To Manual or Not to Manual..... that is the question.

I really want the manual but because GM really hasn't updated any real info on it, I wonder if it's worth the wait. Edmunds says 2009 but are predicting maybe sooner. GM's release announcement of the Manual in Feb. 07 said the Manual will be arriving shortly after the first release of the G8's. But that was almost a year ago.

My wife is trying to convince me and get the AT since I'll be going in for shoulder surgery next week - she claims it'll be easier for me to drive. Also it'll prevent me from worrying about trying to drive stick in case, God forbid, I get hurt (especially since I play basketball).

Or this is an excuse for her to drive my G8 GT?

Anyway, that's my dilemma so I'm still on the fence. I tagged an IO fully loaded, just in case :)

What have you decided and why?

I'd pick manual over a four speed auto, but a six speed auto with DSC over a manual. DSC is the best of both worlds in my opinion: sporty when you want to drive, comfortable when you just need to get somewhere (or someone that doesn't know how to drive a manual needs to drive it).

Is this the same? http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=763&highlight=poll

^ I didn't see that one but no, it's not the same. I'm just asking for opinions and what you're planning to purchase. I'm sure there are people still on the fence.... Maybe this poll can persuade them in either direction, including me. :)

I want the manual, but I have to learn first. So I voted for #2. However, the likelihood of me just getting the Auto is still high. I'm indifferent.

Anymore love from the community :(

I would love to get the manual as well but the misses want the automatic so she can drive as well only thing though is doesn't have a license yet. NYC would be fun to drive with a manual GT against the Charger 5 speed auto stick.

Not going to wait for the MT to finally arrive. Besides, being an old fart, I've had my share of MTs and don't particularly feel the need for one anymore! A 6-speed AT with shift option is the next best thing, and no clutch for the wife to slip and pop!:gears:

I agree with BBBBGXP...bought 67,69 (ram air III) &72 goats all new and the 72 was the first auto...I tended to get in trouble with the Mts...but they were fun and one should experience such... have seen it written that the ATs are slow shifters....if true, hope they correct that.

I am definitely waiting for manual. It's hard, but I'm going to hold-out.

I'm waiting for the M6. I also want the tall wing and headrest DVD system. Does any know if the DVD can be installed on the 08 buy the dealer?

Manual all the way. Then again, I've already got the 6-speed GTO, so if I get a G8 it will probably be the wife's car and she may want an Automatic. Either way I'd be happy, as it is nice to just hit the gas sometimes.

I don't quite get all of the angst about the difference between the 6M and 6A. Fifty years ago, automatics were terrible and no young person/hot rodder would tolerate them. Then, in 1964, Chrysler introduced their new version of the Torque Flite and took it to the strip and started blowing the doors off the 4 speeds. Today's six speed manuals are much like the old four speeds, with two overdrive gears added on to comply with CAFE. 4th gear is still a 1 to 1 ratio, just like in the old days of a normal four speed. Look at the automatic of today, though and you will note that the ration on gear four in the automatic is 1.15 to 1 - in both the G8 and the Corvette. So, at highway speeds, shouldn't the Automatic be as fast, if not faster, than the manual? Besides, I have been shifting all my life, in places where it is not much fun, like around the Washington DC Beltway and the freeway system of Southern Cal. I'll let the 6A carry on for me.

If I am missing something here, please let me know. Gently please.

I do believe I've read that the 6A is from the 'Vette, not sure on the 6M. In any case if that is true, can I do better than a 6A tuned for a "Vette?:gears:

Depends on a range of factors: Here's I came to automatic

1) I already have a 99% road race only car. Very cantankerous
2) I'm in Dallas and the traffic sucks
3) All I'd do is wheels, brakes, tint and suspension.
4) Gas mileage would suck with manual and me driving because of shifting habits.
5) Something a girl could possibly drive as well when I feel like getting chauffeured. :)

I live in Dallas too, but I'll man up. :P

I have owned two automatic vehicles and two manuals. I love the feeling I get from the manual, I feel more a part of my vehicle and more in control.

Don't get me wrong, manuals... you ARE connected to the car.

Nay, "you are one with machine."

