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Will The Mid-Engine C8 Corvette Offer A Stick? (With Poll)

For those living under a rock with spotty Wi-Fi and no LAN, the debut of the mid-engine C8 Corvette is less than a month away, and it promises a new generation, a new platform, and an entirely new engineering philosophy for the legendary nameplate. Thus far, we’ve seen the new Corvette undergoing testing with all sorts of camo, but we’re still in the dark over what it’ll offer with regard to transmission options. Specifically, we’re scratching our heads over whether or not the mid-engine C8 Corvette will offer the option for a manual transmission.

Rumors persist that the C8 will most likely come equipped with some kind of dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). That makes sense, given just about every other high-end mid-engine car on the market does the same. Granted, manuals can be found in lower-range mid-engine vehicles, such as the Porsche 718 Cayman, but go above that, and the super-high-performance vehicles in the C8’s segment almost always resort to a DCT as the only transmission.

Mid Engine C8 Corvette Prototype at the NCM

Mid Engine C8 Corvette Prototype makes an appearance at the National Corvette Museum

What we know thus far is that the mid-engine C8 Corvette is clearly intended to take the nameplate in a new direction. And while enthusiasts love to rattle on about the joy of a three-pedal setup, the fact of the matter is that the manual transmission is now more of a novelty than ever before. What’s more, if Chevrolet only offered the C8 with a DCT, it would follow in line with the vehicle’s more-evolved approach to going fast. And though manual transmissions are unquestionably more fun and engaging than an automatic, a modern DCT – and most automatics, for that matter, is still objectively faster – whether on the street, or the track. And with the C8’s new mid-engine layout already breaking from decades of tradition, a stick-shift transmission might be low on the priority list.

That could be rather disheartening for enthusiasts hoping to row their own gears in the new C8. But not all hope is lost. After all, the manual transmission is still a staple of the current Corvette C7.

2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Interior 001

For reference, the 2019 model year Vette offers two transmission options. The first is the seven-speed manual MEX, which is offered in three separate variants:

  • MEP with Active Rev Matching, standard on Stingray models
  • MEL with Active Rev Matching and performance ratios, standard on Stingray Z51 and Grand Sport models
  • MEK with Active Rev Matching performance variant, standard on Z06 and ZR1 models

In addition to the MEX manual, the C7 is also offered with the eight-speed 8L90 M5U automatic transmission across the line.

2020 mid-engine C8 Corvette prototype

While we all know that Vette fans reading will undoubtedly yell from the rooftops that a manual-equipped C8 is an absolute must, the better question is this: will the C8 actually come with a manual transmission? Speculate by voting in the poll below, and voice your opinion in the comments section.

Don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. They MIGHT introduce a manual C8 next year with the Z06 or later on once C8 sales drop, but all evidence is pointing towards the C8 being DCT-only. Every reliable source(with connections to the C8 development) on Corvette forums have stated that it will be DCT-only. The leaked prototype interior showed a cup holder where the gear lever would be and a dial/rotary shifter for the DCT, so a manual C8 would have to have a completely different center console area. Digging deeper(literally), the leaked CAD images show no hole for a gear lever in the central tunnel of the C8.

    Reply
  2. I dont know why they wouldnt. GM already has a little of an image problem. Keeping the manauls in the Corvette would help that. It would show that they are still committed to making drivers cars even if the rest of the world isnt.

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  3. Sigh… I wish there was going to be a manual but sadly I don’t think so. I know there be people that’ll say “it’ doesn’t need a manual dual clutches are faster on the track” but that’s not all this car is about. Your only saving seconds in lap times really (which is a lot) but on the street, who cares?. If you’re great at shifting or even novice you’ll be able to pass 99% of the cars on the road today. Which is also where 95% of C8s will be used for the majority of their life time. I’d wish they’d offer a manual for enthusiasts and dct for those who are concerned with track performance. Oh well it won’t keep me from being interested in c8. At least it’s a dct and not the 8 speed in the c7, that’s a dog.

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  4. Could they do some kind of stick for manually shifting instead of paddle shifters for those that want it

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    1. I thoroughly dislike ‘paddle’ shifters. I would prefer a third pedal where the clutch pedal was. It would be a rocker bi-pedal. Left side shifts up. Right side shifts down. Or, combine it with a foot rest.

