8 Speed Auto Fun Factor
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 501
Likes: 64
From: Columbia MD
8 Speed Auto Fun Factor
I've been reading more about this 8 speed auto and it sounds pretty cool. It sounds like it might be a fun transmission to have.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,610
Likes: 427
From: USA
I had a six speed manual and when I upgraded to a C7 I got the A8. I have to say it is just as fun if not more. I love the "bark" of the A8 under performance driving. I dont necessarily find the manual more entertaining or more of a driving experience than the automatic. I love them both. The A8 is noticeably faster than the M7 from my experience and I drove them both before purchase.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 581
Likes: 2
From: Duluth GA
I've been reading more about this 8 speed auto and it sounds pretty cool. It sounds like it might be a fun transmission to have.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
I just flat out like to shift gears it's fun, enjoyable, and relaxing. My dad wants the comfort of not having to shift
Personal preference. Just like I do not think the auto rev match is much fun (even though it is better than I… most of the time)
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,162
Likes: 114
From: Prosper, TX
There is no right answer, and you'll get varied responses. I think everyone agrees that the A8 is a fantastic transmission (that's what I have), but if you like that connected feeling to the drive train, the M7 is probably the way to go. The car is tons of fun either way. The question is, do you like to shift or not?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,048
Likes: 28
From: Palm Beach County FL
I'm not a great manual driver either, but my C5 Z06 was a 6 speed and I had fun driving it. I can't even do heel toe shifting (never really practiced) but I do enjoy the connection with the car. A8 might be better all around including better performance, but it just doesn't connect u like the manual does. I think majority of the connection comes from the clutch, not the gearbox.
Just my opinion driving automatic and manual cars.
I'd like to see GM host a video where an experienced driver (or semi experienced) take on a track in a M7, then do the same course in a A8 with the gear left in D. Would love to see the diff in time and feedback of the driver
Just my opinion driving automatic and manual cars.
I'd like to see GM host a video where an experienced driver (or semi experienced) take on a track in a M7, then do the same course in a A8 with the gear left in D. Would love to see the diff in time and feedback of the driver
Last edited by 11B250; Jan 26, 2015 at 02:24 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,718
Likes: 80
From: Crossville Tennessee
There is no right answer, and you'll get varied responses. I think everyone agrees that the A8 is a fantastic transmission (that's what I have), but if you like that connected feeling to the drive train, the M7 is probably the way to go. The car is tons of fun either way. The question is, do you like to shift or not?
I have the A8 and love it. It is aggressive when you are playing and shifts like a smooth auto the rest of the time. Best of both worlds. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 840
Likes: 22
From: Dade City Florida
My A8 Z06 is built, but not home yet. My personal preference has always been a stick, but my ideal tranni is changing having an F1 in the current F car, drivin a number of PDK in friends cars. Thought I'd give this new Z car a try with the new auto. Like or hate it, it is the future!
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Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 668
From: Kilmarnock Va
Do you ever notice movies that have chase scenes,movie types like fast and furious as an example.You'll always see them shifting.And the way they shift you know it's A manual.
I guess the producers,or directors believe the audience likes to see people shifting.
I guess the producers,or directors believe the audience likes to see people shifting.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 242
Likes: 4
I'll only add this, I took my A8 to a twisty mountain road in Texas. First time up I left it in auto and it was ok. But at the top I turned around and did a complete roundtrip again in M. It was a Blast! I don't think I would have enjoyed all the drama with a Manual transmission, but that's just me of course. Two quick paddle-shifts on the uphill sections and I was transported from 5 to 3, That was fun!
M mode was as close to a sportbike track experience as you can get.
M mode was as close to a sportbike track experience as you can get.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 568
Likes: 109
From: South Carolina
I've been reading more about this 8 speed auto and it sounds pretty cool. It sounds like it might be a fun transmission to have.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
I've heard it will shift hard when driven aggressively resulting in a slight push to the driver and car, rev match loudly when driven hard, and shifts fairly quickly. Any thoughts? Is it a fun transmission to have? More so than a 4 speed slush box?
I'm still feeling like a manual might be more fun. I just know I won't be able to get the acceleration times very good since I'm not that good with a manual. Would love to learn though.
