Enthusiasts of the C6 with auto trans / paddle shift please provide feedback
 

If you would kindly provide your thoughts on owning a C6 automatic with paddle shifters and state whether you are capable of operating a manual and how you would compare the two would be greatly appreciated.

I am considering an automatic transmission with the paddle shifters but want to know how 'crisp' the shifts are when using the paddle shifts. I have owned a C5 with a manual transmission and will be rejoining the Corvette community once again with the C7.

Thank you for your input.:stingray:

Here is a video explaining the Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) referred to in a later reply for those of us not familar (me).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=oOciX6kdexE

I can't provide comments on the auto in the C6 but I'll give you my thoughts for what they are worth. I went from a long history of manual cars to two that weren't... the only one that was as pleasing to drive was the DCT in my M3. It was hugely satisfying. The auto in my C63 is VERY fast and crisp for an auto but it's an auto. Unless GM put a true DCT in the C7, I will be sticking with the 7MT for sure. Autos in sports cars are disappointing to me unless they are DCTs.

I would not get the auto if you're looking for quick, crisp, shifting. It's just a slush box with some manual control.

Exactly. Unless it's a true dual clutch system, steering wheel mounted paddles are basically doing the same thing as those auto tranny systems where you can shift gears up/down by pulling/pushing the auto gear lever.

One of the engineer interview videos I watched discussed this. The A6 tranny has a lighter smaller flywheel and reworked software that will make shifts in 200ms. For comparison that's as fast as the Lexus LFA, Audi direct shift and Ferrari 360. Will be significantly better than the c6 version.

My C63 has the MCT transmission that shifts at 100ms. It is fast too and very capable. However, it isn't just the shift speed that matters IMO. A true DCT (which the A6 or MCT in the C63 are not) has a more mechanical/connected feel. An auto, even a very fast auto, feels disconnected from the car and less immediate based on my experience. They feel "muted" so to speak. Even when shifting speeds are similar, the DCT just feels more connected to the car and more like a true manual. I have only owned two "autos" in my life... a DCT M3 and the C63 and I can tell you I did not miss a manual with the DCT but I do in the C63... even though it shifts at 100ms.

It is great that the auto will be improving and I'm sure it will be a great transmission but it is too bad a real DCT wasn't coming as THAT would be both fast and feel connected and crisp having no torque converter. DCT transmissions are real manuals (in feel and operation) but simply without the third pedal and I really hope GM eventually offers one in the C7 as THAT would be fantastic.

I'll share my $0.02. When the MkV GTI came out, I test drove a DSG and stick back to back. Same car, same driver, doesn't get anymore equal. The DSG was fast, smooth, could rev-match every downshift perfectly and was just a superior transmission. It also bored the hell out of me and I bought a stick because the driving experience was so much more engaging. I'm older and live in worse traffic now but still leaning very much towards the manual simply for the experience. Even a modern slushbox would be faster than my pathetic granny shifting probably but I'll still take one anyway more than likely.