      Reply
  5. Who cares. DCT & Anti-Gravity would be my choice.

    On second thought… a motor/electric, no transmission, and Hyper Drive with Anti-Gravity would be my ideal choice. Than I might actually be able to use Klingon.

    Reply
    1. Hyper drive is illegal within one light year of a star system.

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  6. The way the industry is going, surprised it’s not self driving. Driving a car for fun is dying.

    Reply
    1. I disagree. I think the love of driving for fun is as strong as ever, and it’ll never die, just evolve. The self-driving stuff is just there to handle all the not-so-fun driving, like traffic or commuting situations.

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      1. And almost everyone who can afford one of these resides in an overcrowded metropolis where dense traffic is the norm 24/7. The death of the manual transmission signals a sea change in the very essence of a sports car – the joy comes no longer from interacting with and mastering often challenging mechanical systems on the open road, rather through expensive tech that takes that burden out of one’s hands in a controlled environment. Those pursuing bragging rights over 100th of a second laptime improvements in their “track day cars” are the current target audience. The love of driving for fun is evolving alright – unfortunately, it’s becoming yet another province of wealthy people.

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        1. No your wrong!!! The smart people have adjusted their preferences based on what the best is today. The best use to be M/T but that’s not the case anymore.

          If you enjoy coming in 2nd or 3rd place or getting beat at the street light then keep asking for the M/T. Look I can drive a stick as good as anybody, but i understand what happens when technology takes over.

          What is disappointing to me is listening to uneducated people ask for M/T in this day in age.

          A/T produce better performance and more consistent times both on and off the track!

          Reply
          1. The Chrysler A-727 TorqueFlite technically made a 4-speed manual “useless” by your definition as far back as the mid-1960s. Tell that to all the dimwits forking over suitcases full of Benjamins for vintage 4-speed Chrysler musclecars.

            Most automatics have provided brisker, more consistent ETs than manuals, regardless of gear count for the better part of two decades. This is nothing new.

            My 2005 GTO 6-spd Tremec will get toasted every time by the same car equipped with a 4-spd automatic, but I’ll be having way more fun banging gears and looking at taillights, guaranteed. Even with the factory “skip shift”, I still vastly prefer the manual.

            Because the stickshift stirs the soul and my p3nis is not so small that I must win every contest.

            It could be argued, Mr. Spock, that a deeper understanding sometimes exceeds the obvious numbers and statistics and folks with nonconforming viewpoints often consider themselves grateful to be protected by things like the Electoral College and a manual transmission option box.

            But okay, I give

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            1. You keep telling yourself that!!! Wanting to win is a normal thing to do!!!

              Come to think about maybe I should be pushing for M/T because then winning just became easier!!!

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      2. Agreed! Historically, cars substituted horses. Yet, many people love horses as much as, if not more than they love their cars today. In addition to what you correctly said, self driving vehicles will alleviate heavy traffic situations thanks to the GPS assistance, which allows you to proactively select alternate routes

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  7. Look years ago manuals were the best because they were the fastest. Now automatic transmissions are the fastest and that should be preferred now!!!

    Remember its a sports car, you buy a sports car to drive fast not slow.

    Reply
    1. Brian, some people have fun by being more involved in the driving experience. Manual transmissions provide that. The skill required for ‘Heel & Toe’ is a big separator on the road course.

      Now days we live in a world of driving video games which I hold responsible for the acceptance of performance auto-boxes in lieu of manuals. Automatics provide several advantages in road course work. Faster shifts and increased concentration on the road course and entering & exiting a corner, because you don’t have think about shifting. Automatics are also easier on the drive train.

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      1. I’m actually a big fan of auto boxes in race cars. This stems from Jim Hall’s Chaparral cars of the 60’s & 70’s which employed automatics. The Chaparrals were nearly unbeatable for various reasons, and usually only beat by rule changes to outlaw them as they dominated the race classes they participated in. Jim Hall changed the face of road racing. The cars you see today whether F1, Indy Car, all Formula class cars or other types of purpose built race cars all have Jim Hall introduced engineered design features.

        Look up Jim Hall or Chaparral cars on wiki or the search engine you prefer
        chaparralcars.com

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      2. Ok I’ll play this I need to feel the car stick shift crap. So let me ask you, when that person gets done using those gears. What is the two questions they always ask? 1 what was my ET? 2 was my car faster then the guys next to me at the light?

