I'm not convinced a six speed automatic is actually ancient...

I drive a six speed manual c6 and it has more than enough gears...

I am sure fuel efficiency will be a few percentage points better with an 8 speed yet with regards to performance..the tq of the corvette v8 makes extra gears a marketing effort more than a performance differential.

The six speed automatic is a far cry from a two speed power glide..

My manual transmission six speed is more than enough gears...

Even the seven speed manual really mimics the 6 speed in lower gear and the seventh gear is a highway fuel mileage gear....

 

You just gave me the most important reason to buy a manual

 

I believe the A6 only shifts from paddles... Would be cool if you can have paddle shift and shift from the know now that could be cool as hell

 

Its not the number of gears that is the issue but even then with only 6 they are behind the curve considering Lexus, BMW and MB have been using an 8 speed for years. MB has recently introduced a 9 speed as well. The A6 in the C7 has a torque converter while a DCT transmission does not. Even though GM is preloading the shifts for quicker response it still cannot equal a DCT in overall performance. The A6 has been developed as far as it can and is not state of the art in todays transmission. It will sell well enough for those that spend more time washing their car then driving it but the true performance driver will want something better.

 

Autos are nice for big power. I never keep anything stock and once you start making 650+rwhp an auto becomes a bigger and bigger advantage.

 

There are times in traffic when an auto would be less work but I'll sacrifice that any day for the pleasure I get going through the gears the rest of the time. IMO.

 

I haven't seen the updates to the a6 or A8 coming. Have you seen any details on either hardware or software changes? Please fill us in if you have.

I do seem to remember the CTS v automatic was the fastest sports sedan at the "ring" for quite some time...

That outdated version in the CTS v managed to beat other cars that were supposedly the "ultimate driver machines"

I'm just saying its the total package of the vehicle that counts more than just a transmission..

I realize how some go on and on about transmission technology yet Consider the total performance of the vehicle matters more.

 

Except I drive an 18 wheeler in the D/Ft.Worth metro area 5/6 days a week. I have had manual transmissions since I learned to drive. It is time for a change.

 

Got any pictuers of the Cuda?

 

Would the instruction be in a C7? If so, you can sign me up!

 

You may some good points . It really is an apple and oranges tale. Having 6 speeds with 450 ft pounds of torque really does not put you behind in any curve. Having said that in my opinion the 7 speed manual is only there so the prospective buyer thinks a Porsche is better because it has one more speed. The same for 8 speed automatics. The justification for them is more marketing then some advantage. Build an engine that has a narrow power range then it becomes critical.

 

That's exactly the point. Not only is the LT1 a monster...its a monster producing more torque at 1000 rpm than a Porsche 911 does at peak level.

I do think the 7 speed rev matching manual adds a small percentage to increased fuel economy on the highway.

I believe the A6 will be the quickest acceleration c7 .....

 

Wow! I really got a lot of responses to my original post, and have read and considered them all....Overall, I have to agree with JJ 123....
I am going with the manual....

 

Good choice. You will not be dissapointed with the M7 in this car.

 

Here is an interesting review on the C7. They really liked it however they were not too excited about the A6. Read this review if you cannot decide to order the manual or automatic.

http://rawautos.com/2013/08/first-dr...ette-stingray/

For those that don't want to read the whole article this is from the review.

"Those points are that, first, the automatic transmission is not well programmed at this point. The Tremec manual is the only one to get at launch, but the product marketing team tells me that at start of deliveries the projections are for 45% manual and 55% automatic. Then after the first year or so, the percentage of automatics will rise steadily. This is too bad, because the upshifts especially from the automatic while in Sport mode are really terrible and long-winded."

 

Please be aware Josh Lewis of Raw Autos hates DCT and all transmissions that are not manuals.

I have read and enjoyed his reviews for years and his strong personal preference has always been manuals.

If you ever listened to Josh Lewis as a co host on Roundel table podcast you would understand even more why I am correcting any report stating that raw auto did not like the automatic c7...

I happen to prefer the rev matching m7 but in all honesty we all know the automatic c7 z51 with MRC and NPP will be an excellent drive as well.

 

JerriVette I could have predicted you would rush in to defend the A6.

The comments he made were that the A6 upshifts were terrible and long-winded. Until someone else here drives one you have to realize that he could very well be correct.

 

Everyone has their own preferences, often based on past experiences. Sometimes these experiences are based on other types of cars or on old school types of automatics. I've owned many corvettes. The last two have been automatics. So will my C7 vert when available (hopefully a ZR1 this time so I don't have to build my own again). Sorry. That dig is aimed at Chevrolet.

Reasons why. I like Corvettes more for running the roads than straight line racing. I feel more confident not having to let go of the steering wheel to down shift when I push too deep into a curve or having to loosen my left leg which is braced into the door panel in order to clutch.

How often do I use the paddles? 90% of the time. The other 10%, I forgot to put in Sport mode. I feel Chev messed up by not making paddle shift the default mode.

I also believe six gears are adequate. However, due to supercharging, my torque curve is extra wide and the motor doesn't care what gear I'm in. I very seldom use 6th gear.

My down shifts are immediate and the braking effects are nearly the same as downshifting a manual. I have accidentally downshifted twice from redline back into first with no permanent damage ( a lot of warning codes but the eventual clear themselves). Point is, this transmission is extremely durable. Pushing 635 HP at the tires and 96,000 miles with no problems.

Note: My BMW X5M is paddle shift but I never use them. I don't road race it.

 

I'm not defending anything...I'm just reporting about Josh Lewis 's past statements with regards to DCT and automatic transmissions in most of his past articles and his roundel podcasts.

He always stated on the roundel podcast ad nauseum that he thought manuals were true drivers cars.

Surprisingly I've been driving manual transmissions for 37 years ... I enjoy them yet I too believe or have been lead to believe that DCT s are an excellent choice offering both performance and when needed convenience for a daily driver..

I'm not as big a fan of automatics with torque convertors BUT I'm willing to acknowledge that technology continues to evolve and improve.

That's inclusive of the torque convertor transmission and the non torque convertor planetary gearbox that Mercedes offers as the MCT...

What can I say except I have driven my buddies SL63 AMG with a renntech tune..it shifted and drove quite well. I was impressed...so much so that it opened my eyes to consider the new technology might be even better...(even though it is a planetary gearbox and not a DCT...

All I'm suggesting is lets read more about relatively unbiased reviews on GM s future automatic transmissions...both A6 and upcoming A8

If your prediction of my statements with regards to keeping an open mind with regards to new advances in technology from GM...then thank you for the complement.

 

I dont get all the its easier to drive an auto in traffic. I find an auto to be just as much work. You have to hold in the brake every time you are stopped. With a stick i just sit there relaxed waiting for traffic to move again. Of course i have shin splints in my right leg and it bothers them when i have to hold the break. Plus its a lot more fun to drive a stick when you are not in traffic. IMO