Here Comes the Hate: Why an Automatic Z06 is a Good Thing
01-13-2014, 05:16 PM
#1
CorvetteForum Editor
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Here Comes the Hate: Why an Automatic Z06 is a Good Thing
Hi guys -
My name is Mike Musto and I'm the host and producer of a show called /BIG MUSCLE on Youtube's drive Network. I recently wrote a post for CorvetteForum about the new Z07 and why I think many potential buyers will love the fact that GM is now offering a decent paddle shifted automatic. Yes, I know that a torque converter is still in the mix, however I'm curious to know everyone's thoughts on this.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...06-good-thing/
Cheers and thanks - Mike
My name is Mike Musto and I'm the host and producer of a show called /BIG MUSCLE on Youtube's drive Network. I recently wrote a post for CorvetteForum about the new Z07 and why I think many potential buyers will love the fact that GM is now offering a decent paddle shifted automatic. Yes, I know that a torque converter is still in the mix, however I'm curious to know everyone's thoughts on this.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...06-good-thing/
Cheers and thanks - Mike
01-13-2014, 06:08 PM
#3
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St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
As a friend of mine wrote today, "It's nice that people who are unable to drive a stick will now be able to buy a Z06." 
Beyond that, I said days ago an automatic would be a big selling point for a potential buyer, and that it would absolutely up the number of sales. That said, it depends on a lot of things but first is, the starting price of a Z06. If it's too high, even an automatic and removable top won't help much.
The tech of this new automatic has to include at least one thing to make it "sale-able" as far as I'm concerned: cost. Cost to produce and cost to maintain. If the latter doesn't work well (meaning, it's expensive to repair matching a dual clutch in cost to keep), then it'll soon prove to be a negative. Why soon? Because with 630 + lbs ft. of torque, this trans will be tested very well and very fast on the streets.
Actually, I can understand why some don't want a Z06 with an automatic but if it works well as projected, it could breathe new life into a small-numbers car. After all, the combined sales per year of both ZR1s and Z06s of the last gen were very small. I hope all the features including the automatic 8 speed trans helps sales.
Beyond that, I said days ago an automatic would be a big selling point for a potential buyer, and that it would absolutely up the number of sales. That said, it depends on a lot of things but first is, the starting price of a Z06. If it's too high, even an automatic and removable top won't help much.
The tech of this new automatic has to include at least one thing to make it "sale-able" as far as I'm concerned: cost. Cost to produce and cost to maintain. If the latter doesn't work well (meaning, it's expensive to repair matching a dual clutch in cost to keep), then it'll soon prove to be a negative. Why soon? Because with 630 + lbs ft. of torque, this trans will be tested very well and very fast on the streets.
Actually, I can understand why some don't want a Z06 with an automatic but if it works well as projected, it could breathe new life into a small-numbers car. After all, the combined sales per year of both ZR1s and Z06s of the last gen were very small. I hope all the features including the automatic 8 speed trans helps sales.
01-13-2014, 06:25 PM
#4
Drifting
Hi guys -
My name is Mike Musto and I'm the host and producer of a show called /BIG MUSCLE on Youtube's drive Network. I recently wrote a post for CorvetteForum about the new Z07 and why I think many potential buyers will love the fact that GM is now offering a decent paddle shifted automatic. Yes, I know that a torque converter is still in the mix, however I'm curious to know everyone's thoughts on this.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...06-good-thing/
Cheers and thanks - Mike
My name is Mike Musto and I'm the host and producer of a show called /BIG MUSCLE on Youtube's drive Network. I recently wrote a post for CorvetteForum about the new Z07 and why I think many potential buyers will love the fact that GM is now offering a decent paddle shifted automatic. Yes, I know that a torque converter is still in the mix, however I'm curious to know everyone's thoughts on this.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/articl...06-good-thing/
Cheers and thanks - Mike
MrAngry? I think I know you. Do you/Did you drive a 68 Charger???
