Praise (you heard me right) for the A8!
10-22-2016, 10:34 PM
#1
Praise (you heard me right) for the A8!
I finally had a decent opportunity to do a little 'spirited' driving in the C7 today. Mine is a 16 Z51 A8. I have been making myself sick reading some of the negative threads on this site, and bemoaning the fact that it is not a DCT.
Ridiculous! On a nice loop north out of Los Angeles, up the 5, out Lake Hughes Road to Pine Canyon / Elizabeth Lake Rd T junction to Ridge Rte Rd to Lancaster Rd and back, I had a blast! Shifts were crisp, and perfectly fast, whether I was in manual or auto. No problems at all. I could not have asked for more, and I am a happy camper!!
For me, it was a no-brainer. I have rotator cuff issues that make shifting with my right hand a painful process, and I have enjoyed paddle shifting in other cars, so I was going to go A8 all the way. If you are on the fence, my advice is don't over analyze it. My experience, anyway. Only 1500 miles or so, but so far, so good.
Have fun! Drive safe!
CaliforniaJed
Ridiculous! On a nice loop north out of Los Angeles, up the 5, out Lake Hughes Road to Pine Canyon / Elizabeth Lake Rd T junction to Ridge Rte Rd to Lancaster Rd and back, I had a blast! Shifts were crisp, and perfectly fast, whether I was in manual or auto. No problems at all. I could not have asked for more, and I am a happy camper!!
For me, it was a no-brainer. I have rotator cuff issues that make shifting with my right hand a painful process, and I have enjoyed paddle shifting in other cars, so I was going to go A8 all the way. If you are on the fence, my advice is don't over analyze it. My experience, anyway. Only 1500 miles or so, but so far, so good.
Have fun! Drive safe!
CaliforniaJed
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Popular Reply
10-24-2016, 02:59 PM
10-22-2016, 10:47 PM
#4
Safety Car
Thanks for posting! I too have been really happy with my A8. 5K miles in only 5 months, which is a lot for me. I find the option of manual shifting or automatic shifting great, and have been finding nuances of throttle position and shifting that make the manual experience even better (first suggestion--manual shift in Sport instead of Tour). Suggestions on this site have helped too. The opportunity to use the A8 at WOT at Spring Mountain was a blast.And yes, I have had manuals. 2- 4 speeds, 1 5-speed, and ending with a 6 speed 911. Just one DCT so far.
Actually thought of starting a thread on essentially optimizing the driving experience A8 to see what others have discovered, but was not quite up for the anticipated flak.
Last edited by JonMN; 10-22-2016 at 10:52 PM.
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CaliforniaJed (10-24-2016)
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CaliforniaJed (10-24-2016)
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10-22-2016, 11:13 PM
#7
Pretty C7! I love the Blade Silver too! 
I have shoulder issues too, but have had successful surgery so that shifting an M7 is once again a non-issue. Rehab was a challenge, but that's all behind me. Glad to hear you're doing well with your A8.
I have shoulder issues too, but have had successful surgery so that shifting an M7 is once again a non-issue. Rehab was a challenge, but that's all behind me. Glad to hear you're doing well with your A8.
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CaliforniaJed (10-23-2016)
10-22-2016, 11:17 PM
#8
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Good looking car you have and 
that the A8 has been a very good choice for you.
that the A8 has been a very good choice for you.
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CaliforniaJed (10-23-2016)
10-22-2016, 11:25 PM
#9
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Great post.
I did the same today...went out on I-5...1,100 miles north of you! Detailed the Vette this morning and took it out this afternoon. I ran it through the paddle shifters on the way home...that sucker is sweet. I put it in Drive on the way out. At the stop light just before a long empty straight, I ran it through all 8 gears at light throttle and when I looked at the speedo in 8th, I was doing 90 mph.Worked flawlessly. My build date was 1/28/16 after the November updates were put into effect.
Couldn't ask for a better car. Got lots of stares from lots of people and at least 5 people took pictures of it. Great day to be out in the Corvette.
Life is good.
