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Via Road and Track: First Drive Review 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Automatic - Road & Track
First Drive: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Automatic
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An automatic wasn't even a consideration for me initially, call it 100/0 (100% going M7, 0% going A6). Every time I read about the A8 it makes me think less about the M7. I'm now 10/90 (M7/A8). Other than my preconceived notions about an automatic getting in my way, I cant see any reason NOT to go that direction. Articles like this one really drive the point home.
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It was my way also but as no report after a hard track use is available, I stay on the M7...beside that, surprisingly, the options choices over here don't include the A8 (the A6 was proposed for the 2014 model), only the M7 ! For what reason, I don't know 
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They've been making great automatics for a while now. The ZF 6 speed in my wife's former '05 Jaguar S Type R was brilliant. Far better shift quality and speed than most could muster in a manual. Currently have the new ZF designed 8 speed in a Chrysler (Jeep) product. Again, brilliant design and shift quality. Though, I won't go so far as to say it's better than the old ZF 6 speed, except maybe for fuel economy.
Not sure why some folks think having 8 speeds is such a game changer. Thinking that if GM had offered an uprated/upgraded 6 speed auto in the Z06, there'd be a higher take rate on the 7M. It really doesn't make sense, other than some folks just must have the latest and greatest. And, 8 speeds are more than 6, so it must be better, right?
But, would I consider a brilliant automatic in my Z06? In a word, NO. An automatic will never replace a manual when it comes to driver-car connection and driver involvement. You simply have more control with a stick, which may not be the best thing for everyone.
In a way, I feel sad for a younger generation of drivers who will never know or understand how a manual transmission can bond driver and machinery. They are focused on "milliseconds" of shift time, not the driving experience.
Not sure why some folks think having 8 speeds is such a game changer. Thinking that if GM had offered an uprated/upgraded 6 speed auto in the Z06, there'd be a higher take rate on the 7M. It really doesn't make sense, other than some folks just must have the latest and greatest. And, 8 speeds are more than 6, so it must be better, right?
But, would I consider a brilliant automatic in my Z06? In a word, NO. An automatic will never replace a manual when it comes to driver-car connection and driver involvement. You simply have more control with a stick, which may not be the best thing for everyone.
In a way, I feel sad for a younger generation of drivers who will never know or understand how a manual transmission can bond driver and machinery. They are focused on "milliseconds" of shift time, not the driving experience.
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I don't know if an automatic makes the overall driving experience inferior. Paddle shifting is standard these days in all forms of high level road racing. Fifty years ago, a C2 came with non power assist steering, and non power drum brakes. Certainly no ABS, traction controls, or electronic differentials. The 7 speed now comes with rev matching, which means that the skill of heel and toe is no longer needed. Improvements in all areas mean that those seeking to push the envelope just push in different areas. You can concentrate more on your lines through corners.
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Paddle shifting is standard in high level road racing because it is faster. But, I will argue that an automatic DOES take away from the driving experience, other than maybe enhancing driver comfort in heavy traffic situations.
Your point on being able to concentrate more on corner lines (with an auto) is definitely relevant with today's vehicle performance levels. A few years back, I remember reading a Ferrari review where the lack of manual transmission offering was debated. One of the Ferrari folks said that most of their customers can't keep up with manual shifts as RPMs rise so rapidly, necessitating paddle shifters.
I do realize my own limitations and know that stability control will be my friend in the Z06, but I'm hoping I can keep up with the manual shifts! If not, then I will just have to back off a bit. Probably not a bad thing in most situations piloting Z06 level performance on public roadways.
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We're all talking about cars..so it is about 98% opinion and 2% BS. I'm personally excited about the A8 as based on my test drives it is one of the smartest automatic transmissions I've driven to date. It works very well with the rest of the powertrain. In addition..I'm an arm amputee so automatics are my thing. I can drive a M7 but the gymnastics of it make it a chore I don't want to go through all the time. In short..to each his own.
I'm personally excited about the A8 as based on my test drives it is one of the smartest automatic transmissions I've driven to date. It works very well with the rest of the powertrain. In addition..I'm an arm amputee so automatics are my thing. I can drive a M7 but the gymnastics of it make it a chore I don't want to go through all the time. In short..to each his own.
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A manual transmission will probably never be as fast as an automatic. Pretty much all of my previous cars were auto's except for my Escorts of the 80's and my VW's in the past. My 2004 Spyder was a paddle shifted 5 speed manual. It was pretty sweet, but in a few years after the novelty of it wore off I wished I had just gotten the full blown manual. When I decided on a Corvette I knew the only way I would be completely happy was with a manual. I too love the feel of having the manual feel of being one with the car and shifting through those gears. Am I as fast as an automatic, absolutely not, nor do I wish to be. It's the feeling of pushing and pulling through those gates that gives me the rush, and speed is not necessarily a part of it. I agree things evolve and the manual will probably become a thing of the past within the next few years. It is sad that most younger folks have grown up with automatics and may never experience what they are missing. I guess you can't miss something you never knew. Things change and evolve, that's life I guess. I'm not knocking the auto's, they are the best they have ever been. If you are going for all out speed and precision or ease of operation they can't be beat.
