[gthal]

IMO, the manual vs. auto debate is one of pure personal preference but I don't think that is what you were asking in any event.

The auto in the C7 is a true automatic with a torque converter and not a DCT like in Porsche, the M3, Audi, Ferrari, etc. Whether the performance differences are significant or not is yet to be seen. There is also a lot of speculation that GM will replace the current auto with a new one in the next couple of years that is faster and more capable. Again, speculation.

My bet is the A6 in the C7 is a very good automatic transmission but it wouldn't be as crisp, direct or responsive as a true DCT like the PDK in a Porsche. So, if you owned exotics with paddle shifters you likely had a true DCT, it's unclear how the auto in the C7 will measure up... likely a step behind but also probably pretty good for most jobs.