Manual or Automatic
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 6
From: San Marcos CA
In the past I have only had manual sport cars. Although I understand the improvements in off the line, gear selection timing and efficiency of the modern automatic gearboxes I am still having a difficult time considering a automatic in a Z06.
The supercharged LT4 comes with a standard seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or an all-new 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission designed to enhance performance and efficiency. The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts. A new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.
The eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response times. Smaller steps between gears keep the LT4 within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of the output of the supercharged engine for exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.
"There's no trade-off in drivability with the new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission - it was designed to deliver performance on par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement," said Bill Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. "It is also the highest-capacity automatic transmission ever offered in a Chevrolet car."
Featuring four gearsets and five clutches, creative packaging enables the GM-developed eight-speed automatic to fit the same space as the six-speed automatic used in the Corvette Stingray. Extensive use of aluminum and magnesium make it more than eight pounds (4 kg) lighter than the six-speed. Along with design features that reduce friction, the 8L90 is expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared with a six-speed automatic.
The supercharged LT4 comes with a standard seven-speed manual transmission with Active Rev Match, or an all-new 8L90 eight-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission designed to enhance performance and efficiency. The seven-speed manual incorporates rev-matching technology for upshifts and downshifts. A new dual-mass flywheel and dual-disc clutch deliver greater shift quality and feel through lower inertia.
The eight-speed automatic is tuned for world-class shift-response times. Smaller steps between gears keep the LT4 within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of the output of the supercharged engine for exhilarating performance and greater efficiency.
"There's no trade-off in drivability with the new 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission - it was designed to deliver performance on par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement," said Bill Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. "It is also the highest-capacity automatic transmission ever offered in a Chevrolet car."
Featuring four gearsets and five clutches, creative packaging enables the GM-developed eight-speed automatic to fit the same space as the six-speed automatic used in the Corvette Stingray. Extensive use of aluminum and magnesium make it more than eight pounds (4 kg) lighter than the six-speed. Along with design features that reduce friction, the 8L90 is expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared with a six-speed automatic.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
And if you talk to any "true race car driver", he'll very likely tell you that he much prefers the method of shifting that allows him to concentrate on more important things than shifting while racing. Two pro drivers have told me this, one a friend who won the 12-Hours of Sebring with the BMW Factory Team a couple of years ago.
The whole ridiculous notion that somebody is less "manly" because they prefer an automatic is a joke, and usually voiced by people who a.) don't put their car on any track, anywhere at any time and ; b.) likely can't drive a manual transmission car worth a crap in anything other than a daily driver mode.
People should buy what they prefer, or select the tool that fits the job best.
I personally had originally planned on the A8, but I don't think GM is going to be able to convince that that transmission is going to be able to handle the heat generated by 650 hp on-track. Just like the A6 can't handle the heat generated by 460 hp on-track for more than ~10-15 minutes. So it'll be a tough decision. If I plan to mostly use the car on the street and drag race it, the A8. If I decide to move the to Florida and track it, the M7. I'm probably months away from a decision, lol.
S.
Very well summarized.......... Choose which ever makes you happiest with the car for the environment that you will be driving the most.
The A8 will deliver much better straight line performance for 99% and IF it is sufficiently cooled it will deliver quicker laps as well. Mostly due to the drivers hitting their marks more consistently, refining trail braking skills etc than the difference in shifting speed. The new M7 isn't exactly a purist tranny either with ECU rev matching taking care of the most difficult aspect of manual shifting and making off track excursions due to sudden clutch kick just a fond memory.
The heat issue is my primary concern as well but I have also heard the M7 in at least one Stingray was running track temps in excess of 300 degrees???
