Chevrolet Corvette Tech Official Explains Why the New C8 is Automatic Only
It seems like dedicated fans of the Corvette
family put up with the fact that there won’t be a manual option for the C8
generation of the Chevrolet Corvette. Despite some criticism from
traditionalists who could not imagine the new C8 model without a classic stick
shifter, it should be admitted that the new automatic Corvette is really good. The
8-speed DCT transmission (labeled M1L) installed in this model promises to be a
significant boost to performance capacity of the vehicle.
M1L transmission
In a recent interview, Tadge Juechter, the head
of the Corvette Engineering Department, confirmed that the decision to stick
with the automatic transmission option only for the C8 is backed by vital
arguments. In response to a direct question on the lack of the manual option,
Mr. Juechter said that the demand dictates terms on the automotive market and
currently it is not in favor of manual models, especially on the US market.
2020 Corvette’s
powertrain (LT2 engine coupled with M1L transmission)
Statistical comparisons of take rates for
automatic and manual models make it sufficiently clear that manual models
become just economically unviable. For instance, Chevrolet previously sold Z06
and ZR1 models equipped only with a manual unit, and when the automatic option
became available, it instantly became the primary choice among customers
(70/80% of the volume).
Mr. Juechter pointed out that the decision to
stick with the DCT as the only transmission option was surprising not only for
common car owners, as he himself grew accustomed to driving manual cars. His
tastes were shared by many specialists at GM, but it did not affect the final
decision on the new C8 powertrain configuration.
Chassis’ cutaway
In addition to financial considerations, there
is also some technical issue. The thing is that it is quite complex to
integrate a manual gearbox in the mid-mounted V8 platform. The new C8 has an
engine placed between shifter and the gearbox itself, implying that it is
impossible to utilize mechanical linkages. Thus, it can be concluded that a
3-rd pedal would compromise the cabin layout.
At the same time, Mr. Juechter mentions that
the M1L transmission gives a driver good deal of manual-esque feel, such as the
ability to pop the transmission into neutral on the fly, as well as
customizability to get it exactly as desired.
2020 Corvette’s
interior
Despite numerous arguments against manual
transmissions, car manufacturers should not always blindly follow market
trends, but seriously consider preferences of their customers. For instance, Porsche
also experimented with excluding the manual from its performance-oriented 911
GT3 and it was viewed negatively by buyers, who have since bought the manual in
that car in large volumes. According the official statistics, 2 out of 3
customers gave preference to the manual 911 GT3.