01-13-2014, 07:01 PM
#5
I hate the idea of an "auto" Z06. 
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
01-13-2014, 07:03 PM
#6
Racer
People just like to bitch
Some people are NEVER satisfied. They want a Chevrolet Ferrari, then complain because it's more expensive than a Mustang. Their mouths demand stuff their wallets (& most other Corvette buyer's) can't afford. While we don't yet know the price of the new Z06, you can bet many of those same people will be complaining that it's OVERPRICED - in spite of the fact that it can alreeady beat a ZR1 and may even beat a Porsche GT3 ond other 'supercars'. Yet, they EXPECT GM to build a dual clutch automatic with WELL BELOW 50 THOUSAND UNITS in total volume potential. At that volume, the transmission would cost $5,000 per unit - OR MORE.
It makes it tough to read the Forum when people complain without thinking. Look at all the people who bitched because the team under-estimated demand for the Z51 package. Can you imagine PUTTING YOUR JOB ON THE LINE and telling management to build 75% Z51s. I might have gone out on a limb and recommended 50% installation at intro - since early buyers tend to load their cars. But nobody in their right mind would go much higher, because they need to KEEP THEIR JOBS.
Don''t demand of others what you wouldn't do yourself - if you were in their shoes. I had to wait an extra four weeks because of the Z51 parts shortage. And, while I certainly didn't like it, I UNDERSTOOD.
Can you imagine the piece of crap car that would have been built if some of these loudmouths had developed it, instead of Tadge and his crew?
01-13-2014, 07:06 PM
#7
Le Mans Master
Automatic is good and so is a Convertible.
I would not be interested in either as I prefer Manual and Hardtop but is is a wise business decision.
If Ferrari, Lambhorgini and Porsche dot it successfully in their H-Po models so should Corvette.
I would not be interested in either as I prefer Manual and Hardtop but is is a wise business decision.
If Ferrari, Lambhorgini and Porsche dot it successfully in their H-Po models so should Corvette.
01-13-2014, 07:07 PM
#8
I think it is the best of both worlds as long as it works like the automatic ZL1.
I've seen many people spend a great deal of cash and have long down times with an auto/manual transaxle.
The control offered by the automatic in the ZL1 is great.
It would be nice to hear that they've optimized the convertor to make it as light and as small in diameter as possible.
I've seen many people spend a great deal of cash and have long down times with an auto/manual transaxle.
The control offered by the automatic in the ZL1 is great.
It would be nice to hear that they've optimized the convertor to make it as light and as small in diameter as possible.
01-13-2014, 07:08 PM
#9
Le Mans Master
... Some people are NEVER satisfied. They want a Chevrolet Ferrari, then complain because it's more expensive than a Mustang. Their mouths demand stuff their wallets (& most other Corvette buyer's) can't afford. While we don't yet know the price of the new Z06, you can bet many of those same people will be complaining that it's OVERPRICED - in spite of the fact that it can alreeady beat a ZR1 and may even beat a Porsche GT3 ond other 'supercars'. Yet, they EXPECT GM to build a dual clutch automatic with WELL BELOW 50 THOUSAND UNITS in total volume potential. At that volume, the transmission would cost $5,000 per unit - OR MORE.
It makes it tough to read the Forum when people complain without thinking. Look at all the people who bitched because the team under-estimated demand for the Z51 package. Can you imagine PUTTING YOUR JOB ON THE LINE and telling management to build 75% Z51s. I might have gone out on a limb and recommended 50% installation at intro - since early buyers tend to load their cars. But nobody in their right mind would go much higher, because they need to KEEP THEIR JOBS.
Don''t demand of others what you wouldn't do yourself - if you were in their shoes. I had to wait an extra four weeks because of the Z51 parts shortage. And, while I certainly didn't like it, I UNDERSTOOD.
Can you imagine the piece of crap car that would have been built if some of these loudmouths had developed it, instead of Tadge and his crew?
