Inside Line says the next gen Vette will get a 7-Speed Manual
Sep 25, 2011 | 01:10 PM
#1
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| Teamspeed Member
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Posts: 237
Inside Line says the next gen Vette will get a 7-Speed Manual 
Source: 2014 C7 Chevy Corvette Will Get Seven-Speed Manual
Just the Facts:
The next-generation Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission.
Power will come from a pushrod V8; direct injection and a variable valve lift system are likely.
SANTA MONICA, California — Inside Line has learned that the 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette will be available with a seven-speed manual transmission.
Although not confirmed officially by Chevrolet, a source with knowledge of the C7 project confirmed that the upcoming Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission. This comes on the heels of Porsche's announcement that the 2012 911 would offer a seven-speed manual along with its seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
The next-generation Corvette is expected to use a revised version of its 16-valve pushrod V8 engine architecture. Headlining the changes are direct injection and a variable valve lift system to further enhance its already formidable performance while bolstering efficiency.
The addition of a seven-speed manual might be viewed solely as a fuel efficiency play, but we suspect that Chevrolet will continue to use two overdrive gears like the current six-speed manual. This would allow the engineers freedom to tighten up the spacing of the lower gears for improved low-speed performance.
Another benefit to the seven-speed manual gearbox is product rationalization — Chevy can use the same ratios for all versions of the car. Today, the ZR1 currently runs a close-ratio Tremec TR6060, while lesser Corvettes employ a different gearset.
The next-generation Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission.
Power will come from a pushrod V8; direct injection and a variable valve lift system are likely.
SANTA MONICA, California — Inside Line has learned that the 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette will be available with a seven-speed manual transmission.
Although not confirmed officially by Chevrolet, a source with knowledge of the C7 project confirmed that the upcoming Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission. This comes on the heels of Porsche's announcement that the 2012 911 would offer a seven-speed manual along with its seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
The next-generation Corvette is expected to use a revised version of its 16-valve pushrod V8 engine architecture. Headlining the changes are direct injection and a variable valve lift system to further enhance its already formidable performance while bolstering efficiency.
The addition of a seven-speed manual might be viewed solely as a fuel efficiency play, but we suspect that Chevrolet will continue to use two overdrive gears like the current six-speed manual. This would allow the engineers freedom to tighten up the spacing of the lower gears for improved low-speed performance.
Another benefit to the seven-speed manual gearbox is product rationalization — Chevy can use the same ratios for all versions of the car. Today, the ZR1 currently runs a close-ratio Tremec TR6060, while lesser Corvettes employ a different gearset.
Sep 25, 2011 | 02:47 PM
#5
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 244
From: Lexington, KY
I was hoping this would happen after the 911 offered it. It's a perfect solution for the C7 to continue offering a manual and improve the efficiency and performance made available by their 6 speed overdrives.
Sep 25, 2011 | 02:52 PM
#6
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From: New England
there is less plastic in Orange County than this thing!
Sep 25, 2011 | 07:25 PM
#9
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 779
From: PA, USA
It's obviously been on GM's mind. I think Bob Lutz even explicitly stated they were considering it. From what I remember their near-bankruptcy put an end to that really quick.
They work. As much as I don't like them, they are really light and the C6 corvette has no problem with them.
They work. As much as I don't like them, they are really light and the C6 corvette has no problem with them.
Sep 25, 2011 | 07:30 PM
#10
Watch this space.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,211
Come on, if leaf springs were the answer, Ferrari/Porsche/Lambo/Audi/etc. would all use them. It's a shortcut. If they want to reload for the 21st century, they should put coilovers in it like every serious 'Vette driver does anyway.
Look, I'd love to love the Corvette. It's American. It's fast. It looks good. It's relatively inexpensive. But for Pete's sake, put $2500 more (on the manufacturing end, $5K on the sticker) into it and give it a real interior and a modern suspension. GM always cuts corners for the worst reasons. They definitely wouldn't lose sales, and they'd probably add the 10-15% of us that don't buy 'Vettes for those reasons.
Look, I'd love to love the Corvette. It's American. It's fast. It looks good. It's relatively inexpensive. But for Pete's sake, put $2500 more (on the manufacturing end, $5K on the sticker) into it and give it a real interior and a modern suspension. GM always cuts corners for the worst reasons. They definitely wouldn't lose sales, and they'd probably add the 10-15% of us that don't buy 'Vettes for those reasons.