Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter: Why The C8 Doesn’t Get A Manual
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No doubt about it, the all-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 is a deeply impressive machine. Even so, there are some that have criticized Chevy’s decision to offer the new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette with just a single transmission option, namely the M1L dual-clutch eight-speed automatic. That said, there are a number of motives as to why the C8 is neglecting the three-pedal setup, as explained by Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter.
Juechter recently paid a visit to Autoline After Hours, where he was asked point blank why the new Chevrolet Corvette C8 doesn’t come with a manual transmission.
“A lot of different reasons,” Juechter answered. “The biggest one is commercial.”
“Nobody buys them and no one’s willing to make them at a loss for us,” he adds, laughing. “It’s hard enough to find someone to make a bespoke, high-volume [automatic], you know, because the vast majority of people choose the automatic. We used to offer the Z06, ZR1 only in manual transmission, and as soon as we made the automatic available, [it was] 70, 80 percent of the volume.”
The Chief Engineer already discussed the absence of a manual gearbox in the Corvette back in July 2019, following the car’s world debut.
Juechter adds that the decision to go auto-only was “crushing,” as he’s personally never bought a car that didn’t come with a manual transmission. His sentiments were shared by many at General Motors, but the decision came down to stick with the M1L regardless.
The Chevrolet Corvette Chief Engineer also talks about the difficulty of adding a manual gearbox to a mid-mounted V8 platform. “You want a slick-shifting manual. Now we have an engine between your shifter and the transmission, which means you can’t use mechanical linkages, it has to be a cable, which makes it kind of rubbery and vague,” Juechter says, adding that a third pedal would compromise the cabin layout as well.
Nevertheless, Juechter says the M1L dual-clutch eight-speed in the Chevrolet Corvette offers a good deal of manual-esque feel, such as the ability to pop the transmission into neutral on the fly, as well as customizability to get it exactly as desired.
Do you wish the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 was offered with a manual transmission? Post your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
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Agree 100%. No manual, NO Verte for me!!! I was waiting patiently for the C8, and could not wait to place my order. When they announced no manual, I immediately ordered a flat plane crank GT350 Mustang. Couldn’t be happier. Is it the fastest? No, but it’s immensely fun and engaging to drive!!! Best of luck Chevy, but you lost me for now…
Someone posted that a manual transmission would only be 10% of sales. GM doesn’t want 10% in sales. Oh K. Hmmm.
Those of us who love manuals believe we have far more control over the car. We want to be apart of the experience. I also believe automatic drivers that haven’t experienced the feeling of a manual would be at Ahhh
Are manual transmission that much of an effort? I’m 68yrs Old w/ potbelly (Steriods aren’t helping). Dam give me a stick I don’t wanna just sit. I call it living.
I get the why but for real driving enthusiasts a manual transmission is the only way to go in a performance vehicle. I’m sure GM won’t miss me not buying one but it is a deal breaker for me.
Why do think racing cars like those in Formula 1 do not have manual transmissions?
BTW, does the C8’s transmission not have flips at the steering wheel to force the tranmission shift up or down?
BTW, I was raised in the perception that all US cars come with automatic transmission. Manual being for Europeans.
I like the manual transmission on most of the cars I had a chance to drive, especially the one called “Pistolenschaltung” on small French cars as the 2CV or Renault R4, but recently I had to steer a new Opel with a six speed manual transmission, and that one was really difficult to fumble the stick in the right position. The previous five speed manual was still easily mangeable. But six — too difficult. Since then, for me: from six speeds upward only automatic.
No reason to have sex when artificial insemination is faster, right? No reason to enjoy a great meal when you can get all necessary nutrients via IV, right? Using an automatic transmission sucks SO much of the fun out of driving a car. Don’t give me this “it sucks in stop and go traffic” bs. My Dodge Viper was my only car for 2 years and I drove it to work every day year round in Dallas Texas traffic. An hour and a half to work and the same back home every day.
Fully 20% of C7 Corvette sales were manual transmission models. That’s why I immediately went out an purchased a 2019 GS M7 just as soon as I heard the C8 only came with an automatic. Also, why I’m next buying a Porsche 992 Manual. No C8’s for me.
Gm, tell us the real truth why C8 has no manual transmission!!!! You are pushing the C8 to this next younger generation. Most don’t know how to drive a manual transmission, and you can’t shift and text at the same time!!!!