Skid Row Joe

I'll have to agree with others experiences; "being engaged is more fun and isn't boring" - regards the M7 as stated. 👍

Elk

Understandable, as it is different.

Do you use rev matching with the C7 manual? If so, does this lessen the sense of driving engagement?

Foosh

Yes, I do use auto rev match (ARM) most of the time, but still practice it manually. ARM doesn't diminish the experience, but does make you feel like the world's best heel and toe-er.

hummiscorvettetaken

As an A8 owner I would agree that Yes, the M7 would give you more of a "driving experience" - however if a real driving experience is what you are seeking out might I suggest a C2 or C3 with a stick? and just for fun lets take away the power steering and power brakes? Now that is a seat of the pants manual driving experience - you wont even miss the heated or cooled seats because you'll be too busy having fun!

Skid Row Joe

Yup........I was waiting for the release of the C8, to buy my next new Corvette. But when it was all but certain that the C8, would be auto only, I renewed my efforts to find a new M7, C7. You see, I had previously bought a new 1977 C3 A3 in 1976. I was looking for a new manual C3, but happened upon a Chev. dealer with an A3 for $2,000.00 less than the other Chev. dealers I shopped with manuals. I was forced to buy it, but did not like the fact that it was an auto. Just too boring to drive.

Elk

I find this interesting as I find correctly matching RPM to be critical part of the experience - and challenge - of driving with a manual. ARM is amusing however.

Late model sport bikes similarly have quick shifters which match RPM. You sound very talented when down shifting at high RPM while braking hard on one of these bikes.

It is intriguing to try and answer the question as to what makes driving satisfying in an enjoyable car v. driving something one finds boring.

Thank you for your thoughts.

SuperdadZ06

My z06 M7 is new with less then 2000 miles but other than the time it takes to warm up when its cold I find it exhilarating.

saleen556

It doesn’t get old. 10k on mine 👍🏻

Foosh

Yes, it is challenging to get the perfect heel and toe rev match every time, in fact, it's impossible, but when you do it's very satisfying. However, there's still far involvement with manual shifting, which involves smooth manual clutch engagement and disengagement with one's foot and proper operation of the shifter. Thus, most of the experience is still there with ARM, and it's far more involving than flicking a finger.

Elk

Yes, paddle-shifting an auto, even a DCT, is simply pushing a button. The only engagement is deciding when. In this sense alone it is like a manual, although the ZF transmission also blips the throttle on downshifts.

RACE U

I wouldn't argue with that point.

lakemg

Totally agree...with the hill assist, hydraulic clutch, active rev match, rev limiters, and no lift shift, today's manuals just don't have the same "engagement" as those early gens, but some like to keep throwing those buzz words around.

When I want to drive a real stick, I roll out my '69 Z/28...it does have power brakes, but no power steering - LOL

saleen556

Love the 69Z28👍🏻

While the manual these days isn’t the same as back in those days. It’s still far more engaging than any auto.

SuperdadZ06

I feel very blessed to have a 2019 Z06 M7, not knowing the future with the C8. Mine is a weekend driver so hopefully it will keep me happy for years to come and to all of you that have one as well.

ptalar

Manual or automatic Chevrolet and the Corvette design team know their customers by providing both transmission systems. The Corvette is the oldest selling car in history, 66 years in production. They did not survive that long by selling manuals only. If they did, they would go the way of the Dodge Viper. I really wanted one but wanted an automatic. I settled for a new 2016 Z51 3LT with 8 spd auto. Living in SoCal an auto is a necessity. You will wear out your left knee and right elbow shifting in traffic. By the way. I am glad I bought the Corvette. Couldn't be happier.

lakemg

I agree if you're talking about just throwing the auto in Drive and cruising around, but I found it's actually enjoyable if you engage the paddle mode. Definitely not the same as a manual, but much more fun than just riding around in D. The beauty is that when I no longer want play around with paddle mode (high traffic area), I can throw it in D and still keep cruising along. A small compromise for having the best of both worlds and I absolutely love the way the auto bangs through the gears at WOT. If this was the 1960's thru mid-2000's, where the manual was the top performing setup, I would take a manual over the auto all day long, but today's autos are a new chapter in the performance book and I'm glad that the manual option is still available to those the have to have it.

saleen556

Yes manual mode helps a little but still not enough for me. I had the DCT in my M3. A much better transmission than the auto GM uses. Still not engaging enough like the M7 though. I actually don’t mind the M7 even in traffic. It’s very easy.

Fogboundturtle

Here we go again...."Back in my days, I had no power steering or brake. It took real man to drive a car...." Yeah and i ******* sucked. That's why resto-mod has become very popular today. Old cars were definitely not safe back them. Sketchy in many ways. I'm glad we got the safety that a modern car provide today.

Oh4GTO

With all the assists that "manuals" have these days I would hardly call them a manual. But whatever helps you feel more manly I guess.

saleen556

I prefer the manual because it keeps me from dosing off 😄