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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 04:07 PM
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I've been reading on some threads about the 2015 C7 having A8. Does that mean it has 8 gears? What would the benefit of that be? Obviously I know nothing about car mechanics but since I have a 2015 C7 on order I would like to know more. Thanks
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 04:09 PM
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The manual transmission is a 7-speed, but for 2015 the automatic transmission is an 8-speed (the 2014 was a 6-speed).
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by janicept
Obviously I know nothing about car mechanics....
But we all gotta start some place and askin' questions is as good a way as any.
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 05:15 PM
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It's not just that the new automatic has more gears, but that it is a new design. It is said to be faster shifting, better logic to be in the gear you would prefer, and uses steering wheel mounted shift paddles in manual mode.
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by FirehawkTA
It's not just that the new automatic has more gears, but that it is a new design. It is said to be faster shifting, better logic to be in the gear you would prefer, and uses steering wheel mounted shift paddles in manual mode.
The only time I ever put my C6 in manual mode was if I needed a little extra boost to pass someone - a salesman taught me that.

What is the benefit of having more gears? Say before (C6) I would switch into manual mode, downshift to 5th, pass the car, go back to 6th, then back into automatic mode. So with A8 transmission would I shift from 8th to 6th?
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 05:21 PM
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If you ordered an automatic it will be the A8, or 8-speed (that's 8 forward gears, you also get a reverse gear).

The manual has 7 forward gears and reverse.
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 06:34 PM
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You will need to make up your mind on the transmission (A8 or M7) before your order progresses to the point where you can't make any changes.

If your salesperson was doing a proper job he/she should have already discussed this with you.

The transmission doesn't work without the benefit of having gears.

Last edited by RedC7AZ; Nov 25, 2014 at 06:37 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2014 | 06:50 PM
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The A8 is designed for the massive torque and hp. of the Z06 so it should be a more robust transmission than the A6. Having more gears should make it more responsive to just about any situation--assuming the software is right. I have a 9 speed in my 2014 Jeep Cherokee and its a great transmission, but it had a lot of teething problems requiring multiple reflashes of the transmission and engine CPU. I haven't heard anything like that with the A8 in the Corvette. You also have to be doing about 85 to get it into 9th gear in the Jeep so its not much use in normal driving.
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Old Nov 26, 2014 | 05:10 AM
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I've been reading all kinds of positive impressions of the A8. Things like people who wouldn't even consider an automatic saying that they would opt for it. And literally all of the automotive press is raving about it. Just about every user testimonial I have read on forums is also extremely positive. Essentially its a home run.

All of this combined has made my transmission choice a very difficult decision. 2 months ago I would have laughed and replied, "M7 all day long". Today i'd probably opt for that A8.
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