Before I upgrade from my `01 Z06 to a new one with a bigger engine, it would be nice to see some real refinements. Hard to justify spending $45k just to get a bigger engine...well for me anyway. I need something more worthwhile to make the move. So, when will GM make the move? Certainly it will happen, just a matter of when....that's technology!
IMO I don't view a sequential shifter as an improvement to the overall driving experience. It still 'feels' like an automatic.
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The C6 (but not the Z) for 2006 will offer a paddle shifted automatic with a performance algorithm and it should match any SMG, most of which still have some low speed issues and hickup from time to time.
Dave Hill has gone on record in the last 12 months as saying that current SMGs don't measure up to his standards. When they do, perhaps the Z will get one.\
By the way, the Z is not just "a bigger engine." It is all but a race car slightly detuned for the street, with dry sump super motor, major aero tweaks, special brakes, tires, and suspension.
Upgrading is not just for the engine. There are many more features you get...
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If I could get a z with a Radio and air Delete...PW, PL, PS delete...from the factory..i'd be happy. I want less toys...and more hp! But thats just me...
Well it seems to me GM is just trying to stay up with the "Jones`" Viper. The Corvette and Viper seem to be the muscle cars of this era. Therefore each year or edition its more HP and bigger tires.
So, I was just wondering when that will end and a different direction will start taking place. Probably not as long as Dave is in charge.
I went to college in a 1938 Chev coupe with a 3 speed and bought a Chevelle SS 396 out of college, so I understand the muscle car mentality.
But lets look ahead some years....what is the next big change(improvement) for the Corvette. Is it the "Blue Devil"; new transmission; turbo edition... etc. What do you want to see?
Before I upgrade from my `01 Z06 to a new one with a bigger engine, it would be nice to see some real refinements. Hard to justify spending $45k just to get a bigger engine...well for me anyway. I need something more worthwhile to make the move. So, when will GM make the move? Certainly it will happen, just a matter of when....that's technology!
You need to drive the new Z before you assume that it is JUST A BIGGER ENGINE.
The C6 (but not the Z) for 2006 will offer a paddle shifted automatic with a performance algorithm and it should match any SMG, most of which still have some low speed issues and hickup from time to time.
Dave Hill has gone on record in the last 12 months as saying that current SMGs don't measure up to his standards. When they do, perhaps the Z will get one.\
By the way, the Z is not just "a bigger engine." It is all but a race car slightly detuned for the street, with dry sump super motor, major aero tweaks, special brakes, tires, and suspension.
No self shifted auto like the new C6 is going to have will work as well as an SMG or Ferraris F1 because of the torque converter.
Then Dave Hill has not driven the newer Ferraris or Lambos. Those trannies are wicked fast and very good around the track.
Then Dave Hill has not driven the newer Ferraris or Lambos. Those trannies are wicked fast and very good around the track.
what about on the street, where most of the vettes will spend their time on. he probably feels no SMG out right now measures up to an auto or a manual for street manners....although he did say the dual clutch setup from audi looked promising.
No self shifted auto like the new C6 is going to have will work as well as an SMG or Ferraris F1 because of the torque converter.
Then Dave Hill has not driven the newer Ferraris or Lambos. Those trannies are wicked fast and very good around the track.
Most SMGs lurch at low speeds and are not as smooth as autos; they are fine at the track, although I've heard some bitching from BMW M3 owners. Lockup autos don't lose much from the TC. The new Corvette Quarterly has a nice article on the new paddle shifted 6 speed auto that you might find interesting.
Call me an old traditionalist, but I can't stand the SMG in the M3. I've driven it loads of times, and have never liked it. Somebody said it lurches. That's spot on IMHO. Each to his own I guess. I buy a sports car, I wanna drive it myself. I want the least amount of computer aided crap in it.
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what about on the street, where most of the vettes will spend their time on. he probably feels no SMG out right now measures up to an auto or a manual for street manners....although he did say the dual clutch setup from audi looked promising.
Yeah I guess that's what he could have meant. An SMG or F1 tranny is definately not as smooth as an auto. But it shifts so much faster than either an auto or a 6 speed.
As far as the SMG lurching, this can be true. It's only true because the car engages so quickly. It can almost be instant on, if you want it. I drove the new F430 and that tranny is fantastic. It is so superior to any othe tranny that I have driven it's not even close. I auto mode it is perfectly civilized. In standard mode it's so quick you can't imagine.
If Dave Hill thnks that tranny is inferior he is smoking hooch. That tranny is supposedly the equal to the F1 cars from just 2 or 3 years ago.
Last edited by 355Spider : 10-28-2005 at 09:20 AM.
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