C8 Corvette Will Only be Available with Two Pedals
 

I realize that I am whining to the wrong group since the vast majority of MB drivers have never driven one with a manual. That said, the C8 will not be available with a manual. They FINALLY put out a mid engine then deny the manual.

All but one MB that I have owned have had manuals. Almost every vehicle I have ever owned has been a manual. I LIKE my manuals. I know, I know, the automatic technology has surpassed that of the manual. The problem for me is that I THOROUGHLY ENJOY driving a manual. I would not be buying a new Vette, but a mid engine vette with a stick MIGHT have been something I would have bought in the used market at some point in the future.

The excuses they give for no manual are more of an indication of their lack of engineering prowess than valid reasons. Things like there isn’t enough room in the floor well for three pedals. You engineered the car. Make room for them.

Okay, so I know you are all going to tell me how superior an automatic is. Again I DONT CARE! I like driving a manual.

End of rant.

Yeah, me too. I was first attracted to BMW's instead of M-B's because of the wider availability of manuals in BMW's. My manual-transmission 535i was one of the last ones built. But, turbocharging has diminished the manual-transmission experience.

Fuel economy and emissions are big deals now. The reality is that those are improved with an automatic transmission. I've done a lot of track time with DCT's and with manuals. I'm faster with a DCT. I'm probably also less likely to tear up an engine.

My next economy car will be a Chevy Cruze or a Chevy Sonic. The Sonic is still available with a manual. But, it's smaller than a Cruze, and the manual powertrain actually has higher fuel consumption.

Manuals are going to be relegated to economy cars. My naturally aspirated 2007 Chevy Cobalt is more fun when snicking through the gears than my 535i.

Than a Lotus Evora will be a better fit for you.

Manuals are a dinosaur. They are not nearly as efficient as a auto with paddles. According to the LA Times, in 2016 less than 3% of cars sold in the US have a manual transmission. "Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Lexus, Chrysler and Buick no longer offer a single model with manual transmission. Audi, Jaguar, Cadillac and GMC offer only one. "
https://www.latimes.com/business/autos/laautoshow/la-fi-hy-disappearing-stick-shift-20161115-story.html

Just an FYI, rumble seats, crank starts and carburetor engines are also no longer offered. I know ... heart breaking.

sissy generation

David,

I was simply having a friendly discussion about my preferences in automobiles and how they’re equipped.. No need For implied personal insults. You might want to cruise on over to P&R for your fill of that. Plenty of targets over there.

Have a great day!

I prefer a stick too.

stick's unless like my 83 w126 can be pop started,as starters,batteries, can fail. My w126 I could tow over 30 mph and start it. Older auto's were that way.

I agree that is a plus!

Hey Larry, feel free to wander over to the Ferrari website, perform a pedal-count survey, and get back to us.

Manuals used to be better, they are not any longer. I drove sticks for the first 40 years or so. Had a 5 speed when autos were free wheeling 3 speeds. I even commuted in traffic in an MT car because manuals were just better at fuel economy, engine control, speed control, reliability, and they used to cost less. Now, IMO, all they have going for them is the visceral joy of a well-timed rev matched (with my foot) downshift.

To me, that is not enough for me to buy and own a car with an MT.

Having driven a Ferrari 458 around Italy, it did not need three pedals. It did need a HUD, though.

I, for one, am outraged they do not offer a carbeurated version of the new C8.

Just wait for the outrage when the next generation C9 Corvette will go full electric to keep up with the joneses.

I would be surprised if they did not release a hybrid version of the C8, the architecture appears to be there based on what I have read (i.e. suspension structure provides room for motors and chassis tub has opportunity for batteries, etc.).

For the record as well, I too love driving manuals and my cars are both stick shift. For the c8 though, it is a track monster...I would rather have a manual in a little miata or flingaround roadster than something like a c8.

This may come as a huge shock to you but not everything is about you .... I know ... mind blown .... right? Had my post been about you or directed at you, I would have quoted you as above. I have ever had an issue calling you out.
Not sure why you think a post that did not quote you and did not contain your name was about you.