Be it a G8 sedan, ST, or Sportwagon - how many of us require a manual trans before we will lay down the cash?

Manual trans or no deal. Too many other great sedans offered with a manual to settle for a slushbox on the G8.

I would take a manual: BMW 325i, 328i, 330i, MB C300, C350 (if offered manual) or Infiniti G35S before I would take a G8 automatic, even if I had to buy it used.

I really hope everyone here votes on this.

I have to say that as much as a manual would be fun for my day to day driving (I am a nanny) carting around triplets in a car having a automatic would be just fine, it is actually less stressful on me.

I would love to have a manual, but it is no deal breaker, in fact since it will be the w's main ride it has to be auto. I might get the ST in manual, but then again would there be a time when she might drive it?

I happen to have purchased a 2007 Corvette Coupe a while ago – with automatic trans. – as most Coupe & Convertible buyers do still choose.

[ The Bowling Green Assembly Plant web site shows that for MY 2006: 66.1% of Coupes and 72.9 % of Convertibles were built with the six speed automatic. Obviously, no Z06s were. But it seems that this manumatic is not considered a joke by a rather significant majority of Corvette buyers, today. ]

I truly do understand the often stated view that use of manual transmissions significantly enhances the ( sporting aspects of ) the driving experience. I used to share that view.

My current view is that automatic transmissions ( including, the DSG \ SMG \ PDK devices that are actually manual transmissions, with no torque converter ) have now reached the point where they are actually superior to manuals in some critical aspects. My last 4 Sport Sedans have had manumatics. And my current ‘ride’ has a very good one.

We are clearly a nation where the average age is rising – and with an older populace, typically comes an increase in disabilities that limit physical functioning.

And heavy traffic (where, for many, a manual is just work – no fun at all) is becoming ever more widespread.

I owned and drove nothing but manual trans. cars for many, many years. 3 on the column, 4-or-5-on the floor – even 4 on the tree ( \ column - a Peugeot – mid-1960s 404 model, I believe) and 4 speed with separate O/D (Volvo).

But I (and many others) have either physical reasons to require an automatic – and / or simply the desire not to have to deal with a clutch all the time. The current crop of manumatics offers an opportunity to significantly enhance the gear change aspect of driving a car when desired - with the option of simply popping it into full automatic mode when Hotlanta area traffic becomes more “stop and slow” than go. In my case, severe bursitis [ my ‘excuse’, if you will ] plus traffic I cannot avoid means I will never buy another car with a clutch.

And that’s now just fine with me. In the case of my current Daily Driver, that 2007 Corvette Coupe with six speed automatic, one can ( for example ) ‘lock’ the trans. in second gear. I have found this useful in some of the stop \ go \ stop \ slow traffic situations I often encounter on my commute home most late afternoons. The torque converter cushions the on \ off transitions somewhat. There is some engine braking available. And second gear in this car & trans. allows 0 to approx. 86 MPH without any shifting, up or down. Sufficient for this purpose.

I did not select this option in expectation that the acceleration ( shifting ) would be any quicker than I could do with a manual trans. No ‘performance advantage’ anticipated. But since I have only driven one vehicle with a manual trans. ( friend’s Jeep Wrangler ) in the past 10+ years, I am certain that this automatic shifts both more quickly and more consistently than I now could.

[[ And I was in pain for almost a week following that short Jeep drive. ]]

And the paddle shift \ manumatic feature certainly allows me significant additional control ( involvement ) when I drive my car than is possible when in either of the ‘pure automatic’ modes.

With six gears and such a ( very ) wide ratio spread – and great steaming piles of torque at any RPM – I can certainly accelerate from any speed, in my choice of gears, at an ‘entertaining’ rate. Certainly as quickly as anyone needs to accelerate in the real world. I do not expect to drive my Corvette on any race track. I did buy it for the entertainment value it offers – and this automatic trans. allows me to enjoy driving a Corvette.

I agree that this trans. ( and every similar such device I have driven ) is certainly still not “perfect” - particularly in the time it takes from shift request to actual shift execution. This aspect still needs work. ( I remain hopeful that the ’08 & ’09 G8 GT will have improvements in these areas over my 2007. ) The actual shift execution is generally quite quick enough for me. I did buy this Corvette equipped ( 3LT Package with heated seats, HUD, XM, etc. ) such that I see it more as a 2-place GT, rather than the full out Sports Car that something like a Z06 is.

Some will forever maintain that a Corvette ( or any sports \ GT car, or any “serious” sport sedan, like the G8 V8 ) equipped with any automatic trans. is heresy ( or worse ) and that is just fine with me. My $$s, my choice – and I am very, very happy with my choice!

Just my $0.01.5 worth = with a penny and a half ‘mail in rebate’ = FREE!