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Although I may be what many people would consider as "young" I do understand the way a manual makes one feel more connected to an automobile. I drove a lot of manuals as a teenager, so I can relate.
My choice for an automatic has a few reasons. They are as follows:
--> I want my wife to be able to drive it, too. This is about 39% of the determining factor.
--> I buy American wherever I can. The A8 was designed by GM in the USA, and made by GM in the USA. The M7 is farmed out to Tremec in Mexico. This is about 38% of the deciding factor.
--> I would like to have the latest and fastest transmission. This is about 15% of the deciding factor.
--> Traffic is a nightmare here. An automatic will make life easier than a manual. This is the remaining 8% of the deciding factor.
All percentages are just rough estimates which have been massaged to equal 100%. But you get the idea.
Personally, I would much prefer to have a manual (in my mind, that is what a Corvette is supposed to have), but reasons #1 and #2 cause me to choose the A8. If my wife could drive a manual, and if the manual were made in the USA, I absolutely would get a manual, no doubt about it.
Now you know "the rest of the story" for me with respect to the manual/automatic debate...
My choice for an automatic has a few reasons. They are as follows:
--> I want my wife to be able to drive it, too. This is about 39% of the determining factor.
--> I buy American wherever I can. The A8 was designed by GM in the USA, and made by GM in the USA. The M7 is farmed out to Tremec in Mexico. This is about 38% of the deciding factor.
--> I would like to have the latest and fastest transmission. This is about 15% of the deciding factor.
--> Traffic is a nightmare here. An automatic will make life easier than a manual. This is the remaining 8% of the deciding factor.
All percentages are just rough estimates which have been massaged to equal 100%. But you get the idea.
Personally, I would much prefer to have a manual (in my mind, that is what a Corvette is supposed to have), but reasons #1 and #2 cause me to choose the A8. If my wife could drive a manual, and if the manual were made in the USA, I absolutely would get a manual, no doubt about it.
Now you know "the rest of the story" for me with respect to the manual/automatic debate...
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Very well put Denzil. This topic and all the various opinions on the subject are subjective, which I deeply appreciate and respect from everyone because they reflect everyone's personal place they are in life. The various priorities set by everyone appears to be influenced by location, accessibility by others and our personal senses in connection with the automobile. I personally, always drove manual transmission car's my entire adult life until recently. The automatics in the past seemed sloppy and boring. I always felt more connected with the automobile I was driving, so I completely understand the connection part of this.We're all talking about cars..so it is about 98% opinion and 2% BS.
For years the manual transmission cars were considerably quicker and faster than the automatics, that's why NHRA had separate classes for automatics. I became quite proficient at shifting specially prepared manual transmissions under full power with minimal breaks in power during gear changes and don't disagree with anyone's preferences because a person's preference is personal, nor would I attempt to argue the subject because I respect everyone's personal reason's for coming to their own conclusions on the topic.
However, I must admit, these automatics have advanced light years from what they once were. Not admitting, though it might be true, I'm getting older and maybe slower and perhaps a tiny bit wiser, but these automatics nowadays are kind of a trip! Particularly this new 8L90, if everything they are saying about it is true. Perhaps I've gotten lazy, but I'm kinda torn about the connection with the automobile part of the topic. I understand the pushing and pulling part as far as keeping busy is concerned, but after experiencing paddle shifting an automatic with the traction control off in a sports car that wouldn't come close to the new C7, let alone the Z06, I have to admit it was quite exhilarating and felt even more precise and controllable than anything I had driven prior to that on twisty-turnnies. Guess it all boils down to what we're all looking for in our own personal driving experience. We're all different, which doesn't make anyone right or wrong and isn't it great we have so many options available to us today?
None of us should feel we need to justify our personal preferences because there are no rights or wrongs here.
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Good read. Thanks for posting.
LA
LA
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The 98% is about right. But the 2% is being overly gracious!We're all talking about cars..so it is about 98% opinion and 2% BS.
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I taught my 15 year old son and my wife to drive my new C7 M7, and there was a great sense of accomplishment for all of us once they got it down. Just have to take it slow and easy. The smile was great the first time they smoothly started out in 1st.
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My current 2012 GS is manual and I understand the connection between driver and car with using the manual. I love this car in all driving situations except in heavy traffic so therefore my 2015, on order, is coming with the A8. Being 84 I guess I am getting lazy or something so definitely am looking forward to the new one with the A8.
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I'm clocking in about 40 years his junior and I too find it highly enviable. You sir are living it right.
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I have the new 8speed auto In my C7 and it is perfect the ratios and the way it shifts, why in this day and age would anyone want to shift threw 7 gears
A big truck mybe but not a car and GM clams the new A8 is faster than the manual transmission.1 sec to 60 and .1 sec threw the quarter!!
Even heavy equipment is auto IE;
Dozers, blades,backhoes why go back to the 20 century, in May opinion things happen so fast in my car I want to concentrate on driving not shifting let the computer do that and I bet you can go faster.
A big truck mybe but not a car and GM clams the new A8 is faster than the manual transmission.1 sec to 60 and .1 sec threw the quarter!!
Even heavy equipment is auto IE;
Dozers, blades,backhoes why go back to the 20 century, in May opinion things happen so fast in my car I want to concentrate on driving not shifting let the computer do that and I bet you can go faster.
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