Last edited by SCorvette08; Jan 27, 2015 at 08:51 AM. Reason: not finished
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,265
Likes: 8,542
From: Rochester, NY
I'll only add this, I took my A8 to a twisty mountain road in Texas. First time up I left it in auto and it was ok. But at the top I turned around and did a complete roundtrip again in M. It was a Blast! I don't think I would have enjoyed all the drama with a Manual transmission, but that's just me of course. Two quick paddle-shifts on the uphill sections and I was transported from 5 to 3, That was fun!
M mode was as close to a sportbike track experience as you can get.
M mode was as close to a sportbike track experience as you can get.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 4,788
Likes: 683
From: Austin Texas
St. Jude Donor '15
This is quite possibly the most subjective question when it come to the 2015 Corvette. Having driven both I will say that the A8 is seat of the pants quicker and shifts well. The sound is good , but even in sport mode the car would go into the V4 mode...ech. The M7, on the other hand never went into the V4 mode while in sport. The sound was "better" in the M7 to me and with the rev match on it was fun to down shift.
I have been driving for 55+ years, mostly manuals, so the clutch, shift lever, and all around sound are what I enjoy.
I had seriously thought about the A8 but when it came time to order I just couldn't pull the trigger... maybe in 5-6 more years, but I am sure that by then there will not be a manual available in the Corvette. The A8 is the wave of the future.
And speaking of waves...don't forget to.
R
I have been driving for 55+ years, mostly manuals, so the clutch, shift lever, and all around sound are what I enjoy.
I had seriously thought about the A8 but when it came time to order I just couldn't pull the trigger... maybe in 5-6 more years, but I am sure that by then there will not be a manual available in the Corvette. The A8 is the wave of the future.
And speaking of waves...don't forget to.
R
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 668
From: Kilmarnock Va
This is quite possibly the most subjective question when it come to the 2015 Corvette. Having driven both I will say that the A8 is seat of the pants quicker and shifts well. The sound is good , but even in sport mode the car would go into the V4 mode...ech. The M7, on the other hand never went into the V4 mode while in sport. The sound was "better" in the M7 to me and with the rev match on it was fun to down shift.
I have been driving for 55+ years, mostly manuals, so the clutch, shift lever, and all around sound are what I enjoy.
I had seriously thought about the A8 but when it came time to order I just couldn't pull the trigger... maybe in 5-6 more years, but I am sure that by then there will not be a manual available in the Corvette. The A8 is the wave of the future.
And speaking of waves...don't forget to.
R
I have been driving for 55+ years, mostly manuals, so the clutch, shift lever, and all around sound are what I enjoy.
I had seriously thought about the A8 but when it came time to order I just couldn't pull the trigger... maybe in 5-6 more years, but I am sure that by then there will not be a manual available in the Corvette. The A8 is the wave of the future.
And speaking of waves...don't forget to.
R
The age factor starts kicking in.In other words your getting old,then you'll
Most likely go with the A8. That's my take
Last edited by thrilled; Jan 27, 2015 at 10:14 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
From: Battle Creek MI
I'm a stick guy all the way and vowed to never have another high HP and auto matched up again. Today I drive my Z51 c7 with A8 and it just brings a huge smile to my face it is an amazing piece of work, I'm glad I took the chance.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 514
Likes: 105
From: Georgia
My belief is if you've driven auto's most of your life you'll most likely go with the A8. If you have driven manuals most of your life and your still fairly young.It's A good chance you'll go with the M7. But many of us once
The age factor starts kicking in.In other words your getting old,then you'll
Most likely go with the A8. That's my take
The age factor starts kicking in.In other words your getting old,then you'll
Most likely go with the A8. That's my take
Been driving manual transmissions all my life and can not see buying a sports car with an automatic. I am sure the day will come when you can no longer buy a manual, but until then I wil continue buying manuals.
Used to select manual transmissions for my pickup trucks also. My last manual was a v8 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a 5 speed manual. Years later when I went to replace it I found you could not longer get a manual from any of the major players in pickup trucks. Shame.
Lance
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,265
Likes: 8,542
From: Rochester, NY
I hope you drive an auto before you place that order. Coming from a manual you may be disappointed with the auto. I test drove both and big difference even my Wife who was with me said you have to get the manual. Drive one, then decide.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 2,535
From: New Jersey
I just like the physical act of manually shifting a car. My DDs have been sticks for the past 30+ yrs. GM could come out with an A12 with voice controlled Bluetooth shifts and I would still get a stick.