I'm sure with a custom tune any lethargic response can be eliminated. My c5 a6 felt like one gear all the way up the Speedo.

 

As a soon to be owner the decision of which transmission to choose is a difficult one. This thread makes my head hurt. On the one hand we have a testimony from someone who had a 2014 A6 and then drove the 2015 A8 and was completely impressed. On the other hand we have another opinion that is the polar opposite, the A8 is terrible. All of the reviews I have read in the media have been overwhelmingly positive. It's hard to know what to think. Test driving both a manual and then an A8 C7 to compare them seems to be the logical answer but is not easily accomplished.

 

My 2014 was an M7 - loved it for the experience of driving, BUT........

My car (maybe not all c7s) was not an easy shifting tranny, I had complained about it being notchy on several posts. I got the MGW shifter and it made a world of difference, but was still awkward going into 5th, 6th and 7th - and I rarely used 6th and 7th - because, as most owners would admit if asked, unless on flat road 6th and 7th just mean you will have to shift again when car starts lugging up an incline...... and both are relatively useless under 75mph.

Don't get me wrong, its still a tough call to go from M7 to A8, but after the drive today I can say with confidence that while I may miss the M7 on a spirited Sunday blast just to get it out of my system, I will take the A8 because the other 90% of the time I use the car it will be more enjoyable and better performing - and I have personally experienced that this tranny is not slow to react to upshifting or downshifting - and I have experience with 911 pdk, Ferrari 458, lambo 570, bmw and merc. This tranny takes a back seat to the ferrari and lambo, but not by much and there is still that 200K difference. Also, neither the ferrari or lambo are really streetable for daily driving - these are pure spirited driving machines meant for a quick "get it out of your system" run, so to try and compare is just foolish. THe 911 is streetable, but off the line PDK is not as nice as the A8.

Of course the opinions expressed are just that, I'm just telling you how I feel about it and to those who would argue I say try it for yourself. I've had the M7, liked it, and I think I'll like the A8 just a little more 90% of the time, and just a little less 10% of the time. I'm sure I'll still have stuff to play with that will make this tranny cool too!

 

I have not been a big fan of the M7. I still think it's got one gear too many which gets in the way too often. And, it is too clunky (sorry, it is). And there is NOTHING more annoying than that stupid 1-4 lockout. Every time that happens, I just want to scream. Why can't the box do what I want it to do instead of what GM wants me to do?

However, about a week ago I drove it in anger (while avoiding getting arrested!) and it's much better at that than it is in stop and go traffic.

So, they both have their advantages. In stop and go, the M7 is clunky and a bit difficult to modulate the clutch. I'm sure the A8 solves this. But when really getting into it, I doubt the A8 can deliver the same driving enjoyment.


I was never a big fan of the 458 DCT, especially in the spider. It's quick but emotionless. The best robotized box made probably is in the Ferrari Scuderia. That car is amazing and full of emotion. If you ever wonder how an auto can beat a manual for fun, drive that car. Then, you'll know.

 

Of course! Why does anyone care what the other guy drives? Curious how many guys commenting actually own a 2015.

 

Thanks for your thoughts on the A8. I have owned many Corvettes both manual and automatic. I traded a 2012 Grand Sport with manual 6-speed for a 2014 Z51 with the A6. I also owned in the past a 2007 with paddle shifted A6. The programming for the 2014 A6 is far superior to that of the 2007. Many folks don't realize when you let the computer shift in Sport or Track mode it changes the patterns dramatically especially when driving aggressively. It even "blips" the throttle when down shifting. I'm talking about the automatic here fellas.

Folks who make negative statements regarding one's personal choices on manual vs. automatic transmissions are simply stirring the "troll" pot. It is ignorant and not worthy of a response. It is unlikely anyone who has actually "owned a Corvette" and driven it daily would be critical of other owners simply due to their choice in transmissions.

As for the A8; I hope it is as good as the OP and GM say it is. I don't think a transmission with a torque converter will ever perform "on Par" with a dual clutch transmission on a closed course, but I do believe the boys taking care of the Corvette at GM have gotten it damn close!

 

the delay in shifting ?? I am confused as all that I have been hearing about this A8 is how quick it shifts compared to PDK and what little delay there is many have said this on here that own it!!!

 

Order what you want and there will be no regrets. As for the A8 I test drove one before placing my order for the M7. I will leave it at that.

 

You made a great choice for many good reasons. I chose my A8 for many good reasons. Wish I could have both in one car. Enjoy your car

 

[QUOTE=ncrowe;1588023553]My 2014 was an M7 - loved it for the experience of driving, BUT........

