A manual car can be more fun. If the shifter/clutch/throttle is designed and built correctly. I will be the first to admit that I'm not exactly Mario Andretti, but have been rowing gears, on and off, for over 25 years. I drove a 6-speed GTO; it was not good. Perhaps after a couple of thousand miles experience it would have been "fun," but I don't think so. Not for me. I had a 2005 BMW 325i with 5-speed manual; it was terrible as well. For me. 1/2 second delay in throttle response meant I could never, ever, syncronize my clutch foot with the computer-controlled throttle. My 2007 BMW 335i with ZF 6-speed auto, on the other hand, makes perfect rev-matched down-shifts every time. Up- or down-shifts are performed flawlessly and much quicker than I could ever perform manually. But it doesn't have the same appeal (or satisfaction) of really nailing that 3-2 downshift on your own. Not even close.

 

Not having a manual transmission would be a deal breaker for me on the G8. At least they'll get it right in the GXP

 

For 2002 a mere 24% of all LS1 powered Z28-SS-B4C Camaros had manuals, which is pretty close to on par with Corvette's percentages.

Don't ask about percentages of V6s with manuals.

I agree 100% with you. My automatic B4C is a much more livable car than my 6 speed Z28 was as far as day to day driving. Also, as was noted in '93 Z28s in all car rags when they first came out, automatic F-bodies are quicker than manuals (Ford still seems to be trying to figure out how to do that). While car magazines and hard-core enthusiasts demand manuals, people who actually lay money out for cars and not rant on internet sites or drive press cars every day of the year buy automatics by a huge enough margin to almost make manuals extinct.

Personally, I like manuals because I love the control and the connection with the car I drive that can be only had through a manual. But while I don't feel the connection with my automatic B4C that I had with my manual Z, it IS easier to live with, easier to drive (a plus in congested cities and steep hills that have heavey stop-n-go traffic (like say... San Francisco). I want a manual in my next car, but a very good and responsive tap-shift tranny would be acceptable.... at least unless I move back to San Diego or Monterey.

 

What were the percentages of GTOs with manuals? I think it was closer to 50%. Also, the 6 speeds were usually harder to find on dealer lots. As the last GTOs were selling out, all that were left were autos.

 

Not at all really. I had a 6-speed for gas mileage and also because it was alot more fun for me. My friends ran great times with their stalled autos, but that's not as much fun to me.

I supposed the 6-speed auto with the tapshift can be fun, but I haven't tried it so I wouldn't know.

 

+1

It's suicide...

It's more half assed attempts by GM to revive an ailing brand. "Here, do this and heal yourself" then at the last minute they are expected to do without and still be successful.

I don't even think quoting numbers on the take rate of F4's is an accurate indication of demand simply because of the demographic buying the car.

I'm sure they'll be phased out with the rest of the fun here in about 4 years.

I can't wait until the day that I can look forward to driving my non stick shift electric car to work! YAY! (much sarcasm intended)

 

With electric they can programmed to simulate a manual just like a video game, fake clutch and all.

 

And that is supposed to make me happy?

Does driving a video game give you the same fulfillment of a day at the track?

 

GM doesn't want to lose money on cars that it can't sell. Sedans sell many more auto than manuals. This is going to be a daily driver for people, not a weekend car. I think GM nailed this with with only offering a stick in the GXP. For the die hards that want a stick, they are likely going to want the best engine as well.

I think the F4 numbers aren't a good basis for this car as well, but I think it is because it would be even less manuals sold. The F4's could be weekend cars for people, this one won't be that.

 

I wonder how much lighter the sport truck coupe will be than the sedan.

 

GM isnt going to lose money because there are no other V8 powerd 4 door sedans with a 6spd manual for under 40k.
At least GM will offer one with the top of the line performance model, unlike Chrysler or Dodge.
I really hope that GM is working on a DSG type manumatic system.

 

Enough bitching about tranny choice.
Back on topic, any idea what the HP will be rated at by the time it comes out with the LS3?

 

Should be about 435HP from what I have been reading.

 

Don't you think there is a reason that these don't exist? My guess, is the market is way too small.

 

Well, maybe by the time you buy an electric car senility will have started setting in & you won't realize that you're using a fake clutch & stickshifter & that the on board computer is only humoring you. LOL.