It makes it tough to read the Forum when people complain without thinking. Look at all the people who bitched because the team under-estimated demand for the Z51 package. Can you imagine PUTTING YOUR JOB ON THE LINE and telling management to build 75% Z51s. I might have gone out on a limb and recommended 50% installation at intro - since early buyers tend to load their cars. But nobody in their right mind would go much higher, because they need to KEEP THEIR JOBS.
Don''t demand of others what you wouldn't do yourself - if you were in their shoes. I had to wait an extra four weeks because of the Z51 parts shortage. And, while I certainly didn't like it, I UNDERSTOOD.
Can you imagine the piece of crap car that would have been built if some of these loudmouths had developed it, instead of Tadge and his crew?
01-13-2014, 07:17 PM
#10
Safety Car
I hate the idea of an "auto" Z06.
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
At that exact moment, if only for a brief snippet of time I new the c7 z06 would be the baine of my existence. and then it subsided and all was well. I think...
01-13-2014, 07:30 PM
#11
Race Director
When the automatic z06 is as fast as the manual on the road course if not faster than the corvette team achieved it's goal.
Mr, Ruess said that this new automatic 8 speed corvette was a no compromise transmission so I'm excited to try it ...
I sit in hours of manhattan bumper to bumper traffic and even though I've been driving manuals for over three decades....including my present corvette....I'm considering an automatic next time around...
Th lift off roof does make it that much easier to go z06....
Mr, Ruess said that this new automatic 8 speed corvette was a no compromise transmission so I'm excited to try it ...
I sit in hours of manhattan bumper to bumper traffic and even though I've been driving manuals for over three decades....including my present corvette....I'm considering an automatic next time around...
Th lift off roof does make it that much easier to go z06....
01-13-2014, 07:37 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
I think it is the best of both worlds as long as it works like the automatic ZL1.
I've seen many people spend a great deal of cash and have long down times with an auto/manual transaxle.
The control offered by the automatic in the ZL1 is great.
It would be nice to hear that they've optimized the convertor to make it as light and as small in diameter as possible.
I've seen many people spend a great deal of cash and have long down times with an auto/manual transaxle.
The control offered by the automatic in the ZL1 is great.
It would be nice to hear that they've optimized the convertor to make it as light and as small in diameter as possible.
01-13-2014, 08:51 PM
#13
Race Director
As a friend of mine wrote today, "It's nice that people who are unable to drive a stick will now be able to buy a Z06."
Beyond that, I said days ago an automatic would be a big selling point for a potential buyer, and that it would absolutely up the number of sales. That said, it depends on a lot of things but first is, the starting price of a Z06. If it's too high, even an automatic and removable top won't help much.
The tech of this new automatic has to include at least one thing to make it "sale-able" as far as I'm concerned: cost. Cost to produce and cost to maintain. If the latter doesn't work well (meaning, it's expensive to repair matching a dual clutch in cost to keep), then it'll soon prove to be a negative. Why soon? Because with 630 + lbs ft. of torque, this trans will be tested very well and very fast on the streets.
Actually, I can understand why some don't want a Z06 with an automatic but if it works well as projected, it could breathe new life into a small-numbers car. After all, the combined sales per year of both ZR1s and Z06s of the last gen were very small. I hope all the features including the automatic 8 speed trans helps sales.
Beyond that, I said days ago an automatic would be a big selling point for a potential buyer, and that it would absolutely up the number of sales. That said, it depends on a lot of things but first is, the starting price of a Z06. If it's too high, even an automatic and removable top won't help much.
The tech of this new automatic has to include at least one thing to make it "sale-able" as far as I'm concerned: cost. Cost to produce and cost to maintain. If the latter doesn't work well (meaning, it's expensive to repair matching a dual clutch in cost to keep), then it'll soon prove to be a negative. Why soon? Because with 630 + lbs ft. of torque, this trans will be tested very well and very fast on the streets.
Actually, I can understand why some don't want a Z06 with an automatic but if it works well as projected, it could breathe new life into a small-numbers car. After all, the combined sales per year of both ZR1s and Z06s of the last gen were very small. I hope all the features including the automatic 8 speed trans helps sales.
