‘It’s Not True’: Corvette Engineers Dismiss Manual C8 Speculation
General Motors
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If you were hoping for a manual C8 Corvette, we regret to inform you that it’s unlikely. Over the weekend, the Corvette’s Chief Engineer, Tony Roma, dismissed speculation about the mid-engine Corvette featuring Tremec’s new six-speed manual transaxle.
“Tremec showcased something at SEMA last year that I wish they hadn’t, as it’s not a reality,” Roma stated in Florida during the 12 Hours of Sebring. “So, when people say, ‘But there’s one that’s available,’ there really isn’t. It’s not a reality. We do not plan to discuss a manual transmission.”
“I enjoy manual transmissions,” Roma continued. “All I can say is that our eight-speed DCT is exceptional, it's fantastic. The car performs better and is essentially enhanced with the transmission we produce. Don’t believe GM Authority.”
GM Authority countered Roma’s implication that it sparked the manual C8 rumors in its own report this morning.
Engineer Josh Holder expanded on Roma’s remarks, noting that the demand for three-pedal Corvettes diminished towards the end of the C7 generation.
“We operate as a for-profit business. We manufacture Corvettes so that everyone can experience the affordability and accessibility of America’s supercar,” Holder explained. “However, part of ensuring this is making sound business choices. At the conclusion of the seventh-generation cycle, the rate of manual transmission sales was extremely low. The market was expressing its preferences with their purchases, and we didn’t receive enough support.”
The Drive had covered Tremec’s announcement at SEMA back in November. It was thrilling news, though it never seemed like a guaranteed factory option for a C8, and Tremec never claimed it would be. As my colleague Andrew Collins noted, “Don’t expect Chevrolet or Ford to add a manual transmission to the factory options for either of the cars mentioned. Tremec is targeting this new six-speed at custom car builders and racing teams.” This statement does differ from Roma’s claim that the component "is not real," so we are unsure what this means; we've contacted Tremec for clarification and will update this story as we receive more information.
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‘It’s Not True’: Corvette Engineers Dismiss Manual C8 Speculation
Tony Roma, the Chief Engineer of Corvette, stated that the mid-engine Corvette is "faster and essentially superior" with its eight-speed DCT, and there are no intentions to offer a manual transmission.