        See driving performance cars is not about feel, it’s about speed, sound, smell.

        If automatic transmissions provide better performance numbers than that’s what should be offered!

        I used to love M/T but their time is up. Technology has made them useless!!!

        Reply
        1. Brian, it’s about preference.

          Automatics have been used in Drag racing since probably before you were born because they were faster. Could absorb high levels of torque. We’re easier on the drive train. And are cheaper to build. Powerglides, Turboglides, etc.

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          1. So your preference is to lose!!! That makes since!!! You continue do that and I’ll continue to pick the best options that technology can give me.

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            1. Lol!

              Brian, you are apparently unaware, ‘uneducated’ to the fact that DCT’s _ DSG’S _ and PDK’S and the various nomenclature used by other OEM’s for their DCT’s are ‘Manual’ transmissions. Actually, two manual transmissions using ‘Wet & Dry’ clutches in pairs or combinations of.

              The only thing ‘Automatic’ about them is the electronic shifting system.

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              1. Do they have a clutch pedal? Nope!!!

                First, it’s important to learn about cars with manual transmissions: In a manual car, a driver must frequently depress aclutch pedal, which briefly disconnects the engine from the transmission to change gears. In a dual-clutch car, there are two clutches, but there are no pedals.

                Hmm, looks to me that those transmissions are just a different form of automatic transmissions.

                What else do you have Mr Bright one? Seems to me your the uneducated one here!

                Just face it guys, A/T are just better today then M/T!!! So why bother offering then anymore!!!

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                1. Nope, you are correct in that a dct has no clutch has no clutch pedal but mechanically dct and manual are more similar since the both have individual gears. A conventional automatic has gear sets. Sadly though even dct are a dying breed too since regular automatics are becoming just as quick and are smoother by design.

                  Reply
                  1. DCT’S have clutch(s). Two in fact as the DCT unit has two manual transmissions and needs a clutch for each.

                    And, DCT’S are still under development by nearly all MFG’s, even for small pedestrian vehicles and large commercial vehicles because of their efficiency and concomitant lower/reduced carbon emissions. KIA might have one of the best designs to date.

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                    1. I meant no clutch PEDAL. I am well aware that dct have two clutches. It’s kinda in the name.

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                  2. No garbage torque converter can compete with a proper DCT

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    2. You can still drive fast with a manual, transmissions have nothing to do with speed. They effect acceleration, and yes modern automatics are are quicker but the difference isn’t even noticeable on the street. Remember you buy a sports car for enjoyment and some people people enjoy rowing their own even if it’s 0.1 sec slower to 60. Look just because you can’t drive stick doesn’t mean no cars should come stick.

      Reply
      1. First of all I can drive a stick ten times better then most people can.

        2nd it’s not a tenth of a second difference. The C7 ZO6 is a great example. In M/T the car does 3.3 sec 0 to 60 in A/T the car does 2.95 sec 0 to 60.

        That is performance you can feel and see both on the track and on the street. Correction people dont buy performance for the feel or to look kool. They buy them to drive fast!!! So why would you choose a option that allows you to drive significantly slower?

        As I have stated before M/T is were it used to be but technology has made them into dinosaurs. I guess I am the only person that can see this.

        This feeling thing about driving a stick is a joke. And its used to try and justify why they should still be offered. Because based on performance M/T are worthless.

        Reply
        1. You’re not going to notice .35 seconds on the street. I’m not arguing against automatics for performance, I know they are quicker. This car isn’t only about lap times, if that’s all you’re interested in might I suggest Radical, Ariel, KTM, Caterham. You’ll set impressive lap times for a fraction of the cost for a corvette or Porsche.
          I only assume you can’t drive stick because I’ve never met someone who likes cars and knows how to drive manual be arguing against them.

          Reply
          1. That amount of time on the street is very very noticeable!!!

            Maybe you should get out and meet more people!!!

            Reply
  8. I’m guessing that they will have it to start production. They will make it only available with combined option packages most people who would buy it won’t want and they’ll make sure it’s just fiddly and imperfect enough using it that they can kill it off in a year or two. At least that’s the way I feel about their recent manual transmission efforts in other vehicles. The Corvette may get better treatment. Hopefully.

