Opinion is still out for Corvette because Chevy doesn't give you a choice if you want the strong engines. It would be interesting if they did, then one would only have to look at the sales figures.

 

Ummm...where automatics are available in Corvettes (every one except ZR-1 and Z06) the ratio of actual delivered cars runs close to 70% delivered with automatics. And lest you forget, a 6 speed MANUAL was the OPTIONAL transmission for the C5's entire run (excluding the Z06).
And please don't use the "not the absolute fastest on the road" line, that's Ferrari/Lambo owners justification for THEIR cars.

To further illustrate, I just looked at Kerbecks current inventory (on the floor, not in bound) of coupes, Grand Sport Coupes and Grand Sport Convertibles.

Coupes: 3 in stock. 1 auto, 2 manuals
Grand Sport Coupes: 38 in stock. 28 automatics, 10 manuals
Grand Sport Convertibles: 24 in stock. 16 automatics, 8 manuals

So this gives us a total of 65 cars, 45 of which are automatics (69.2%). One thing that is interesting is that Kerbeck has a SLEW of base Corvettes in bound and a lot of these cars are manual/1LT cars, clearly trying to hit a low price point with stripped cars.

Jimmy

PS. I am on the manual band wagon (all 4 of my corvettes were manuals), but we cannot ignore the amazing performance gains with a DCT. Just look at the Porsche Panamera Turbo acceleration times, a 4,000+ pound four door sedan that is ZR-1 fast. Now, put a DCT/with lauch control in a ZR-1 and physics come back into the equation and the Porsche gets smacked.

 

I've been saying it for years... Why do people keep comparing the Corvette to cars that cost more than a house? Ferrari, Lamborghini, etc... Some cars are expensive because the crap they put in them is EXPENSIVE!

And I agree there's nothing wrong with rowing a 6-speed. In fact I'd prefer it over a DCT. Not sure why everyone's so hippidy dippidy over the DCT. I've been in lots of DCT cars and to be honest it's not that great.

Not being able to get to a gear right away sucks, for starters. I want to go from 6th to 3rd... OK, so now I have to down shift with paddles until I get there rather than just moving the shifter to 3rd and rev-matching which is far easier and faster. And every time you come to a light or a stop, you've gotta keep down shifting to first. (OMG that's annoying)

Sorry, but the DCT is cool for racing, bad for the streets. Just ask anyone with a paddle-shifted M3, Ferrari, or Lambo.

 

Sorry, I'll keep buying manual gearboxes as long as they offer them. It's a learned skill that you can certainly drive a car without, but so can your grandmother. There are many who think a DCT car is better than the same car with a manual, and they are certainly entitled to their opinions.

I enjoy the manual gearbox, and deciding what gear I want, when I want, as quickly and in as skilled a manner as I can get it there. Always have, always will. It's part of the fun.

 

I remember once a race driver said: "Real drivers, drive manual"!

 

The Audi R8V10 sells far more manuals than they do autos. THe auto is 10 grand more and shifts fast but is not considered to be street friendly

 

So, that means that Audi sold 22 R8V10 autos compared with 50 R8V10 manuals?????

 

So you like manuals and so what. Again you say only manuals then you should say only old school suspension too or old school steering so you can get the real feel of the car. Why is it you like the high tech suspension stuff but down the other high tech stuff? Thats your choice. But again I say a high HP car with DCT isnt just stomp and go so you still have to regulate the throttle so you wont lose control. Manuals are fine and all and Ive had plenty but I like the DSG/DCTs too so what. You better keep your current car cuz in a few yrs you might be hard pressed to by a manual in a performance car you like.

Again to each his own. Thats why they usually have both options.

 

I thinks it's about feeling more connected to the car and having more control...my two cents...

 

And that's a 150K car with a manual. I personally don't like driving automatics, and paying 10K more for that crap doesn't sound like a winning argument to me.

This is a good argument against DCT.

LOL.