My car (maybe not all c7s) was not an easy shifting tranny, I had complained about it being notchy on several posts. I got the MGW shifter and it made a world of difference, but was still awkward going into 5th, 6th and 7th - and I rarely used 6th and 7th - because, as most owners would admit if asked, unless on flat road 6th and 7th just mean you will have to shift again when car starts lugging up an incline...... and both are relatively useless under 75mph.


Response to:

Notchy = subjective. There is feedback when the desired gear is selected, I wouldn't call it notcchy. (every manual transmission I have ever driven provides feedback as the desired gear is selected). Going into fifth is an acquired feel, I never had a problem. I typically keep the rpm around 1500 on the open road and select gears accordingly. (6th - above 55mph, 7th - above 60 mph depending on terrain). You have to experiment/learn where and how to acquire desired gear selection. I am still learning how to smoothly select lower gears as I down shift out of seventh (have only really used seventh a few times) still acquiring the feel. Anyway, I am happy with all seven gears!!!!

 

OP thanks for your input. I started a thread about this yesterday as I am quite interested in a loaded 15 8 spd Vert. I was/am curious about the new trans and the fact of the 272 rear gears and intend to do a test fly tomorrow if the wife is ok with it.

The dealer is willing to let me drive it if we settle on price and the drive is the only thing holding me back from signing. Price for his car and what I beat on him for my trade in are very good. (I think he already has a person interest in my 07Z06 as my ears are quite good and I overheard a conversation between him and a customer that was there looking for a Z.) (Saw them both out looking at my car)

I have always had manuals in all my Vettes up to now (4 four speeds- 4 6spds) but my left knee is getting worse and I think it’s time to go to a rider transmission rather than a driver transmission.


PS hi Monk!

 

While most probably have only driven one or the other at this point, for those that actually had the opportunity to drive the C7 in both the M7 and A8 flavors, did you notice any difference in the handling and steering feel?

While it may similarly result in yes and no responses from fans of both, it might help deciding if it's unanimous.

 

My Gen 7 will have the A8 for sure, I've still got a C6 manual, (and like it) but the allure for GM's new auto transmission is too much!

 

Drove both. A8 around 150 miles and M7 around 70 miles. Loved the smooth M7 feel. Purchased the A8 for many reasons. No regrets. No difference in handling or steering feel. Did feel my own more aggressive nature come forth
while pushing the M7. Loved the A8 quick shift feel in Drive and sport or track mode. Just thrilled to own the car. It's ALL good to me.

 

[QUOTE=Larry/car;1588024399]Let me explain notchy (for 4300 miles) - the shift from 1st to second was a grind - so was 3rd to 4th - like syncros were messed up = notchy - the MGW shifter made a difference, but may have been masking the problem inside the tranny - the wreck, the one that could have killed my wife and I, was as a result of the wheels locking up - the tranny is stuck between 3rd and 4th - is in my garage now and awaiting inspectors to review = notchy - not subjective.
Now I'm sure my tranny issue is more of an iscolated event, but don't be too quick to chalk up a notchy complaint to "you just don't understand the car or the feel"

 

My experience with the A8 is totally at odds with the statement above. I have a 2015 A8 Coupe and I find the A8 to be crisp and rapid shifting in both automatic and manual modes. If you prefer the M7 then that is great for you. Do not assume that everyone else is of the same mind.

 

Completely agree with you. The A8 is a great advance in transmissions

 

+1, me too.

 

Did you test drive one that was already broken in? You do know that the A8 goes through a learning process before it operations optimally?

I have no problem at all with you picking the M7. I just hope you did so for the right reasons.

 

I drove a 2014 C7 A6 from Feb until a week ago. I then got a great deal on a 2015 C7 A8. Have about 300mi on it. Not redlining it yet, but I sure can tell better acceleration and faster shift at least subjectively. I usually keep it in M unless I am on the highway then just keep it in D. I have not driven a PDK or DCT tranny, so I certainly can't compare. I know that I am very happy with the A8. My dealer made me an offer I couldn't refuse on the trade. I will be getting a Z06 when the A8 constraints are off. I have no doubt about how well I like the A8. As with anything, what works for me may not be right for someone else. Thank God we don't all want the same thing.
I spend time on the Z06 forum. There is a member there who bashes the A8 at every opportunity. Tells all you will listen that it will be terrible in the Z06, as if he has experience driving the Z06. I respect his opinion and have said so, but it is not everyone's opinion. Just so you know, he is the one on this thread you said the A8 is terrible. Just choose for yourself.