For many sports car purists, a manual transmission remains an absolutely essential feature, offering the ultimate in tactile driving engagement. Unfortunately, with the rise of ultra-fast dual-clutch automatics, the option for a stick-shift in a modern performance car is now relegated to a few stragglers in the margins. But while most automakers have moved past the manual transmission, Aston Martin appears poised to bring them back – which raises the question: Should the C8 Corvette follow suit?
Aston Martin’s new CEO, Adrian Hallmark, is keenly aware of enthusiasts’ demand for driver-focused sports cars. Per a recent Motor1 report, Hallmark indicated that manual transmissions could return to Aston Martin’s lineup beyond the a few limited-production models, as is the case currently.
Aston Martin last offered a manual transmission in a regular-production model with the 2019 Vantage AMR, which was limited to 200 units. Since then, the British automaker has focused primarily automatic gearboxes, but Hallmark believes that even more accessible models, such as the entry-level Vantage, should have a manual option.
Currently, only two Aston Martin models offer a manual – the Aston Martin Valour, a limited-run V12 coupe with GT styling inspired by the brand’s historic race cars, and the Aston Martin Valiant, which is essentially a more aggressive version of the Valour developed in collaboration with Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso with a price tag of $2.5 million.
Meanwhile, buyers looking to row their own can turn to the Porsche 911, with variants such as:
- 911 Carrera T Coupe – $135,650
- 911 Carrera T Cabriolet – $148,950
- 911 GT3 – $224,150
- 911 GT3 with Touring Package – $224,150
- 911 S/T – $291,650
Additionally, a six-speed manual is available for most of the more-affordable Porsche 718 lineup, except for the range-topping 718 Cayman GT4 RS and 718 Spyder RS.
So, what about a manual C8 Corvette? Well, despite the excitement surrounding the potential return of manual transmissions at Aston Martin, a C8 Corvette with a manual gearbox still remains highly unlikely. The primary reason? Demand.
Former Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter explained it plainly back in 2020:
“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,” Juechter said. “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.”
Unfortunately for those hoping to purchase a new Corvette with a six-speed manual, it looks like it won’t happen any time soon – or at all, for that matter. But if demand really is that low, does it even make a difference? Vote in the poll and let us know what you think!
Comments
Having a manual can feel cool but unless you’re driving on the highway with steady traffic it can “get in the way” when you’re driving with your gal if you know what I mean 😉
Tangled Thorns, if you want to play grab ass with your girlfriend stay home.
Most young people can’t even read cursive handwriting let alone drive a stick.
haters gonna hate, lol
If it helps she can just sit on the manual gear stick if you know what I mean.
Question: which would have higher “demand” a manual tranny or a ZR1?
Bravo Aston Martin !
Oh yeah boys. Those good old days. Crank windows. Manual steering. Manual brakes! Yeah those were the days, weren’t they? I had over 10 real sports cars(all italian) and Z-24 econoboxes -all with manual trannies, and I’d still take the C8’s standard transmission over a rowing box.
OK, now all you guys can beat me up. IDC -I’m not stuck in the past.
Yeah well back in the day 70’s and 80’s music were better, the women were easy and the cars were hotter. Nothing like getting it on with your girl in the back seat of your car at the drive-in. Magic moments.
Bandit, Now that’s the proper place to play grab ass with your girlfriend, and not while you’re driving. You didn’t even have to get instructions from your smartphone.
The younger generations seem to dislike the Baby Boomers. Is it because they will never have what we had. I cherish those memories.
Are you saying things improve with time?….lol…..so the music they are producing today is better than Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath?…..I would take a 4 speed Super Duty Trans Am over ANY C8 offered today, and yeah, even the ZR1….you must be one of those fancy guys that geeraguated from college and make 7 figures working from home but can’t pay your student loans because you don’t make enough money and you can’t afford a house because you buy 3 Starbucks coffees a day….am I right?
No one is beating anyone up. It’s personal choice, or is that not an option? If one make doesn’t offer what you want, there are plenty more to choose from.
There’s nothing like the feeling of a stick shift for feeling like you are in control. Automatics are more practical, but not as fun. After all, you don’t buy a corvette to be practical.
Last time I checked Aston didn’t make the C8. Has something changed?
Hmm, my 74 vette was a four speed and there was no such things as cup holders in cars back then. I did find it a bit challenging to steer, shift gears and hold a beer all at the same time.
I have owned two manual transmission Corvettes a ‘71 and ‘08 Z06. I currently own a 2023 Stingray and as impressive as the DCT is, it is at times smooth, bangy and shudders. The maintenance schedule has changed multiple times, and if you do it wrong you risk voiding the warranty. I would rather produce my own smooth, bangy and sometimes shuddery driving experience with a manual transmission. And yes, I am a boomer.
Um guys, do you know what kind of stick shift they are talking about?
The C8’s DCT is hot garbage but even if it was perfection it’d still be boring to drive. I don’t doubt most people want an automatic but there’s a reason manual C7 ZR1’s are bringing 2x MSRP these days – because they’re actually fun and engaging to drive. Even the manual C7 Z06s stopped depreciating. Not offering the C8 with a manual is the biggest mistake in Corvette history besides Crossfire, the 4+3 and Accelerate Yellow Metallic.
I think you meant NOT vs HOT at the beginning of your comment. Correct?
I have a 22 Z51 HTC and love it! The only reason I would buy a new one (replace it) is if a manual was offered! I’d be putting my order in immediately. This is my fifth Corvette and only second automatic transmission. Though it is a great transmission, I have had thoughts of selling it and getting a Lotus Emira or 911T with a manual trans. I don’t care that either car would be slower than what I currently have. I do love the engagement that occurs when I shift for myself.
I would never buy something that wasn’t exactly the way I wanted, especially a pricey sports car….if everyone that wanted a 3 pedal C8 didn’t buy an automatic C8, then Chevy would have already built one.
I have a 2017 Corvette Grand Sport with Manual Transmission and I will NEVER sell it or upgrade to a C8
With all the C8 Dual Clutch transmission issues it would be in GM best interest to offer the Manual Transmission option