I did the same today...went out on I-5...1,100 miles north of you! Detailed the Vette this morning and took it out this afternoon. I ran it through the paddle shifters on the way home...that sucker is sweet. I put it in Drive on the way out. At the stop light just before a long empty straight, I ran it through all 8 gears at light throttle and when I looked at the speedo in 8th, I was doing 90 mph.Worked flawlessly. My build date was 1/28/16 after the November updates were put into effect.
Couldn't ask for a better car. Got lots of stares from lots of people and at least 5 people took pictures of it. Great day to be out in the Corvette.
Life is good.
Last edited by ExRedRacer; 10-22-2016 at 11:32 PM.
10-22-2016, 11:36 PM
#10
Drifting
Member Since: Jul 2016
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Mine just hit 3,000 miles and it hasnt been babied. The A8 is amazing and after a long decision process between M&A, glad i got the A because it bang shifts with a satisfying brapp and is much nicer in traffic. I use the paddles once in awhile but found the A8 almost anticipates the shifts faster. When I am out for enjoyment i always use the Track mode. I have other vehicles with shifts so I can get that out there and it takes less and less time.
Last edited by vbdenny; 10-22-2016 at 11:36 PM. Reason: Sp
10-23-2016, 12:21 AM
#11
Thanks for posting! I too have been really happy with my A8. 5K miles in only 5 months, which is a lot for me. I find the option of manual shifting or automatic shifting great, and have been finding nuances of throttle position and shifting that make the manual experience even better (first suggestion--manual shift in Sport instead of Tour). Suggestions on this site have helped too. The opportunity to use the A8 at WOT at Spring Mountain was a blast.And yes, I have had manuals. 2- 4 speeds, 1 5-speed, and ending with a 6 speed 911. Just one DCT so far.
Actually thought of starting a thread on essentially optimizing the driving experience A8 to see what others have discovered, but was not quite up for the anticipated flak.
Great post.
I did the same today...went out on I-5...1,100 miles north of you! Detailed the Vette this morning and took it out this afternoon. I ran it through the paddle shifters on the way home...that sucker is sweet. I put it in Drive on the way out. At the stop light just before a long empty straight, I ran it through all 8 gears at light throttle and when I looked at the speedo in 8th, I was doing 90 mph.Worked flawlessly. My build date was 1/28/16 after the November updates were put into effect.
Couldn't ask for a better car. Got lots of stares from lots of people and at least 5 people took pictures of it. Great day to be out in the Corvette.
Life is good.
I did the same today...went out on I-5...1,100 miles north of you! Detailed the Vette this morning and took it out this afternoon. I ran it through the paddle shifters on the way home...that sucker is sweet. I put it in Drive on the way out. At the stop light just before a long empty straight, I ran it through all 8 gears at light throttle and when I looked at the speedo in 8th, I was doing 90 mph.Worked flawlessly. My build date was 1/28/16 after the November updates were put into effect.
Couldn't ask for a better car. Got lots of stares from lots of people and at least 5 people took pictures of it. Great day to be out in the Corvette.
Life is good.
Mine just hit 3,000 miles and it hasnt been babied. The A8 is amazing and after a long decision process between M&A, glad i got the A because it bang shifts with a satisfying brapp and is much nicer in traffic. I use the paddles once in awhile but found the A8 almost anticipates the shifts faster. When I am out for enjoyment i always use the Track mode. I have other vehicles with shifts so I can get that out there and it takes less and less time.
Good to hear!
Last edited by Steve Garrett; 10-23-2016 at 01:44 PM. Reason: Merged Posts-please use the Multi-Quote button (the middle icon) in the lower right hand corner of each post to make it look like this.