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  9. Poll should be if GM should offer a manual and an automatic rather than “will” they. Of course they should, just like Porsche and ford does. Purchase accordingly and give the buyer the choice, not the bean counters.

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    1. Really I don’t care if they do have very few manuals offered, would not buy the manual anything. Fewer and fewer cars even that offer it are selling less and less manuals. Sorry but less people prefer them. But with more news out seems less likely.

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  10. Corvette’s base transmission should always be a stick. But, the tears from all the luddites and miserable old men that wanted to deny others the option of a DCT in the C7 are delicious. I am enjoying them all crying over the fact that the C8 is DCT only.
    Karma is a B, isn’t it ladies?

    Reply
    1. Must be the same luddites and miserable old men downvoting me here. LOL Enjoy the DCT only C8 !!!! LOL It’s karma for trying to deny others the options they want to pay for. I and the other Corvette owners who wanted a DCT always said the stick should always be the base transmission. Oh well. That’s why I have a SS Sedan with a stick as well.

      Reply
  11. I still think that while a great car, GM is pushing away a large group of people with this new vette.

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  12. I live in mountainous Az where there are lots of winding, twisting roads with little to no other cars on it. Cops are sparse too. A manual reigns supreme in this environment allowing the driver to grab the car by the scruff of the neck and wring her out within an inch of her life. It’s a very satisfying thing to do! Unfortunately most folks don’t have a place like this close by and have to fight traffic, so the DCT rules supreme there.
    My generation is all but gone; the youngsters will love the DCT and have a faster car to show for it. Can’t blame them! Both my parents drove sticks up until 1970 when they bought a VistaCruiser; no manual option.

    Reply
    1. Dude I am 46!!! And I am smart enough to see the future. And M/T are not it much in the same way people said fuel injection would never be mainstream.

      People like you said carberators would never go away, and look what happened. Fuel injection became the fuel delivery of choice because technology made it superior.

      Now in the beginning (just like transmissions) fuel injection was not as good or reliable. But over time it became better then the carberator.

      So you can live in the past and be pasted by just like those people who wanted to hang on to carberators. Or you can see the future.

      Like I said this connection to the car is a joke!!!

      Reply
      1. Or just buy a Tesla with a single gear step down transmission, now you don’t even have to shift. Once self driving mode is perfected you can “race” someone from the back seat by instructing the computer while you fiddle with the latest app on you phone, or perhaps you can “race” someone from your living room couch by telling your driverless car to gun it when the light turns green. If you could login in the traffic signal countdown to your onboard computer you could cut a perfect light and blow the guy’s doors off. Now, that would be really exciting…

        Reply
      2. Oh I’m modern enough to own an Ecoboost truck with 10 speed trans and wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s so much faster than the performance cars I’ve owned over the decades that were equipped with carbs, then FI, then turbos, then DI turbos so I’m not a Luddite. I can shift a manual trans and really enjoy the experience but I’m thinking you’re one of those who can drive automatics only which would explain your comment.
        Needless to say you’re not a member of Car&Drivers save the manuals campaign.

        Was reading just the other day that cars with manuals have a very low rate of theft vs one with automatics. Care to guess why?

        Reply
  13. Solution is there should be manuals and automatics. Everyone’s happy.

    Reply
    1. Nope, so you think there should still be carberators and fuel injection on new cars?

      No, the technology has proven to self just like in the transmission department.

      Reply
      1. The street is not a race track; guys like you should be relegated to the bumper cars are the carnival. When you grow out of your twelve year old mindset, you’ll come to realize the joy that comes with actively being a part of your machine, not joust going along for the ride.

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  14. While having a stick or manual transmission would be nice, the sad truth is that most people under 60 have never learned to drive a manual transmission especially as the number of vehicles where a manual transmission is available even as an option is shrinking fast; thus, designing any vehicle with a manual transmission could be considered as being a waste of time given the number of potential buyers being very small.. and with the C8 Corvette possibly having a version of Super-Cruise.. it won’t be very long before automatic will mean autonomous driving and manual means a human driver with the autonomous software is turned off.

