Transmissions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 645
Likes: 46
From: Tarpon Springs Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Transmissions
for you big time corvette guys, can you tell me why Corvette uses the A8 vs a dual clutch transmission? Having just switched from a Porsche 911 Targa to the Corvette I can assure you the dual clutch is VASTYLY superior to the A8..... I assume there are some technical reasons, because I can't imagine why they would not use the absolute best transmission on the planet in a world class performance car other than for some technical issue....... don't FLAME me here, I love the 2017 GS but there is an obvious difference.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 645
Likes: 46
From: Tarpon Springs Florida
St. Jude Donor '12
Thanks for the replies..... your responses were what I expected..... it is just a shame, the PDK (PORSCHE) transmission technology is just sooooooo far superior to the A8 that I would think that somewhere along the line they would work out the technical issues. I love the 2017 GS and the transmission is OK but it is clearly the weak link in the car. If you have ever driven a Porsche (even the lowest levels have PDK) you would know immediately what a compromise the A8 is. But, don't get me wrong, I really like this C7 GS..... and for half the price of a 911 Targa..... it is quite a deal
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,217
Likes: 154
From: Ft Mill, SC
Yep " half the price" is the answer. For an all around daily driver, the A8 is a great tranny. It's not as quick as the PDK for half throttle shifts and other features, but overall is a fun tranny( it would be nice if they could finally get the stuttering and torque converter issues etc finally resolved). So if one must have the PDK, then the obvious solution is instead of spending say 70 grand on a GS, then one could spend $140,000 on a nice new Carrera S and then enjoy TWICE the depreciation as the GS, when it comes time to move on to another new toy in say 3 or 4 years.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,076
Likes: 12,432
From: NE South Carolina
for you big time corvette guys, can you tell me why Corvette uses the A8 vs a dual clutch transmission? Having just switched from a Porsche 911 Targa to the Corvette I can assure you the dual clutch is VASTYLY superior to the A8..... I assume there are some technical reasons, because I can't imagine why they would not use the absolute best transmission on the planet in a world class performance car other than for some technical issue....... don't FLAME me here, I love the 2017 GS but there is an obvious difference.
and the manual trans comes from Tremic. A Dual Clutch trans is essentially a manual (or two manuals) that is operated automatically. It's more efficient and the next gear is already engaged before the change - they just energize the other clutch.Believe Porsche gets their trans from ZF, which is where, as I recall, my '93 Vette standard trans was made. GM could probably buy a Dual Clutch trans from them as well but for more cost than there own design. They are ready to bring out a 10 gear automatic trans of their own design. More gears better mpg to meet EPA requirements.
Last edited by JerryU; Dec 29, 2016 at 08:22 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 733
Likes: 225
From: Auburn AL
On the track, I left my A8 to do its thing and was never disappointed in the shifts. It got hot but never faded on me at a moderate level of pushing it. I was just getting back into HPDE driving again by easing into it after a long absence.
I continue to feel like I have a hand grenade in my C7 with the pin pulled on the tranny design flaws, o-ring leaks and torque converter issues many here report. I "shudder" to think what 10 K mileage might bring and trust that the general will honor its warranty if I am one of the ones that get the problems. All that said, I enjoy every ride and the wonderful tech we own and the great C7 lines I see when I leave my house and others see when I leave my driveway.
I continue to feel like I have a hand grenade in my C7 with the pin pulled on the tranny design flaws, o-ring leaks and torque converter issues many here report. I "shudder" to think what 10 K mileage might bring and trust that the general will honor its warranty if I am one of the ones that get the problems. All that said, I enjoy every ride and the wonderful tech we own and the great C7 lines I see when I leave my house and others see when I leave my driveway.