21
From: Napa Ca
I have a '01 C5 M6 and a '07 C6 A6. I enjoy driving both although the manual really requires you to pay attention more and is a PITA in traffic. I like the A6 and really like having the choice of Drive, Sport and Sport w/paddle shift. Kinda gives you 3 transmissions in one. I hear the '08 A6 is even better since the older ones have a "lag" especially on the upshift. Supposedly the lag on the '08 has been cut down a lot.
While you are not required to do so, I compensate for the lag by getting off the gas with the upshift. Almost like driving the M6. Puts the lag in rhythem with the shift.
I don't think you'd be disappointed with the A6.
While you are not required to do so, I compensate for the lag by getting off the gas with the upshift. Almost like driving the M6. Puts the lag in rhythem with the shift.
I don't think you'd be disappointed with the A6.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 1
From: Orwigsburg Pa.
I have preferred manuals all my life. I did, however, buy an '06 with the paddles last year, and I used the paddles exclusively. I liked the concept, but I think the system needs to be tightened up. By that I mean there is a slight lag between the time you use the paddles and experience the shift. You will learn how to shift at an earlier point in order to compensate for the "lag." I do not like automatics, but the paddle shift concept is great. I now have a Z06 and I am again enjoying the shifting experience. I would recommend a protracted test drive so that you can experience both transmissions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,110
Likes: 0
From: upstate new york
My last vette was a manual. Fun, sure. But as a to/from work car, driving around in stop/go Washington DC traffic, I admit it got old and a pain in the butt. So I tested the automatic A6, what a surprise! I actually felt the power more, and the shifting is so smooth and way more efficient than I ever was. So Ive ordered the auto for my 08. There is a reason most vettes are automatics, and about 3/4 of all convertibles are automatics. Do I miss all the shifting? Not at all, although I admit in my 20s I was hung up on the idea that 'all vettes (and real men) only have manual transmissions.' For those here that really do shift well, are track trained or use theirs on the track, go for it! But the fun factor was lost in the traffic I deal with every day.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 0
From: Suburbs of New Orleans La
I have preferred manuals all my life. I did, however, buy an '06 with the paddles last year, and I used the paddles exclusively. I liked the concept, but I think the system needs to be tightened up. By that I mean there is a slight lag between the time you use the paddles and experience the shift. You will learn how to shift at an earlier point in order to compensate for the "lag." I do not like automatics, but the paddle shift concept is great. I now have a Z06 and I am again enjoying the shifting experience. I would recommend a protracted test drive so that you can experience both transmissions.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Evergreen CO
OK, I'm sold if it even blips the throttle. I used to be as hard core as they come in my belief that a sports car has to have a manual and automatics are for Granny's Buick. But times change and I currently have an '03 350Z which has a 5 spd auto with a sequential manual mode. For mountain driving I use the manual mode which holds it in a gear until you shift unless you go so slow that it has to down shift. On acceleration it will let you hold a gear no matter what, even if you run it up until you hit the rev limiter. My main complaint is that it doesn't blip the throttle to match revs, so the shifts are slower that I would like.
Am I correct in my understanding that the 'vette automatic does all that plus the rev matching throttle blip?
Am I correct in my understanding that the 'vette automatic does all that plus the rev matching throttle blip?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 1
From: Downers Grove Illinois
Please put up with my questions this weekend. I only have until
Tuesday to finalize my order. Does anyone wish they would have gone
with the six speed manual? How often do you actually use the paddle
shift feature? Does anyone know what the percentage of automatics
versus standard transmissions is? Your opinions and input is greatly
appreciated!
Tuesday to finalize my order. Does anyone wish they would have gone
with the six speed manual? How often do you actually use the paddle
shift feature? Does anyone know what the percentage of automatics
versus standard transmissions is? Your opinions and input is greatly
appreciated!
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
OK, I'm sold if it even blips the throttle. I used to be as hard core as they come in my belief that a sports car has to have a manual and automatics are for Granny's Buick. But times change and I currently have an '03 350Z which has a 5 spd auto with a sequential manual mode. For mountain driving I use the manual mode which holds it in a gear until you shift unless you go so slow that it has to down shift. On acceleration it will let you hold a gear no matter what, even if you run it up until you hit the rev limiter. My main complaint is that it doesn't blip the throttle to match revs, so the shifts are slower that I would like.
Am I correct in my understanding that the 'vette automatic does all that plus the rev matching throttle blip?
Am I correct in my understanding that the 'vette automatic does all that plus the rev matching throttle blip?
Of course, you can switch to "D", then back to "S" and you're back in full automatic mode.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 80
From: Florida
My last vette was a manual. Fun, sure. But as a to/from work car, driving around in stop/go Washington DC traffic, I admit it got old and a pain in the butt. So I tested the automatic A6, what a surprise! I actually felt the power more, and the shifting is so smooth and way more efficient than I ever was. So Ive ordered the auto for my 08. There is a reason most vettes are automatics, and about 3/4 of all convertibles are automatics. Do I miss all the shifting? Not at all, although I admit in my 20s I was hung up on the idea that 'all vettes (and real men) only have manual transmissions.' For those here that really do shift well, are track trained or use theirs on the track, go for it! But the fun factor was lost in the traffic I deal with every day.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
This subject has been started here on the forum many times. Either you want an automatic, or you want a stick. There are pros and cons for each. Go with what you want, not what everyone else around you thinks you should have. There is no right or wrong answer. Both trannies are awesome.
I had my fill of stick shift car's when I was a young pup, but now I just want to sit back and enjoy the ride with as little hassle as possible.
AL