C7 Reportedly Receiving 7-Speed Manual
Text by Jeffrey Sabel

Porsche is the leader of production performance cars and Chevrolet is taking notes. General Motors has reportedly developed a new seven-speed manual gearbox that will find a home in the Seventh-Generation Corvette set to debut in 2014. The C6 ZO6 and ZR1 utilize a similar technique in which the sixth-gear acts as an overdrive gear thus creating impressive fuel economy numbers. That gearing plus light weight bodywork and chassis helped the C6 ZO6 become the first 500+ horsepower car to avoid the Gas-Guzzler tax. Ever. The extra gear will noticeably improve lower end gearing, providing better power response and delivery. Chevrolet has also developed a paddle-shifted gearbox for their C6.R ZR1 ALMS race car. The next question is whether the street car will carry over the aforementioned paddle-shifted gearbox to go alongside the seven-speed manual. I would be shocked if it didn't. Chevrolet has been utilizing the ALMS data to build richer and faster road cars since the debut of the C5.R ZO6. The C7 is set to debut sometime in 2014. Notable features should include the revival of the iconic split-window, the debut of GM's new 450HP 5.5 liter V8 (the heart of the new GT2 C6.R ZR1), and even lighter weight. All this should add to the winning formula found in the current lineup of Corvettes. I know I can't wait!

 

I am SO excited!! 7 speed manual doesn't sound like a bad idea. Split window will be SICK!! I can't wait for 2014

 

I'm eager to have another one in the driveway

 

Really hope it doesn't look like that^^.

 

I doubt it will.

 

I'll gladly store your Z06 for you when the new one comes

 

How nice of you