10-23-2016, 12:38 AM
#12
5800mi on my 16 Z51 A8, and it is the shiz! Love that thing, first auto I have owned in a sports car, and it shifts fast when I need it to, and smooth when I want it to. It is very impressive. I wouldn't have been able to run an 11.81 quarter stock, without the lightning fast shifts 
10-23-2016, 12:43 AM
#13
5800mi on my 16 Z51 A8, and it is the shiz! Love that thing, first auto I have owned in a sports car, and it shifts fast when I need it to, and smooth when I want it to. It is very impressive. I wouldn't have been able to run an 11.81 quarter stock, without the lightning fast shifts
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only9balls (10-23-2016)
10-23-2016, 12:49 AM
#14
Burning Brakes
We've put just over 6000 on our '16 Z51 A8. Not a single issue yet whatsoever. Banging through the gears at WOT is a hoot. Can't get enough of the sounds and the snap-snap shifts. Downshifts can be lazy at times, at least in my opinion (M or D modes.)
I mostly paddle shift while the wife is in D all the time. I usually let the tranny downshift to 1st as it provides the smoothest, least jerky shift. Also partial throttle upshifts have to be timed to the proper RPMs, or it can be jerky as well.
Anyway, the A8 is a huge improvement over the A6 performance wise. No contest snd worth every penny.
I mostly paddle shift while the wife is in D all the time. I usually let the tranny downshift to 1st as it provides the smoothest, least jerky shift. Also partial throttle upshifts have to be timed to the proper RPMs, or it can be jerky as well.
Anyway, the A8 is a huge improvement over the A6 performance wise. No contest snd worth every penny.
10-23-2016, 12:57 AM
#15
We've put just over 6000 on our '16 Z51 A8. Not a single issue yet whatsoever. Banging through the gears at WOT is a hoot. Can't get enough of the sounds and the snap-snap shifts. Downshifts can be lazy at times, at least in my opinion (M or D modes.)
I mostly paddle shift while the wife is in D all the time. I usually let the tranny downshift to 1st as it provides the smoothest, least jerky shift. Also partial throttle upshifts have to be timed to the proper RPMs, or it can be jerky as well.
Anyway, the A8 is a huge improvement over the A6 performance wise. No contest snd worth every penny.
I mostly paddle shift while the wife is in D all the time. I usually let the tranny downshift to 1st as it provides the smoothest, least jerky shift. Also partial throttle upshifts have to be timed to the proper RPMs, or it can be jerky as well.
Anyway, the A8 is a huge improvement over the A6 performance wise. No contest snd worth every penny.
10-23-2016, 01:16 AM
#16
My A8 with the windows closed I hear like a garbled sound from the rear is that normal.?
I know about the wobble sound at 1500rpm when slightly touching the gas but this sounds like something spinning.
I know about the wobble sound at 1500rpm when slightly touching the gas but this sounds like something spinning.
10-23-2016, 01:46 AM
#17
No idea, really, what you are describing, and not enough experience to know. But, (1) are you having any performance issues? (2) You say 'with the windows closed' -- do you not hear it with them open, at idle, for instance? (3) What year? (4) If it is bothering you, probably ought to take it in and let a tech listen to what you are hearing.
10-23-2016, 01:56 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
Nice car and pictures! We love Los Angeles. We start our yearly trip up Highway One at Topanga Canyon. You live in a beautiful city! I have had two Z06's with the A8 with no problems.
Last edited by robertbruce; 10-23-2016 at 02:13 AM.
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CaliforniaJed (10-24-2016)
10-23-2016, 02:12 AM
#19
2015 base C7 A8, 26,000 miles, no problems, enjoyment continues! I should add I down-loaded a Trifecta tune, made the A8 even better.
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CaliforniaJed (10-24-2016)
10-23-2016, 03:12 AM
#20
Racer
I have 16,000 miles on my Z06, and do like the A8 very much, BUT it has not been trouble free. My complaint is when shifting from park/neutral to drive or first, the engagement slams HARD!!!. It doesn't occur all the time but seems to occur after autocrossing. It'll do this for hundreds of miles following an event. I've had the dealer refresh the software (there was a bulletin for this). The problem continued after the first refresh, but has been fine since the second about 1,000 miles ago. Unfortunately, now when I run with the exhaust in Track mode, while in Tour, the tranny won't downshift properly when given throttle to go around a vehicle. To get it to downshift requires almost full throttle. If the exhaust is in Tour or Stealth downgrades are normal. Yes, I'll be taking it back to the dealer to remedy that issue. Do I regret having an A8?. Nope.