- Ray
Not a powertrain engineer & don’t even play one on TV. . .

G8 is the going to be the wife's car, so auto trans is ok for her. Most people won't mind an automatic.

If the poll asked should a manual be offered the results would be different.

No paddle shifted SMG gearbox will ever completely duplicate the feel of a true manual. That connected feeling is paramount for some of us. What I hope to see with this poll is that there is enough interest in a manual to justify making it available, not to say which is better as the only choice. For me, a G8 (or a Vette for that matter) without a true manual won't be an option. The take rate to make a manual feasible for GM isn't all that high, and on this sort of car it should be easily attainable.

G8 is the going to be the wife's car, so auto trans is ok for her. Most people won't mind an automatic.

If the poll asked should a manual be offered the results would be different.

I intentionally worded it that way to get a feel for how many of us would insist on a manual. Because the only numbers that matter to GM are the ones that would actually be purchased, not an accounting of how many think it "should" be available. They need to know how many they can sell.

I have to say that as much as a manual would be fun for my day to day driving (I am a nanny) carting around triplets in a car having a automatic would be just fine, it is actually less stressful on me.


I believe we discussed your next car choice the other night in West Chester, didn't we?:D

I believe we discussed your next car choice the other night in West Chester, didn't we?:D

Haha yes we did and I want this one. Oh he let me drive the goat the other day (well in a parking lot) and I did not stall it once.

Haha yes we did and I want this one. Oh he let me drive the goat the other day (well in a parking lot) and I did not stall it once.

See?

Driving a manual is easy.:driving:

See?

Driving a manual is easy.:driving:

haha yea right. It was still hard and all I was thinking about was don't hurt the goat or I am going to die. There is no way I could do it with 3 kids in the car and actually trying to drive in traffic. Oh yea how did you know it was me?

haha yea right. It was still hard and all I was thinking about was don't hurt the goat or I am going to die. There is no way I could do it with 3 kids in the car and actually trying to drive in traffic. Oh yea how did you know it was me?

Easy.

How many nannies for three kids would be posting here?

And, I recognize the avatar pic.

You'd feel more confident with a little practice. I think everyone should at least know how to drive a manual - even if they wouldn't choose it.

I'm happy with the automatic. As this G8 would be replacing my DD, I wouldn't want a stick anyway. Not to mention the other "toys" that fill my needs when it comes to driving a stick.

Good point with the how many nannies would be on here... yea I don't even know another nanny who likes cars, haha.

Yes John's baby is my picture, are you coming to next weekends?

I do plan on learning more once he relaxes a bit and lets me try again. It is hard since he has not even had the car for a month yet.

Good point with the how many nannies would be on here... yea I don't even know another nanny who likes cars, haha.

Yes John's baby is my picture, are you coming to next weekends?

I do plan on learning more once he relaxes a bit and lets me try again. It is hard since he has not even had the car for a month yet.

I don't know if I'll make the next one, I belong to a car club which is having its annual dinner that night. If the gathering is early enough, I might stop in for a bit.

I don't know if I'll make the next one, I belong to a car club which is having its annual dinner that night. If the gathering is early enough, I might stop in for a bit.

Well it is planned for 4pm same place as last time (well one floor down in case of rain/snow).

Well it is planned for 4pm same place as last time (well one floor down in case of rain/snow).

Doubtful, but I may show up.

"We are clearly a nation where the average age is rising – and with an older populace, typically comes an increase in disabilities that limit physical functioning."

Awright Ray! Go ahead and pick on an old man! :oldfogey:

You are quite right tho', in my case. Last time I had to battle a clutch in stop/go traffic my left leg didn't work for 2 weeks.:soapbox:

"We are clearly a nation where the average age is rising – and with an older populace, typically comes an increase in disabilities that limit physical functioning."

Awright Ray! Go ahead and pick on an old man! :oldfogey:

You are quite right tho', in my case. Last time I had to battle a clutch in stop/go traffic my left leg didn't work for 2 weeks.:soapbox:

If anything, I am picking on myself here...
- Ray
Pushing 60.....

while it would be good to see the manual offered, id still get the Auto. i dirve everyday in heavy traffic, cant afford two cars so ill take the auto. as far as it being a deal breaker i think thats extreme but i know there are poeple whod rather be a passenger then not be able to shift their own gears

If anything, I am picking on myself here...
- Ray
Pushing 60.....

Heh, 60 pushed me aside quite a few years ago.:whine:
In addition, I just figured the WA. Dept. of Revenue exise tax for Q4. I am queasy now. :soapbox:

I hate to tell you young guys, but the social security you are paying now will be what I will be using to make my car payment.:D

Well, if a Manual was NEVER offered then I would take the Auto, but I have an auto right now and really want to switch to a manual, so I voted acceptable.