But hey, anything gets better mileage and is easier to park than my truck haha.

My wife hates riding in my MS6 when I am spirited driving through the gears. So I don't have to listen to the complaints and the fact she can't drive a stick, I will be going back to an auto. Maybe once I am in an automatic, I can convert my 91 mustang over to a 5 speed.

My wife hates riding in my MS6 when I am spirited driving through the gears. So I don't have to listen to the complaints and the fact she can't drive a stick, I will be going back to an auto. Maybe once I am in an automatic, I can convert my 91 mustang over to a 5 speed.

I can't believe you just said that... my wife said the exact same thing to me this past Sunday. We were talking about the G8 and so I asked why was she so inclined on me getting an AT... she told me she didn't like the changing gears as it didn't make her comfortable and the ride wasn't smooth. Plus she admitted she would like to drive my car if there was an unforeseen situation. - But that's why she has her own SUV, right? :nono: :)

Also, I didn't know the A6 was tuned for a Vette. Got a link???

Plus she admitted she would like to drive my car if there was an unforeseen situation. - But that's why she has her own SUV, right? :nono: :)


Same here, but my wife does not like to drive my cars because she knows how anal I am about them. Seems like bad luck always happens when she drives my cars.

I voted for automatic. There is a chance that my wife will like the G8 and take it as her daily driver if I get the new camaro too. Now the muscle car definitely has to be a stick; in the G8, an automatic is good enough for trips and the commute.

I'll be getting an auto. All my toys are manual and, the G8 will be my DD. Plus, it's easier to drink my coffee with an auto.

Bad knee, gotta go with the auto. Even got the auto in the GTO.

I

Also, I didn't know the A6 was tuned for a Vette. Got a link???

Just rechecked, from the Edmunds Inside line article at http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=124607review, its "GM's 6L80 six speed.....also used on the Cadillac STS-V and Chevy Corvette..." They usually know from where they write?

Something wrong with link :(

InsideLine error has occured!
Please contact the system administrator.

Also, I didn't know the A6 was tuned for a Vette. Got a link???

http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/08car.htm

A6 trans designation = 6L80

My wife will be driving the car occaisionally, so I must get an Auto. How am I going to protect the red inserts in back from Car-seat wrinkles?

My wife will be driving the car occaisionally, so I must get an Auto. How am I going to protect the red inserts in back from Car-seat wrinkles?

Uhh, just take care of them. Keep em clean, condition them now and then with a proper product.

My wife will be driving the car occaisionally, so I must get an Auto. How am I going to protect the red inserts in back from Car-seat wrinkles?

leather wont be bad to keep clean, but if it was suede I would be concerned

leather wont be bad to keep clean, but if it was suede I would be concerned

I have suede inserts in my Bonneville GXP and have had no problem keeping them clean, of course I don't have kids in car seats either. Hey, I've got a thought,(didn't even get a headache either!) get one of those pet seat covers and put that over the seats. They have some padding and are fairly tough. My wife uses one on the leather seats in her Equinox. Almost two years and the dogs haven't worn through it yet.

http://media.gm.com/us/powertrain/en/product_services/2008/08car.htm

A6 trans designation = 6L80

Gracias :D

BTW, the poll is pretty close between A6 and M6, I guess it can go either way. If I'm persuaded to get the A6 (good news on the Vette tranny), I don't want to kick myself later from not getting a manual. GM still hasn't said anything :banghead:

Resale on a big car like this - automatic is the way to go. Mine will be a family ride, so going with the auto. I got something in the garage when I want to go manual!:angel:

My wife can drive a manual so tht isn't any concern, however, I wanted a SV6 Sportwagon, but they wont be coming with a stick :( Dont think I can justify 800 miles/wk of fuel getting sucked through a 6.0 either.

My wife can drive a manual so tht isn't any concern, however, I wanted a SV6 Sportwagon, but they wont be coming with a stick :( Dont think I can justify 800 miles/wk of fuel getting sucked through a 6.0 either.

I think the wagon is dead for USA.

I think the wagon is dead for USA.

Right you are! Straight from "Maximum Bob" hisself! No wagons in the USA!:turbonaughtdy_1: