Chevrolet thought it was pretty up front when it launched the current generation C8 Corvette in 2019 saying that it had no plans to bring a shift it yourself option to the sports car.
This was despite the engine moving from the front to the mid-engine configuration in an ambitious bid to boost the Corvette’s performance. But rumors have a way of sticking around and seven years later, Chevrolet still has no plans for a manual option.
Time marches on but Chevrolet never forgets
This latest confirmation comes via a video the Instagram channel wheelr_ captured during a brief Q&A session Chevrolet hosted as part of its soft launch for the new Grand Sport variant at the 12 Hours of Sebring race. Corvette’s executive chief engineer, Tony Roma, reiterated the automaker’s stance. “Unfortunately, the answer hasn’t changed,” he said. “We don’t have any plans to talk about a manual transmission.”
This latest statement seemingly kills the idea but Chevrolet and GM didn’t decide it on a whim with other reps revealing they were watching the market very carefully and ultimately, consumer preference played a big role in the decision with more buyers preferring automatics versus their manual counterparts.
What’s next for the Corvette?
Chevrolet silencing the manual transmission rumors also comes at a time when the brand is making some key moves for the Corvette. Not only is the Grand Sport model on the way, but the company also recently launched the ZR1 and its hardcore cousin the ZR1X to truly take a bite out of the supercar market.
This has left the future of the seemingly forgotten about Z06 in doubt though Chevy has not released comment on what will happen to that particular trim level.
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