 

When did I say only manuals? Also where did I say anything you just said for that matter. I actually said that dual clutches hold a blatant performance advantage. Your even wrong about the launching of dual clutch(or manual) cars. A car with launch control you do in fact nail the pedal and go for it. Cars like that zr1/z06 or most porsches with launch control and traction managment you just nail it and go and dont stop around the corners, the computer manages wheel slip and engine functions itself to keep the car from loosing traction. With a zr1 you dump the clutch, it has no lift shift, and you just dive into the corner full throttle. Thats the way PTM works. Also I said to keep the manuals, and why most people probably like them, is because some of us like the fact that WE are driving. You push buttons on your washing machine, you turn you microwave on, all appliances. For some a car isnt just a machine to push start and go to point B. I think its fair to say thats why most enjoy manual. However I will say again, dual clutches hold a clear performance gain over any manual trans and needs to be in at least the top level vette.

And another part of your arguement. Do you want them to stop making pushrods? Do you believe the vette needs a DOHC engine? Your should check just how old and not high tech most DOHC engines are compared to an ls motor. I believe fiat mass produced the first in 1922 I think I read. Doesnt mean the pushrod is any worse or better in any given case.

Also, Ford seems to be doing just fine with the mustang's solid axle as of lately. Vettes leaf springs arnt new either. Techy doesnt always mean efficient, it just means more complicated. Otherwise the z06 wouldnt have hurt lambo, porsche, and ferrari's feelings when it came out in 06.

 

Although I do recall the stock 06 Z06 putting a hurting on the Lambos and Ferraris right out the gate.

And if Fiat was the ONLY one make DOHC motors, push-rod motors would be better by default! LOL But you're correct that being OHC or OHV does not make a motor any better than the other.

 

How many years ago was that: 20?

If you look at racing technology; it going to into the future with DCT.

 

I agree that GM should be head of the competition. They were back before the 70s. After that; they always took short cuts; and sold their cars through marketing instead of quality and competitiveness. Most of the car sales where through leasing and rental companies. A lot of the buyers of GM went to Japanese and European after they purchased cars that where lemons. My dad purchased a Olds Cutlass Suspreme and it was a lemon without lemon laws then. He end up junking it after 2 years and would not purchase another GM car ever. He got a Lexus and never changed brands.

It is hard to change the old school culture of GM. They only know one thing - sell the car through massive marketing: rebates, ads, limited editions branding, etc... Only recently, has Cadillac division fired most of its management and hired some outsiders to turn it around. Now it back on the road again. Chevrolet division is doing much better after the government takeover. Hopefully, Corvette brand will change like it has with Cadillac.

 

I agree that GM should be on the leading edge of technology and they have been even in the recent past . For example traction control , magnetic shocks, heads up, dry sump system,aluminum frame etc. I don't have a problem with OHV engines, they're simple, get good mileage with large ci engines and as long as the power and torque are there along with the handling I'm good with evolutionary changes. I think GM is very aware of where the future Corvette needs to be and is probably doing their homework to make the right changes.

 

I won't knock DCT, as it is technology itself progressing. However, at what point does one realize that the technology is taking the fun out of it? When do you say, "Okay, the computer is doing too much"?

Launch control on the new Corvettes? ZZZZZZZZ. So basically you can keep the pedal to the floor while the computer executes the optimum launch for you with least amount of wheelspin. I'd try it once or twice then never touch it again. PDK Porsches are undeniably impressive with their 2.8 0-60 times but I swoon for the 3 flat the stick turbo performs instead.

I feel a great sports car is an exceptional blend of future tech as well as tradition. Stick shifts ultimately can't compare to a computer doing all the shifting but at least keep them an option for enthusiasts who want to keep in touch with the car's roots.

 

Your point?....and with todays average age for a Corvette buyer how old? 20 years ago how old was the average Corvette buyer. Prob the same buyers then and now still want the manual

 

Interesting thought. When I bought my first new Corvette, it was a1990 model, and was omne of the first 6 speeds in Dallas. The statistics for the prior year were that less than 2% of all new Corvette buyers were under 35 years old. I was 29. I would venture to say that the average of a new Corvette buyer is not 21 years older now.

I have not searched, but someone who cares could probably find the average of a new Corvette buyer over the last 30 or so years.

Generally speaking, the entire market for cars has moved strongly towards automatics.

 

100%

 

http://autos.yahoo.com/news/next-cor...turbo-v-8.html