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The Reason Chevrolet Won't Build A New Manual Transmission Corvette
By BARNELL ANDERSON
Real gearheads choose manual transmissions when it comes to fast and powerful cars like the iconic Chevrolet Corvette, as driving a stick shift is seen as a badge of courage. It’s no wonder then that the C8 Corvette was met with mixed reactions in 2020 when it was revealed with an automatic transmission and without the option of swapping it for a manual alternative.
One reason for the decision was not wanting to breach the car's central tunnel, which would be required to add a manual. In a statement to Car and Driver, Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter explained, "That tunnel is the backbone of the car, and if you break the backbone, you lose a lot of structural efficiency.” However, that wasn’t the only reason.
Perhaps the biggest factor was due to limited demand, as fans of manual transmissions make up the extreme minority of car buyers. Juechter also revealed that the automaker was unable to find suppliers willing to fulfill such limited orders because they would have to do so at a loss — so it seems that Chevy is simply changing with the times and protecting its celebrated car.