Thinking about something crazy - an automatic
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
To add "my" opinion...
I too prefer manuals. Looking to take advantage of some incredible prices, over the weekend I scoured the country looking for a LBR/Z06/3LZ/M7. Unfortunately, even though I found dozens of A8's, there were few M7's.
Because of the scarcity of M7's, I relented and sent inquires to a number of the dealers asking about their A8's and some of their prices were nothing to sneeze at. However, last night I thought why it was I wanted another Corvette and what do I get out of driving them. In the end, one of the reasons was being one with the machine which, and, in my mind, that required the M7. So, this morning I've been sending follow-up emails to the dealers telling them, for the moment at least, I was focusing on M7 equipped C7's.
As one of the forum dealers told me last week when I inquired about CRY Z06/M7/Vert, (a distant second choice in color) if the car was not exactly what I wanted, pass. Otherwise every time I pull up to a stop light and saw my lusted-after LBR, I would kick myself; no matter how good the purchase price.
YMMV
I too prefer manuals. Looking to take advantage of some incredible prices, over the weekend I scoured the country looking for a LBR/Z06/3LZ/M7. Unfortunately, even though I found dozens of A8's, there were few M7's.
Because of the scarcity of M7's, I relented and sent inquires to a number of the dealers asking about their A8's and some of their prices were nothing to sneeze at. However, last night I thought why it was I wanted another Corvette and what do I get out of driving them. In the end, one of the reasons was being one with the machine which, and, in my mind, that required the M7. So, this morning I've been sending follow-up emails to the dealers telling them, for the moment at least, I was focusing on M7 equipped C7's.
As one of the forum dealers told me last week when I inquired about CRY Z06/M7/Vert, (a distant second choice in color) if the car was not exactly what I wanted, pass. Otherwise every time I pull up to a stop light and saw my lusted-after LBR, I would kick myself; no matter how good the purchase price.
YMMV
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 97,155
Likes: 1,471
From: Calgary, AB. There's a reason why white was the only color offered on every year Corvette. Proud Canadian German Jamaican!
St. Jude Donor '09, '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
some vehicles should be automatics, some should be manuals. I guess it depends on what you're using your car for, a daily commuter to back back and forth to work and pick up groceries, yeah an automatic will be fine but if you like a spirited drive, maybe take it to the track once in a while or perhaps even to check if you still have a pulse then a manual is the way to go, either way, good luck. 
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 557
From: Newport OR
I had nothing but manual transmissions in my sporty cars all my life. When this one came up for sale, with the color we wanted and the trim level we wanted, we bought it-even though it had an automatic.
It was a great decision. The automatic is fun to drive, responsive and best of all, my fiance who is very tiny, can also enjoy driving it.
I didn't think I'd enjoy an A in a sports car, but this is just fine...very happy with our decision.
It was a great decision. The automatic is fun to drive, responsive and best of all, my fiance who is very tiny, can also enjoy driving it.
I didn't think I'd enjoy an A in a sports car, but this is just fine...very happy with our decision.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 168
Likes: 13
From: Vancover Canada
I love my 2016 M7 but again I am only 33 but when I do get older I might switch to an Auto..... for me my vet is just a weekend coffee getter but if it was my DD when it might be different.... just knowing getting out of my truck then in my vet shifting is amazing ...
Safety Car
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4,488
Likes: 1,028
From: MN
I have to admit, it was not an easy decision (at least for me). All my sports cars had been manuals, couple of 4 speeds, a 5 speed, and then a 6 speed. But the next car I went to had an Audi DCT, so I had my first taste of what I would refer to as "Manual-Optional" I liked the feel, and while the A8 is different than the DCT, it is close enough for me. For some drives I use Auto mode, for some Manual, and for some I switch on the road. I am really coming to like Manual mode as I get a few tips on this forum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,191
Likes: 3,388
From: Morrill Nebraska
Not wanting to start a manual / automatic war. Really mostly interested in hearing from people who love driving manuals, that have for one reason or another have changed to a C7 A8, and your feelings about that change.
I LOVE manual transmissions. I've been driving either a manual vette or camaro for the past 6 years. I commute 10 hours a week, and a lot is in stop and go. I have never really minded the manual in stop and go - "occasionally" I get tired, but VERY rarely. Mostly I find the shifting exhilarating.
