Pleasantly surprised with the A8 Auto
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
Pleasantly surprised with the A8 Auto
I have always preferred and owned manual transmission equipped, when it comes to owning performance (or even semi-performance) oriented vehicles. I originally set out to but an M7 for the new Corvette, but before buying, I rented a 2104 A6 for 4 days, and really started to like it! After test driving an A8, I ended up going with that instead of the M7, and I have to say, after getting it all broken in and finally going out and beating up on it a little bit today, I LOVE this A8! 
The manual mode is excellent, and when you are at WOT and select the next gear near redline, it bangs and pops like a possessed demon, and the shift is instantaneous. And the way it rev matches on downshifts, so awesome! Amazing little piece of kit from GM! (Well, when they are working correctly it would seem).
That coupled with driving in lazy mode when you want to, is a great benefit as well.
The manual mode is excellent, and when you are at WOT and select the next gear near redline, it bangs and pops like a possessed demon, and the shift is instantaneous. And the way it rev matches on downshifts, so awesome! Amazing little piece of kit from GM! (Well, when they are working correctly it would seem).
That coupled with driving in lazy mode when you want to, is a great benefit as well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
I'm gonna have to try mine at WOT in manual. Have had it a couple of months now and now you have convinced me. I have done the deal where you, and forgive me I forgot the terminology, where you tap twice, step on the brake, go WOT and release the brake. That my friends is absolutely awesome!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 682
Love my A8.
I've ordered this accessory to compliment it.
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...y1OsF-uK8,VEH3
I've ordered this accessory to compliment it.
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...y1OsF-uK8,VEH3
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
I'm gonna have to try mine at WOT in manual. Have had it a couple of months now and now you have convinced me. I have done the deal where you, and forgive me I forgot the terminology, where you tap twice, step on the brake, go WOT and release the brake. That my friends is absolutely awesome!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
Love my A8.
I've ordered this accessory to compliment it.
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...y1OsF-uK8,VEH3
I've ordered this accessory to compliment it.
http://kalecoauto.com/index.php?main...y1OsF-uK8,VEH3
:rof l: 
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Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10,020
Likes: 3,427
From: Plymouth Massachusetts
2025 C7 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
2024 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Here is hoping it is a better year for the A8 in 2016 like yours!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 7,382
Likes: 3,501
From: Lake Havasu City Arizona
That must be the launch control... that looks like fun! I haven't tried that yet, but I will when it gets a little more broken in and a little warmer here. Streets are so cold right now, traction is pretty poor. My son has been dying to see that in action as well LOL!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21,845
Likes: 140
From: When all is said and done... there is a hell of a lot more said than done. Riverside,Texas
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
I have always preferred and owned manual transmission equipped, when it comes to owning performance (or even semi-performance) oriented vehicles. I originally set out to but an M7 for the new Corvette, but before buying, I rented a 2104 A6 for 4 days, and really started to like it! After test driving an A8, I ended up going with that instead of the M7, and I have to say, after getting it all broken in and finally going out and beating up on it a little bit today, I LOVE this A8!
The manual mode is excellent, and when you are at WOT and select the next gear near redline, it bangs and pops like a possessed demon, and the shift is instantaneous. And the way it rev matches on downshifts, so awesome! Amazing little piece of kit from GM! (Well, when they are working correctly it would seem).
That coupled with driving in lazy mode when you want to, is a great benefit as well.
The manual mode is excellent, and when you are at WOT and select the next gear near redline, it bangs and pops like a possessed demon, and the shift is instantaneous. And the way it rev matches on downshifts, so awesome! Amazing little piece of kit from GM! (Well, when they are working correctly it would seem).
That coupled with driving in lazy mode when you want to, is a great benefit as well.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 15,055
Likes: 1,613
From: Holly Springs NC
St. Jude Donor '16-'17,'22,'24
Interesting because I went just the opposite after driving the A-8 and M-7. My C5 was an A-4. I was adamant that my next Vette would be a paddleshift automatic. Then I drove the rev matching M-7 followed by an A-8. I was totally sold on an M-7 due to rev matching and dual mode exhaust.
Maybe we can agree, change is good!
Maybe we can agree, change is good!
Have read on the forum the A8 2016 has a different part number. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 96
From: Asheville NC
Both are fun to drive. In an auto it's fun to mash the peddle and have the car take off like a rocket and manuals give lots of driver feedback. If your're in traffic then it's an easy choice. For me I love the manual and the rev matching function is very cool.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 812
Likes: 192
Yeah, I actually haven't had a chance to try that rev-match feature on a manual, I am sure I would love that equally. It has gotten a lot of positive reviews.