I look at it this way: If I'm going to spend 30k plus, I'm choosing the trans I want.
Otherwise, I'll save the money and buy something older to play with.

this is something i've been thinking about a lot actually.

my current car, i converted to manual as it was only available in auto (mines the luxury spec mitsubishi magna) i hated the 4-speed slushbox, and the manual not only had the extra gear, but a higher diff ratio too... changed performance completely.

this isn't quite as much of an issue with the VE, as performance is pretty much dead even, same amount of gears (not sure on ratio) auto has a higher loss of power to the wheels, but you dont spend time between gears either

i can't decide if i'd like an SS-V or Calais-V... i like the understated looks and interior of the Calais, but i enjoy driving manual just as much...

so basically, if there was a manual option, i'd take it, but it probably wouldn't be a deal breaker. even though i voted for manual only :D

Good man!

The numbers are better than I expected so far.

Let's see some more votes!

I will be getting an auto just for the fact that this will be my DD. I drove stick as a DD for 15 years and, I'm done with that. My toys all have stick so, if I want to play I"ll take one of them out. If you are buying a G8 for a "toy" it certainly should have stick. Getting back to the question at hand, it's not a deal breaker for me but, if it were going to be a toy.......it might be.

I have a bigger distrust of ATs. If something mechanically begins to go wrong, I feel as if there is nothing I can do if I'm away from home. With a manual, I feel as if I have a little control over the situation (even if I really don't). It's a psycological decision. Plus, I do enjoy the manual in my GTO.

Had my toys, had my fun, done with clutch and shifting. Looking for luxury and power in one package. Can't afford the Bimmers, Mercedes, or Japanese luxos, so will settle for a G8 GT/GXP and be happy!

If there's no manual offered, then I will be considering other vehicles.

Ray,

Is the auto tranny in the G8 the same one that's in the C6?

Ray,

Is the auto tranny in the G8 the same one that's in the C6?


Fundamentally, yes.

The designation ( 6L80 ) is the same.
The ratios are the same.

However, the 2008 Corvette trans. reportedly received some hardware & software enhancements – to speed up both the actual shift execution & the response to paddle commanded shifts.

After driving my Corvette A6 for nearly 20,000 miles, this is one reason I need to actually drive a G8 with this trans.

- Ray
We shall see . . .

The manual will be offered in the G8, just not immediately at launch. Just like the Stealth Blue Metallic will have late availability; so will manual. This has been said by Pontiac, Holden, and every other GM rep asked about it. Most people considering such a car probably don't have to buy one immediately. So have patience. It feels better when you wait and save more, the payments aren't as high.

I'll probably be waiting till model year 2, but I'll still be testing the first arrivals. :)

What I need to know is that the manual will also appear in the ST.

I have no problem with waiting.

I have a bigger distrust of ATs. If something mechanically begins to go wrong, I feel as if there is nothing I can do if I'm away from home. With a manual, I feel as if I have a little control over the situation (even if I really don't). It's a psycological decision. Plus, I do enjoy the manual in my GTO.

I have had a “mechanical issue” with the automatic trans in my Corvette.
Requiring replacement of sticking solenoid valves, in my case.

And a poster on another board had trouble with the ( related ) six speed automatic in a new CTS.

FWIW, the “limp home” mode was triggered, in both cases.

In both cases, the trans locked in third gear ( and lit the CEL ) – but was able to be driven to the Dealer.

[[ Third gear in the Corvette allow 0 MPH to approx. 130 MPH. ]]

Edit: I have not heard of any situations with a Corvette equipped with this A6 trans have been stranded by a trans issue. Closest is one or 2 that stuck in reverse - but as I recall, that was actually a trans linkage issue...

- Ray
Not an automatic trans engineer – and do not “play one” on the Internet . . .

No manual transmission is an absolute deal breaker for me. Id LOVE to have one of the first 888 G8s built. But the way its looking none of them will be manual transmission cars. So... Im not going to be getting one of those. Im not going to dump out $30k for a car Im not satisfied with. Watching the Jeremy Clarkson beat the snot out of the VXR8 (WITH a 6 speed) on Top Gear makes me want one so bad I cant stand it. I hope someone from pontiac is reading this because they are going to lose one VERY motivated buyer because the lack of a manual transmission in the G8. My 87 IROC-Z has a 5 speed, my 92 Z28 was a 305 with a 5 speed. It is now an LT1 with a 6 speed, my 94 B4C camaro has a 6-speed (it was bought with an automatic and 2 weeks after I bought it I purchased all the manual transmission parts from a wreaked Z28 and converted it myself) and my 98 Z28 has a 6-speed. If I cant shift my own gears I wont be buying a G8. PLEASE release a manual transmission version of this car ASAP!!!