I'm only considering an automatic for one reason. I found a 2016 with my very favorite of any C7 interior - spice red. Car is perfect...except...it is an automatic. I haven't driven yet, but I'm seriously thinking about it.
I could rationalize that it will be easier for my commute. As a Stingray, it'd eat WAY less gas then my Camaro ZL1 that I have to fill up every 2 1/2 to 3 days.
Anyone make this change, and regret it? Anyone else make this change, without doing so because of an injury, and really surprised how much more you enjoy the A8 than you thought?
Please, no boring religious wars.
I LOVE manual transmissions. I've been driving either a manual vette or camaro for the past 6 years. I commute 10 hours a week, and a lot is in stop and go. I have never really minded the manual in stop and go - "occasionally" I get tired, but VERY rarely. Mostly I find the shifting exhilarating.
I'm only considering an automatic for one reason. I found a 2016 with my very favorite of any C7 interior - spice red. Car is perfect...except...it is an automatic. I haven't driven yet, but I'm seriously thinking about it.
I could rationalize that it will be easier for my commute. As a Stingray, it'd eat WAY less gas then my Camaro ZL1 that I have to fill up every 2 1/2 to 3 days.
Anyone make this change, and regret it? Anyone else make this change, without doing so because of an injury, and really surprised how much more you enjoy the A8 than you thought?
Please, no boring religious wars.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 115
From: Marlton New Jersey
some vehicles should be automatics, some should be manuals. I guess it depends on what you're using your car for, a daily commuter to back back and forth to work and pick up groceries, yeah an automatic will be fine but if you like a spirited drive, maybe take it to the track once in a while or perhaps even to check if you still have a pulse then a manual is the way to go, either way, good luck.
I agree completely. I was only referring to Corvettes. My Infiniti M45 is an automatic, as was my Suburban, Acura and Mercedes before it. My wife's Venza is an automatic. But my 300ZX was a stick. heck, even my old Vega was a stick.
I will admit, however, that my commutes were never as bad as I assume many forum members experience, so there is that. Many of my "commutes" were long distance; South Jersey to Vermont or Schenectady; Maplewood, NJ; Pottstown, PA; Princeton, NJ.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,845
Likes: 521
From: Eastern WA
Looks like you got some pretty good answers already.
I love driving manuals and have only had manual Camaros, 350Z's, etc. for 30 years. I have 13 ZL1 M6 that I bought in 2013.
I decided to try a Stingray and debated manual or auto, Z06 or Z51, etc. for several months. Then the GS came out and I decided to give the A8 a try so I picked one up in August and have over 4,000 miles on it. The A8 works great and can be comfortable and laid back, or crazy fun depending on how you drive it. I use M or D depending on my mood, but usually switch to M so that V4 mode is off. That's the one thing I don't like, not having control of V4 mode other than putting it in M. Eventually I will do a tune and turn it off.
So far with my driving it typically averages 5 mpg better than the ZL1. I assume a standard stingray would be a few mpg better than the GS.
Here is a video you might like that talks about choosing auto over manual.
I love driving manuals and have only had manual Camaros, 350Z's, etc. for 30 years. I have 13 ZL1 M6 that I bought in 2013.
I decided to try a Stingray and debated manual or auto, Z06 or Z51, etc. for several months. Then the GS came out and I decided to give the A8 a try so I picked one up in August and have over 4,000 miles on it. The A8 works great and can be comfortable and laid back, or crazy fun depending on how you drive it. I use M or D depending on my mood, but usually switch to M so that V4 mode is off. That's the one thing I don't like, not having control of V4 mode other than putting it in M. Eventually I will do a tune and turn it off.
So far with my driving it typically averages 5 mpg better than the ZL1. I assume a standard stingray would be a few mpg better than the GS.
Here is a video you might like that talks about choosing auto over manual.
Last edited by djnice; Nov 1, 2016 at 01:28 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,800
Likes: 2,653
From: Down south in Dixie
If you're having any doubts (and I expect you are from this question) you should stay with your manual for now. If you don't you will probably be second guessing yourself every time you drive the auto. IMHO
I went from a M6 to an A6 back in 2010, but was absolutely sure that was what I wanted to do. Good luck in your decision.