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  15. I am not going to say The C8 will have a manual transmission, but I am going to say that it should. There are many, many purists among drivers. Middle engine and a manual transmission will more likely require a transaxle. Yet, this has already been done successfully with Mossler. The majority of Naturally aspirated 2019 Porsches come with a 7-speed manual transmission, and consumers love them. This is an opinion, but during all the years they have been announcing the C8, the mules have shown different shapes as well as different engine sounds. It is possible that what consumers are waiting for is not going to be just one car, but one new lineup of vehicles with different trims and powertrains.

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  16. Millennial theft deterent, manual trans. Are these Sports Cars or video games?

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  17. On the track, I’ll take a car with paddles that’s connected to a fast, automated transmission (not the one in the C7). It reduces my workload so I can focus on getting around the track as fast as possible. If active aero is legal in the race, I’ll take that too.

    On the street, a manual shifter with three peddles on the floor is much more fun and engaging. Notice the growth of the Ferrari manual transmission aftermarket and the Aston Martin factory auto-to-manual transmission swap available for the Vanquish.

    Yes, it costs more money for GM to have two transmissions developed and tested for the C8. So they should build the option of having either an automatic or manual into their pricing.

    Reply
    1. The amount of money it takes to develop, test and certify could be used for more important things.

      Reply
      1. Like what?

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  18. You point a FWD automatic.
    You DRIVE a RWD manual.

    Reply
    1. No one is talking about FWD or Automatics.

      We’re discussing the mid engine Corvette and it’s DCT.

      Try to keep up.

      Reply
      1. Thank you captain obvious for totally missing a not so subtle point that some people (and former powertrain engineers) prefer the additional diver engagement of a traditional manual transmission.

        Dual Clutch Transmissions (DCT’s) have made significant progress since the production rollout in various products in the 2000’s, but the first one I drove was lacking. It was in an Opel Zaphera around 2006, and it had drivability concerns such as jumping and lurching in stop and go traffic. It was OK on the Autobahn.

        While cutting a few tenths off a ‘lap time’ or drag race sounds appealing, the increase in complexity and loss of some efficiency is a trade off along with and increase in diver detachment from the vehicle.

        Across the board, in most any vehicle, I prefer a more standard, 3 pedal manual transmission. This would be true if it was a C8 Corvette or my 2019 Duramax Dually.

        Reply
  19. Survey was almost 50/50. Maybe it’s a generational thing? Due Formula 1 race the commentators, talked the cars were too technical and took driving skill out of equation. Some were retired drivers. As far as the Chaparall race cars being autos, I believe that freed up driver to adjust the wing?

    Reply
    1. Wing adjustment was done by foot, with a floor pedal I believe.

      Reply
  20. 2020-C8_ Clearly you missed the point of Joe’s comment.

    These days, appliance cars typically are FWD and automatics. A demographic that couldn’t steal a manual tranny car if they had to. Doesn’t know an apex from a track limit curb.

    People who gravitate to manuals, typically enjoy driving, pushing the limits, and a stick shift enhances that enjoyment.

    FWD owners are not point and shoot drivers either. Speed & G-forces scare the hell out of them.

    And due to ‘Brian’ this comment page has been all over the place… and nowhere.

    Reply
    1. Thank you TreDeuce for understanding the point I was attempting to make about driver engagement. I prefer a manual tranny whether it’s in a 3/4 ton diesel pick-up like my daily driven Durmax / 6 spd manual or a V-8 Camero. While I have unfortunately driven very few Corvettes, the last one I drove was an auto / convertible. While nice, I would have preferred a stick. Plus, a pure manual transmission is more efficient than an auto, usually returning 8% better mileage.

      I do understand the dual-clutch “manumatics” may be a few tenths faster than the classic manuals, but still lack the engagement factor to help connect with the vehicle and learn what makes it tick…vs. just pointing it around.

      -Joe Rainville

      Reply
  21. If I wanted an automatic I would have purchased a skirt before I bought the car, I have driven every generation of Corvette’s, manual is the most fun to drive. I would only upgrade from my c6 to a c8 if they offer a manual transmission. I am under 60, and have be drinking Corvette’s for over 30 years, and would be very disappointed if gm catered to the young brats that can’t drive a manual or function without a cell phone!!!

    Reply
  22. Really less and less cars are having manual options, and all news is now no manual. Even if they did make manuals the sales would be very low on them, has been declining many many years now. Personally would not buy a manual anything. Making an automatic can shift also paddles, seems best both worlds. May just be only way save the manual, maybe one day that will change but cant see soon.

    Reply

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