Jeremy

I'm more than happy with my A6 in my C6, and now that TM has been tuned out somewhat i am more than thrilled with it.

I am auto only guy, never drove a stick in my life!

I'm more than happy with my A6 in my C6, and now that TM has been tuned out somewhat i am more than thrilled with it.

I am auto only guy, never drove a stick in my life!

You have to learn, it's something not to be missed in life.

I'm more than happy with my A6 in my C6, and now that TM has been tuned out somewhat i am more than thrilled with it.

I am auto only guy, never drove a stick in my life!

You definitely need to learn how to really "DRIVE" a manual transmission. Nothing compairs to ripping your own gears while blasting down the road with the tires screaming and the exhaust roaring in your ears. It really makes you feel like a part of the car. Here is a vid my friend took of me in my 94 B4C. Granted you wouldnt want to try this with a stock transmission, mine in the B4C camaro is fully built, but you can get the idea of the feeling of slamming your own gears.

Jeremy

http://thumbs.streetfire.net/d733ac67-1144-4f23-9cbe-98070003fc59.jpg (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/d733ac67-1144-4f23-9cbe-98070003fc59.htm)1994 B4C camaro, CC306, SPEC4, RPM transmissions T56, 3.23 10bolt. Hooker LTs, Mufflex Y-pipe, Hooker catback. (http://videos.streetfire.net/video/d733ac67-1144-4f23-9cbe-98070003fc59.htm)

Well i have no place to rip any gears in my part of Florida, nothing but wall to wall traffic.

Well i have no place to rip any gears in my part of Florida, nothing but wall to wall traffic.

Ahh thats understandable. Here in Indiana we have alot of back roads and drag strips.

Jeremy

I have had a “mechanical issue” with the automatic trans in my Corvette.
Requiring replacement of sticking solenoid valves, in my case.

FWIW, the “limp home” mode was triggered, in both cases.

- Ray
Not an automatic trans engineer – and do not “play one” on the Internet . . .

Perhaps I can better explain my feelings. My '89 Dakota Shelby has 208K miles. I would almost assume that it still has the original AT. When we got hit with the cold weather, the AT had trouble when first starting off in the morning. Even after letting the truck warm up, none of that heat went to the trans. As I stopped at the end of my road & got ready to pull away, I pushed on the gas & the engine wound up but with a big delay in going forward. That is where I get that "helpless" feeling.

no driver pedal = no sale.

If traffic is "that" bad it will be just as fast to take the bus. Busses have autos now, my car will not.

I had originally typed "no man pedal = no sale" but SWMBO (she who must be obeyed) happened to see it.

A pleasant surprise to see a nearly 50/50 split on this question.

Please continue to vote: the more votes, the more accurate reflection of what intenders want from this car.

If this distribution holds, it more than justifies the production of the manual.

If it had a 4sp auto without shift control, I wouldn't touch it unless it had a manual transmission, but since it has a 6sp with shift control, I wouldn't get a manual even if they offered it. I think that autos with shift control are the best of both worlds. Sure, they might have a delay and you can't push a clutch, but you don't have to worry about any friend borrowing your car (which would be a rare occurrence at most) and destroying your clutch, engine, or transmission because they don't know how to drive. I also wouldn't want a manual on long trips. After all, this is a sporty family sedan, not a track car.

Absolutely has to have a manual or we won't get the car. This is for my wife, too, who will drive nothing but a manual. Nor would I, until my job + family considerations (third kid on the way!) forced me to get a 4x4 SUV (job) with a third row of seats (family). Sad state of affairs! Not that we don't want the kid, just having to drive an automatic every day. I thought I'd get used to it. I thought I wouldn't mind it. I thought it might even be nice once in awhile. None of that has proven true in four months now. Thankfully, the wife has a TSX at the moment, with a manual, so I can at least go drive something semi-entertaining once in awhile.

The key with offering a manual in the G8 is that there's simply nothing else like it on the market. There are some sedans out there with manuals, but none of them are true large sedans as the G8 is, which with three kids you need all the size you can get (yeah, we've got the SUV, but I'd like to be able to drive around with the family in a sedan in a pinch). I'm not loyal to any make or country etc. when buying cars either; I've tried most of them. I just want a BIG sedan with a manual, and the G8 will be the only choice once it arrives. The fact it comes with a GM V8 and in a RWD chassis that gets rave reviews? Hell, that's the icing on the cake.

And don't interpret anything I said as disrespect to folks that like automatics. Nothing wrong with that. I just can't stand the things personally, and neither can the wife (for which I'm very thankful!) :).

I would probably buy an auto this time around if the performance were close.