- The next-generation Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission.
- Power will come from a pushrod V8; direct injection and a variable valve lift system are likely.
SANTA MONICA, California — Inside Line has learned that the 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette will be available with a seven-speed manual transmission.
Although not confirmed officially by Chevrolet, a source with knowledge of the C7 project confirmed that the upcoming Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission. This comes on the heels of Porsche's announcement that the 2012 911 would offer a seven-speed manual along with its seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.
The next-generation Corvette is expected to use a revised version of its 16-valve pushrod V8 engine architecture. Headlining the changes are direct injection and a variable valve lift system to further enhance its already formidable performance while bolstering efficiency.
The addition of a seven-speed manual might be viewed solely as a fuel efficiency play, but we suspect that Chevrolet will continue to use two overdrive gears like the current six-speed manual. This would allow the engineers freedom to tighten up the spacing of the lower gears for improved low-speed performance.
Another benefit to the seven-speed manual gearbox is product rationalization — Chevy can use the same ratios for all versions of the car. Today, the ZR1 currently runs a close-ratio Tremec TR6060, while lesser Corvettes employ a different gearset.
Inside Line says: The extra gear can't hurt, but we wouldn't mind a seven-speed dual-clutch like the one in the 911 as an option, too.
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tbone85 says:
01:43 PM, 09/26/2011
"The real reason is that Corvette starts at half the price of the GT-R. And, at this price level, is even less than half as good."
So by that logic the GT-R get's to 60 in less than half the time of the Vette, generates more than twice as many Gs and can lap most race tracks in less than half the time of the Vette. I'd like to see the documentation on that one.
k55 says:
10:01 AM, 09/26/2011
I just checked and the 2011 6spd base Vetter starts at 49k.
What I would like to see is a 30k 3.5 V6 ( BTW- they offer 312hp in a Camaro) to maybe 40k 5 liter V8 and keep the 49k 6.2 liter V8 at upper ranges .......fabric /manual adjust seats, no Nav, No leather ,no lift off roof panel, no fancy stereo , just 18 or 19 in wheels , and maybe 3-4 colors ( red ,white and blue would do maybe yellow or black ) and auto or 6spd as only choice besides color. IE- offer more lower cost versions..... 312 hp or more is plenty for me and it surely wouldn't be any slower than a Camaro.
saunupe1911 says:
08:07 AM, 09/26/2011
ttg35fort,
I second that as well. I would love to see a 45 to 55 grand base, bare bones Vette. It would definitely cut into BMW M3, Audi S5, Audi TT, GT500, 392 SRT8 sales.
Just look at what the Camaro SS and Mustang 5.0 sales are doing to A5, G37, C coupe sales. It's definitely making a dent
ttg35fort says:
02:04 PM, 09/25/2011
I tend to agree with k55's statement "only the hard core, very affluent long time Corvette enthusiast buys this car anymore." That is the key. Corvette sales are not strong right now. The long time Corvette enthusiasts are approaching retirement age, or may already be there. As such, their discressionary spending is decreasing, and they are less likely to buy the new Corvettes, even at a $50k price point. GM needs to attract new buyers in their 30's and 40's. Those in this age range who can afford a $50k car tend towards buying BMWs and Porches. GM needs to more to attract these buyers. Hopefully with the C7 will make progress in this regard.
k55 says:
01:23 PM, 09/25/2011
at 50k to start only the hard core ,very affluent long time Corvette enthusiast buys this car anymore and i seriously doubt many of the older shrinking demographic will purchase a 7spd manual.........and with all that torque it also seems quite overkill. Wouldmuch rather see Chevrolet stop chasing the Ferrari , Aston, Lambo,Porsche KOTR flag and just bring out a less expensive Vette more appropriate for the times.
ttg35fort says:
12:47 PM, 09/25/2011
A 7 speed manual transmission will be a step in the right direction for the C7 Corvette. To best its competition, however, an option for a DCT should be offered, perhaps as a premium option (as someone else indicated) on a ZR1 or variant thereof. Let's face it, a DCT can shift immensely faster than someone rowing a manual transmission.
For a comparison of straight line acceleration:
Nissan GT-R Premium: 0-60 mph - 2.94 seconds; 1/4 mile - 11.2 seconds (recent test by Road & Track)
Porsche 911 Turbo S: 0-60 mph - 2.84 seconds; 1/4 mile - 10.9 seconds (recent test by Road & Track)
Corvette ZR1 - 0-60 mph - 3.3 seconds posted by Wikipedia, 3.8 seconds measured by Edmunds.com; 1/4 mile - 11.2 seconds posted by Wikipedia
Since the ZR1 hits 60 mph in first gear, the DCT may not help the 0-60 time, for that, better traction is needed. But a DCT will help the 1/4 mi. time, and could put the ZR1 on par with, or maybe help the ZR1 beat, the Porsche 911 Turbo S. I suspect the ZR1 is losing more than 0.3 seconds with the two manual shifts required during the quarter mile run.
sil3nc3r says:
11:58 AM, 09/25/2011
Who cares. The Corvette is dead. Why don't they focus on technology for their other cars... the ones that people actually buy. Not many who are shopping in this price range are at a Chevy dealership... just saying...
freak000 says:
06:27 AM, 09/25/2011
Change for older vette guys is a hard sell as it is using a computer. If the new generation corvette is to appeal to a wider audience including international sales go with the seven speed dual clutch. Its faster then a manual, more efficient and better combined driver EPA. GM listened to many people sending in ideas for the ZL1. The auto trans is going to be an option which appeals to a wider populance. I for one, although a senior, can use a computer like a pro, drive a 95 show vette and look forward to the 2012 Grand Sports being discounted later this year. I will buy (if the stock market does better) a Carlisle blue with a white racing stripe. Discounts are hitting $13k for the 2011 and the 2012 even have $8k discounts already. A 430hp machine can be had base model for a discounted price of $38k.
miamifan1 says:
05:59 AM, 09/25/2011
DCT is an absolute must-have. Theyre so vastly superior to an auto tranny, its required.
Porsche, traditionally sells mostly manual trannies in the sports cars, is seeing the DCT sales skyrocket. Ferrari doesnt even bother with manual trannies. I say heresy, but I'm in the minority. I've driven a F360 F1 and it was awesome, even without the clutch.
Anybody thinking that vette drivers are so different, is mistaken. As soon as the DCT C7 posts faster times than the manual C7, the take rate will explode. If the same traditional 20k vette buyers are going to buy the manual C7, watch how new clients start coming in for the DCT.
torsen says:
05:06 AM, 09/25/2011
carpaul1 says:
> I am not convinced Chevy need any dual clutch transmissions on Vette.
> Most enthusiasts would not buy one.
After first test drive, they would.
> And the rest of the non-enthusiast market that buys Vettes,
> are perfectly content with the six speed auto.
Ever heard about improving the vehicle?
chunky_azian says:
> I'll bet a Corvette with this relatively large engine
> can easily pull 2nd gear starts for everyday driving.
The idea of a 7 speed manual is to leave first six ratios as they are, adding only the very high overdrive 7th gear for lowering fuel consumption and noise at highway cruise as long as the engine is powerful enough to keep the car running at highway speeds at very low revs.
dgmail says:
> This is why they sell so many of them and nissan sells
> so few of the sentra turbo WHOOPS! I mean gtr's
The real reason is that Corvette starts at half the price of the GT-R. And, at this price level, is even less than half as good.
zr1man says:
> Long a leader in automotive technology, Corvette will continue to
> showcase the latest advancements in this field.
Are you all right?