All the way back in September of 2018, a thought-provoking General Motors patent was uncovered by a group of intrepid journalistic sleuths. The product was listed as “Electric Slave Cylinder for Manually Shifted Vehicles,” catchy, no?
We started referring to this system as a “clutch-by-wire” setup, and few patents have ever excited us more. Even though we already figured that the C8 was going to be auto-only when this patent surfaced, three-pedal-enthusiasts/snobs (I am one, so it is okay for me to say it) suddenly had a sliver of hope for the future. Through non-traditional means, the order guide for the mid-engine Corvette now had a shot at a second transmission option. Well, it is suddenly 2022, with 2023 model-year ‘Vettes, including the first high-performance C8 derivative, just a few months away, and we still haven’t seen any evidence of a stick reentering the Crossed Flags fold.
Recently, HPJ Performance of Belleville, Illinois, threw a spark to the torch that we are still carrying for the manual transmission when they introduced a gearbox swap for the dual-clutch-only S550-Generation Shelby GT500 (that isn’t the only thing we are jealous about the top-shelf ‘Stang receiving this year, check out these fantastic new exterior colors!). While exciting for Mustang owners, the HPJ news only adds insult to injury for fans of America’s only true sports car. There is a lot of pent-up demand for the engagement offered by a manual transmission, so much so that Porsche was forced to resurrect the option in their 911 GT3 after they thought they had streamlined production for the 991.1, and examples of final-manual vehicles, like the Ferrari F430, trade for nearly three times the price of their automatic-equipped brethren.
The business case for the manual in any sporting vehicle seems pretty clear; if it wasn’t going to make them money, HPJ wouldn’t have stepped in to do what Ford won’t, but the aftermarket likely can’t help the C8. From the beginning, the Corvette team has said that the C8’s structural integrity would be compromised if a shift linkage was routed through its tubular aluminum spine. So, it isn’t as easy as dropping the engine, attaching a new tranny, and cutting a hole in the center console. This means that it is up to GM to answer our prayers. They have the technology, but Steve Austin hasn’t been rebuilt. The only explanations we can come up with for this headscratcher are 1. They simply aren’t going to implement that patent on the ‘Vette, 2. They are saving the clutch to spur sales if the C8 market ever cools, 3. They are planning on reintroducing the manual as an olive branch to enthusiasts when they blaspheme and make the Corvette AWD/Hybrid/all-electric, or 4. It’s waiting in the product plan for a mid-cycle refresh or a base model that we don’t even see coming!
Source:
HPJ Performance
Related:
New GM Patent Could Allow the C8 Mid-Engine Corvette to Have a Manual Transmission
The Business Case for a Manual C8 Corvette
With GM’s Release of a New 5.7-Liter V8, It’s Time For a $45,000 Base Model Corvette
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Don’t they have enough problems??
As a gen Xer almost a millennial. GM could at least throw a bone to my generation. The 90s didn’t have much for us when we were coming of age and now that I have a decent job I would love to get a manual ZR1. I sought high and low for my manual 1992 z28 in the late 90s that I have to this day. I would love to by a brand new ZR1 with a manual.
I think if we want manual Corvettes we are going to have to go to the used market. Sad but time to face it. Who is looking forward to a electric, automatic Vette. Sad but true. I told my wife that when I die go for top dollar for my manual Corvettes. Good luck guys’.
Id’ love a new wife white 2020 c8 convertible with glass top and stick if possible. Why drive a Stang without stick.
The C8 is cool because it is mid engine & all that, but as long as it has the auto only transmission it is not a legitimate Corvette or sports car. As long as the C8 is an auto trans only I will never buy one. I’ll just hang on to my 2017 C7 Z51 Stingray with the 7 speed manual trans. I hope GM/Chevy will do a manual option on the C8, the sooner the better.
Still laughing in M7 C7. Three years ago, took a chance on buying one of the last new ’19 manuals instead of waiting. They were giving them away then, got it for about $15k off MSRP. I couldn’t see the extra $20k for a C8, and having to opt 2LT and spend several thousand extra for a video view at what’s behind me, no thanks. It should be standard, just like a “standard” transmission. I saved $2k for my anti theft 7 speed. Sucks. I wonder how the used market will be on manual Vettes as compared to manual Ferraris mentioned here going for 3x resale? That would get my attention.
Yeah I have an early drive by wire Silverado that still eats throttle bodies . I can’t wait to see a clutch by wire and how awful that’s going to be . REDUCED ENGINE POWER
Yep love my 2019 Stingray 2LT!
The C8 has a DCT. Let the computer shift or do it yourself. There is a manual setting. HONEST! Ask anyone that knows anything about the car.
It’s trailing behind the dual clutch equipped, C8. Its owner’s view is its rear and tail lights as he shifts frantically just to keep up.
The slush box patent for the C8 was a safety net JUST…..incase the incoming DCT transmission stiffed.
No prayer of it ever happening now with this massive C8 sales momentum that’s upon us.
The C9 will be all electric so no chance for a future gen. manual either.
As they say, “Time to move on ladies and gentlemen…..”
Dont get me wrong, I love manuals. However, the DCP does have the ability to manual shift and its not the horrible slush box they had in the C7. I dont get it? The only part missing is the heel toe, which is glorious when done properly, but I get 70% of the feeling of manual with the manual selected DCT. You still are choosing the gears, and its fun as hell. My 16 ATSV has super quick shifting auto (better tuning than C7s) in manual mode and when I drove the C8 on track at NCM it was awesome.
Maybe its just me? I live in Silicon Valley and I ditched my manual due to stop and go traffic and a blown out left ankle made me give it up.
With that said, I do hope GM puts a manual in the C8 in the future as Im a firm believer of the ability to CHOOSE what is best for you.
Enjoy life, smile and tell your family and friends you love them. They dont hear it enough.
I think there may be a big market for pay phones and phone booths among these poster’s.
LOL……………..:-)
Terry Dixon- wrong! My 2017 C7 Z51 w/the 7 speed manual has the “no lift shift” ability. Just as quick as the auto trans only much more fun. I do heel/toe shifting all the time, so fun.
racerboy & chazoo- plplplplplplplplplplplplplplplplplplplpl.
A while back, I could have swore EAG ( European Auto Group), the company that swaps Ferrari’s to manuals had a C8 dev. car on their website. Although it’s not there now? Maybe there was no market for it?
Not at Ferrari price levels for the Corvette market.
Some thought the rear (mid) engine placement would spell the end for the Corvette, but I believe the lack of a manual will be the cause of its demise.
No manual means I’m going 718 cayman gts 4.0. Perhaps a gt4 if I’m feeling spunky.
The C8 has such an uncomfortable driving position, I can’t even imagine how much worse it would be with a manual up by your shoulder. I don’t understand the people that are upset the car is auto only.
I bought a 7 speed manual 2019 Z06 the last day you could custom order one. The C8 was already being delivered. Got my car Oct 2019. Love it! I would like to add a C8 if I could get it with a manual transmission. Own 5 Corvettes: 65 396ci roadster, 70 350ci roadster, 72 LT-1 coupe, 95 ZR-1 and the 19 Z06. All manual. If they never make a C8 or C9 with a manual then I will probably get a Superformance GT40. The thing is, yes the dual clutch is better and faster on a track for competition. But the joy of driving, downshifting, heel-and-toe therapy is just great not to be had.
Amen, Carlos. I love my 2017 C7 Z51 Stingray with the 7 speed manual! Although I would never buy a gt40 or anything ferd turd motor co. makes. I am not so sure you can get 1 of those with a manual trans.
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