01-13-2014, 09:12 PM
#14
Le Mans Master
I not fond of the idea of an automatic in the Z06 (think it should have a different name), but if it helps sell more cars and keeps the Z06 in production, and at a decent price, then so be it. At least, I think the automatic will be a pretty decent box as far as automatics go, and am actually anxious to see some test results on how it performs.
Michael
Michael
01-13-2014, 10:42 PM
#16
It seems Chevy's strategy to incorporate an auto gearbox into their go-fast vette is an attempt to drive sales to recoup development costs... Although I get the feeling this C7 Z06 is not such a radical departure from the base as the previous Z06.
Personally, I like the idea of owning a vehicle that is offered ONLY as a manual (I own two). Nonetheless, I understand the rationale - gotta appease the shareholders. And although the Z-oh is designed... no... born to turn, many are relegated to 1/4 miles only, where the auto is king. Hey it's ok. We all need our speed fix in our own special way. If a car meant to turn is also awesome on the straights, so-be-it.
Did anyone else notice Chevy stated its upshifts were faster than a Porsche GT3??? Not downshifts. This seems to be another perk for the drag racers... Almost like they offer two race versions:
1 - Road Course (manual)
2 - 1/4 Mile (auto)
Personally, I like the idea of owning a vehicle that is offered ONLY as a manual (I own two). Nonetheless, I understand the rationale - gotta appease the shareholders. And although the Z-oh is designed... no... born to turn, many are relegated to 1/4 miles only, where the auto is king. Hey it's ok. We all need our speed fix in our own special way. If a car meant to turn is also awesome on the straights, so-be-it.
Did anyone else notice Chevy stated its upshifts were faster than a Porsche GT3??? Not downshifts. This seems to be another perk for the drag racers... Almost like they offer two race versions:
1 - Road Course (manual)
2 - 1/4 Mile (auto)
Last edited by AtomicZ_Eric; 01-13-2014 at 10:44 PM. Reason: Typos
01-13-2014, 10:55 PM
#17
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '06-'08-'10-'11-'12-'13 '14-'15-'16-'17-'18-'19
There are folks in this forum that KNEW that an auto would not be put into the Z because then it would no longer be a Z car. THose folks may or may not comment here but trust me, if they do you will know them. My take is that GM needed to do this for sales. Whether or not it works depends now on pricing and that we wont know for a while. Change is hard, nobody likes it but I have to give the Corvette team credit for taking the chance. While the car has an "edge", for the most part I think they did well.
01-13-2014, 11:11 PM
#18
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Hello My name is George and I am new to this forum and interest in a Corvette. I have friends and relatives with vettes as well as a cousin with a bad *** kicking C6-Zo6. Well for me I would love to drive a stick BUT I had lost my right leg in a very bad accident and saddly can't any more. I personally am thrilled that Gm is putting Auto with paddle shifts in ALL the new vettes, now maybe I can buy one. to where I could not before, Gm is wanting to bring sales up, Well then give people what they want. I also feel if you are paying $70,000 on up on a car, you should be able to order ANY of the past or present colors.As well as a hardtop or a convert. I would love to buy a C7, Zo6/Zo7 convert. in Daytona Orange.
Last edited by cummins6900; 01-13-2014 at 11:14 PM.
01-13-2014, 11:15 PM
#19
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I hate the idea of an "auto" Z06.
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
Why?
Cause when my wife finds out, she'll wanna drive it.
When I bought my '08 Z, and told her it only came in a manual, she said," You know that I won't be able to drive it." To which I replied, "I'm sorry , honey."
Honestly, it's a great idea.
I will probably still get a manual in a few years.
I hear you.
01-13-2014, 11:38 PM
#20
Advanced
Hey Mike love the show. I watch the Drive channel all the time. I think GM is a business first and they have to sell this car to as many people as possible. Hence the removable top and auto trans.