I went from a M6 to an A6 back in 2010, but was absolutely sure that was what I wanted to do. Good luck in your decision.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 983
Likes: 23
From: Northeast Ohio
The answer is, you need to drive an A8. Drive it in the different modes. Drive it like a grocery getter and drive it like you stole it. If you can get a decent test drive in, you'll know right way if you love it or not.
I considered the auto after driving several '16 Camaro SS's for hours at a time with the same drive train. I had a '08 Z51 MN6 at the time and was blown away with Camaro's performance. I thought the same combo (LT1/A8) in the Vette would be awesome. Test drove the Vette and confirmed what I believed. Bought it on the spot.
I considered the auto after driving several '16 Camaro SS's for hours at a time with the same drive train. I had a '08 Z51 MN6 at the time and was blown away with Camaro's performance. I thought the same combo (LT1/A8) in the Vette would be awesome. Test drove the Vette and confirmed what I believed. Bought it on the spot.
Last edited by QKSLVRZ; Nov 1, 2016 at 04:06 PM.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I just got back from tracking my Z51 A8 this weekend and it never missed a beat or had a shift that I disagreed with. I went to paddles for a session but they were not as quick and decisive as the transmission doing its thing for me. Shifting was always part of the fun in nearly every predecessor ranging from Ferrari, NSX and other Z06 experiences but I am a tech guy at heart and my last Porsche had a 6 speed but the PDK got such good reviews I started wondering. I will work paddles more on the street before my next HPDE. The computer launch beating the M7 was another factor in my selection of the A8 before I ever drove this. Hope this helps.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,447
Likes: 743
From: Lincoln Nebraska
All of my previous Corvettes prior to going to the C7 have been manual transmissions. This includes C2's, C3's and a C6. The '66 I still own is a manual. I ordered a '15 with an A8 and loved it so much than when I recently moved up to a '17 GS, i specified another A8.
My friends rode me a bit for ordering an automatic when I ordered my '15. I never let it bother me because I was spending my money, not theirs.
I haven't looked back for ordering automatics and don't expect that I ever will.
My friends rode me a bit for ordering an automatic when I ordered my '15. I never let it bother me because I was spending my money, not theirs.
I haven't looked back for ordering automatics and don't expect that I ever will.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,891
Likes: 1,199
From: Ft. Myers FL
My previous cars & Vettes were all manuals until I ordered my C6. I went to an A6 because I was tired of losing to auto's at the strip and I didn't want to go thru another clutch replacement. My A6 06 ran great and when I ordered my C7 I stuck with the auto. I've never been a twisty person but love the paddles and driving even in traffic when I have too. Just my opinion. 
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,732
Likes: 708
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Had a 13 GS mn 6. Our 14 is the A6. Saturday got caught in one of those Lane disappearing acts on I 64 doing about 70. Amazing response when you just have to floor it instead of trying to find the right lower gear at speed.
It was a lot easier in the old days. Bang it down to 3rd and off you go.
It was a lot easier in the old days. Bang it down to 3rd and off you go.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,749
Likes: 148
From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
Well I had over 30 years of Manual trans Vette (6 Vettes) driving behind me. In 15 I bought my first auto. I have a real bad knee and the no clutching part is a help. It seems a bit funny at first but I got used to it fast enough. The eight speed seem to shift decent and I use the paddles a bit when having fun in the mountains where I live.
My only serious complaint about the auto is the way its tied into cruise control.
Going down a hill the trans will down **** to slow the car down. Up here that is not needed as you go down one side of a hill and up the next one. A driver in control would let the car speed up and have more momentum when going up the other side. Of course a stick shift would not do that (I think) and you would have speed going back up.
The reason I say think I do not know if with a stick the computer would lightly engaged the breaks to do the same thing!
My only serious complaint about the auto is the way its tied into cruise control.
Going down a hill the trans will down **** to slow the car down. Up here that is not needed as you go down one side of a hill and up the next one. A driver in control would let the car speed up and have more momentum when going up the other side. Of course a stick shift would not do that (I think) and you would have speed going back up.
The reason I say think I do not know if with a stick the computer would lightly engaged the breaks to do the same thing!