The manual transmission, as we know it, is dying. One by one, the number of vehicles once available with the ability to row your gears continue to get winnowed. Replaced by snappier-shifting automatics, the benefits in performance come at the cost of driving engagement. Which brings us to the Chevrolet Corvette C8.
The latest iteration of the Corvette is by far the most controversial. It finally makes the big switch to a mid-engine layout fulfilling a lifelong ambition, hinted previously by concept design studies. Now that it's here, results have been mixed at best.
When the C8 debuted, consumers and critics alike were skeptical. Generally, the public response to the styling, inside and out, was panned. The benefits of moving the engine further back, however, paid off in the performance department. As well as more power, less weight, and better aerodynamics, the Corvette is automatic-only; working off an eight-speed dual-clutch Tremec transmission.
The speed appeal is why consumers have flocked to it in droves. Markups are crazy right now and there's a waiting list that stretches to 2021 so far. This means an opportunity for Chevrolet to expand its Corvette lineage.
Responsive demand means General Motors should build a manual Corvette C8.
Arguing The Potential
It makes financial sense to simplify, which is why manual transmissions are being dropped in mainstream cars. People looking to finance their new-car purchase want features that veer away from driving engagement. The reason for the manual's survival is the role they play in the sports car world.
Tailored sports cars have thrived in the hands of purists and collectors. Manual-equipped sports cars are likely to fetch a higher dollar than their automatic equivalents. Compare Ferrari and Lamborghini listings and you'll notice a similar theme.
Porsche is the leading example in the unified quest to save the manuals. A company built on producing driver's cars, they have found ways to keep the standard transmission alive in modern times. Response to manual-only cars built on a limited production run, such as the 911-R, have produced later variants that include the 718 Cayman/Boxster GT4 twins, as well as the 718 GTS 4.0 and the 911 Speedster. These models are more reasons to build manual sports cars. And Porsche is not alone.
BMW presently builds the M2 available with a standard. Lotus's most powerful Evora comes with a manual. In a lower price bracket, the Mazda MX-5 Miata — a roadster that is less about numbers and more about driving pleasure — of course, lets you row your own gears.
Perhaps the most successful manual sports car in modern times is the Honda Civic Type-R. Its reputation enables it to stand toe-to-toe with higher-end exotics when it comes to driving competitions, on top of setting a Nürburgring record that had since been beaten. Like the Corvette C8, the Civic Type-R has seen ridiculous price markups in response to demand. If we can recall, people aren't keen on the looks either.
Solution Proposal
With the C8 seeing a similar response in demand, the manual Corvette makes a viable case. GM, the company behind an immensely popular truck and SUV lineup, isn't lacking in cash and the resources to do so. They spend the same dedication to the Chevrolet Camaro, which shares much of the powertrain components with the mid-engined sports car.
Although we've previously reported on why it won't happen on the Corvette, the manual transmission is still recognized as an integral component to sports car building. Volkswagen's latest Golf R and Golf GTI will come with one. Nissan promises the stick will be available on the next Z car. Kia offers a Forte GT Manual that comes with more equipment as opposed to an automatic. Honda's popular Type-R is manual-only and will likely continue on the next-generation model. The upcoming Subaru BRZ is likely to be available with one as well.
If corporations are going to build cars on take-rate numbers, then there would be less reason to buy one. So if 15 percent of sold Z06 Corvette C7s came with a manual, then build them at 15 percent capacity for the C8. Adjust factory capacity when demand changes. Market a passive-aggressive approach for people to buy more Corvettes new because they will indefinitely appreciate over time, similarly to Porsche.
The mid-engine American would be in a very unique position. At $59,995 starting MSRP, the C8's closest rival on price would be the base 718 Cayman with a turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer motor. A manual mid-engined Corvette would surely be cheaper, even with a V-8.
A Plea To Build It
In the end, it comes down to following your heart. Do companies build cars to fulfill needs or to satisfy wants? In the era where EVs now outsell manual-equipped cars, it becomes a determination of where your priorities align. If it's about obtaining the quickest 0-to-60 time, are you going to notice the sacrifice of a couple of tenths because you row your own gears? That sounds like a better payoff than the flick of the paddles behind the steering wheel.
To operate manually is to make it fun. Surely, the brains behind the C8 could come up with an alternative if they can't fit an H-style transmission. How about a sequential one? Flicking the gear lever forwards and backward would be thrilling.
The Corvette C8 already enlightens the sports car world. Adding the increasing-rare manual option would emphasize that further.