Should manual transmission be dropped?
07-09-2006, 09:05 AM
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
Should manual transmission be dropped?
Okay, I guess I'm really fired up about another thread I posted complaining about the power top being bundled with the 3LT package in 2007.
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Last edited by jschindler; 07-09-2006 at 09:40 AM.
07-09-2006, 09:06 AM
#2
Race Director
Originally Posted by jschindler
Okay, I guess I'm really fired up about another thread I posted complaining about the power to being bundled with the 3LT package in 2007.
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
07-09-2006, 09:06 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by jschindler
Okay, I guess I'm really fired up about another thread I posted complaining about the power to being bundled with the 3LT package in 2007.
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
OK, YOUR NOT CRAZY!!!!!!
07-09-2006, 09:12 AM
#4
Team Owner
I for one don't want the Corvette to follow conventional wisdom. Just because some other car comes with heated cup holders or some other accessory doesn't mean the vette should follow suit.
Now what GM needs to do is de-option the car, lower the MSRP a few grand that allow the car to be optioned by the individual buyer. Think of all the wild and weird combinations you'd see. I believe that would make everyone happy. Look what we got when GM decided to cater to the European market, some lame limp wristed sounding exhaust. Follow someone else, I think not.
Oh and “hard-headed SOB” NO, pragmatic YES.
Tom
Now what GM needs to do is de-option the car, lower the MSRP a few grand that allow the car to be optioned by the individual buyer. Think of all the wild and weird combinations you'd see. I believe that would make everyone happy. Look what we got when GM decided to cater to the European market, some lame limp wristed sounding exhaust. Follow someone else, I think not.
Oh and “hard-headed SOB” NO, pragmatic YES.
Tom
Last edited by AFVETTE; 07-09-2006 at 09:14 AM.
07-09-2006, 09:15 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
Just because some other car comes with heated cup holders or some other accessory doesn't mean the vette should follow suit.
But to answer your question, no. If the Corvette only came with an AT, I would have bought a different car.
07-09-2006, 09:26 AM
#6
Race Director
Originally Posted by AFVETTE
Now what GM needs to do is de-option the car, lower the MSRP a few grand that allow the car to be optioned by the individual buyer.
Tom
How do we get this message to the descision makers at Chevy? 
07-09-2006, 09:27 AM
#7
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Originally Posted by Tonylmiller
I want a convertible with manual top and manual transmission.
07-09-2006, 09:35 AM
#10
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Originally Posted by AFVETTE
I for one don't want the Corvette to follow conventional wisdom. Just because some other car comes with heated cup holders or some other accessory doesn't mean the vette should follow suit.
Now what GM needs to do is de-option the car, lower the MSRP a few grand that allow the car to be optioned by the individual buyer. Think of all the wild and weird combinations you'd see. I believe that would make everyone happy. Look what we got when GM decided to cater to the European market, some lame limp wristed sounding exhaust. Follow someone else, I think not.
Oh and “hard-headed SOB” NO, pragmatic YES.
Tom
Now what GM needs to do is de-option the car, lower the MSRP a few grand that allow the car to be optioned by the individual buyer. Think of all the wild and weird combinations you'd see. I believe that would make everyone happy. Look what we got when GM decided to cater to the European market, some lame limp wristed sounding exhaust. Follow someone else, I think not.
Oh and “hard-headed SOB” NO, pragmatic YES.
Tom
07-09-2006, 09:50 AM
#11
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Unmodified C8 of the Year 2021 Finalist
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Available income does not decide Trans choice
As to GM bundling the Power Top with the 3LT package, I agree with the posts (another thread) saying GM is trying to improve their bottom line by: 1) Extracting more $ by forcing you to take more options to get those you must have (i.e. HUD), 2) Factory costs are lowered the fewer individual options that need scheduling/small inventory control costs.
This seems to be the opposite of eveything else I buy (electronics, computers, houses, boats, etc.) where with the cheaper stuff you're locked in to specific options and as the price rises you end up with increasing "special options" becoming available. Seems contrary to me in todays higher end car market that this is changing. At least with GM. Come on GM you made money in the 60's with "A La Carte" options!
As to the MN6 going away, I say no way. There are plenty of us still demanding to have our sports car this way. I may be wrong but summing up several years lurking on this site about Auto vs. Manual, I believe most of us chose one over the other based on personal driving environment experience. If I had an excessive amount of "stop and go" or city driving to do I'd prefer an A6 also. But I live in the suburbs with a country road commute to work and many miles of twisty back roads. I just love those down shifts to power through curves. Also, isn't this the purpose of the A6's paddles, where they give you the same feeling of control, just a little more convieniently giving your left foot a break. Oh, and your not Crazy!
This seems to be the opposite of eveything else I buy (electronics, computers, houses, boats, etc.) where with the cheaper stuff you're locked in to specific options and as the price rises you end up with increasing "special options" becoming available. Seems contrary to me in todays higher end car market that this is changing. At least with GM. Come on GM you made money in the 60's with "A La Carte" options!
As to the MN6 going away, I say no way. There are plenty of us still demanding to have our sports car this way. I may be wrong but summing up several years lurking on this site about Auto vs. Manual, I believe most of us chose one over the other based on personal driving environment experience. If I had an excessive amount of "stop and go" or city driving to do I'd prefer an A6 also. But I live in the suburbs with a country road commute to work and many miles of twisty back roads. I just love those down shifts to power through curves. Also, isn't this the purpose of the A6's paddles, where they give you the same feeling of control, just a little more convieniently giving your left foot a break. Oh, and your not Crazy!
07-09-2006, 10:27 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
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I would bet that the decision to make the power top standard was a totally economic decision. When you reduce the number of different processes on the line, the line moves smoother. When the line moves smoother, more vehicles can be produced. The training process is also made less complicated since they only need to teach the process for installing the power top.
I ordered mine because I knew my arthritis will only get worse plus it reduces the chance that I will scratch the side of the car with my belt buckle.
I ordered mine because I knew my arthritis will only get worse plus it reduces the chance that I will scratch the side of the car with my belt buckle.
07-09-2006, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by jschindler
Okay, I guess I'm really fired up about another thread I posted complaining about the power top being bundled with the 3LT package in 2007.
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
I agree with everything you said.
07-09-2006, 11:13 AM
#16
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Performance cars should always have a manual tranny option (I'm considering an SMG a manual.) because some people like to shift gears.
That said, I don't think it makes a whole helluva lot of difference in performance unless the driver is a real pro.(Or thinks he is). One of our track-oriented members who is clearly a good driver based on his driving school ranking did better with the A6 than then MN6 so go figure. Is it because he had more track time before he drove the auto or is it because the A6 is "faster" in the real world of curves?
A low slung car gives the perception of greater speed.
High humidity gives the perception of increased temperature.
Choppy, snappy gear shifts give the impression of increased performance
That said, I don't think it makes a whole helluva lot of difference in performance unless the driver is a real pro.(Or thinks he is). One of our track-oriented members who is clearly a good driver based on his driving school ranking did better with the A6 than then MN6 so go figure. Is it because he had more track time before he drove the auto or is it because the A6 is "faster" in the real world of curves?
A low slung car gives the perception of greater speed.
High humidity gives the perception of increased temperature.
Choppy, snappy gear shifts give the impression of increased performance
07-09-2006, 11:21 AM
#17
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Yer not crazy!!!
When Corvette owners want soft automatic features as standard equipment, is when they figuratively start wearing their pants up around their navel. Maybe the General is evolving the Corvette as the average owner age increases...wrong strategy in my opinion. Look at Buick...unless it gets a Cadillacesque remake, it's a dead end marque (with emphasis on dead).
But...If I wanted a Lexus retractable hard top convertible, I'd buy the real McCoy...there's no point in ruining a perfectly good, historical performance car marque. Many of us are in the fading "muscle car generation"...Time will drag this old cowboy kicking and screaming into "that good night".
When Corvette owners want soft automatic features as standard equipment, is when they figuratively start wearing their pants up around their navel. Maybe the General is evolving the Corvette as the average owner age increases...wrong strategy in my opinion. Look at Buick...unless it gets a Cadillacesque remake, it's a dead end marque (with emphasis on dead).
But...If I wanted a Lexus retractable hard top convertible, I'd buy the real McCoy...there's no point in ruining a perfectly good, historical performance car marque. Many of us are in the fading "muscle car generation"...Time will drag this old cowboy kicking and screaming into "that good night".
07-09-2006, 11:53 AM
#18
Race Director
Given GM's likely reasons for including it in 3LT, I'm wondering why they didn't just make it standard in all Corvette convertibles and up the M.S.R.P. by $2K across the board. Does anyone actually think that they would have sold fewer convertibles as a result of making such a move? (Understand, I'm not saying that I think they should have done this - I'm just a little surprised that they didn't.)
07-09-2006, 12:23 PM
#19
Team Owner
Originally Posted by coolcat
How do we get this message to the descision makers at Chevy? Pitty, the C5 Z06 formula seemed to work for a 30% of all C5 buyers.
Tom
07-09-2006, 12:36 PM
#20
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St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by jschindler
Okay, I guess I'm really fired up about another thread I posted complaining about the power top being bundled with the 3LT package in 2007.
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
Many of the reponses are saying that in a $60,000 car, the power top should be expected - that people today expect that in a car of this price range. Further, they think that people who buy these cars don't want to be bothered by putting the top up and down manually.
Well, by that logic, does that mean they think GM needs to eliminate the manual tranmission because in a $60,000 car, people don't expect to have to shift for themselves.
Somehow, I thought the Corvette is still supposed to be more of a performance car and that GM came out with the Cadillac XLR to cover the "I don't want to be put out by having to do anything manually" crowd.
Yeah, I know - I'm one hard-headed SOB looking for people to tell me that I'm not crazy.....
You must have to much time on your hands this weekend. Doesn't one of your bikes need to be exercised
IMHO they should make all corvettes manuals.
Real men might eat Quiche, but they don't drive automatics.