Chevy expects over half of all Camaro ZL1 models to be automatic

[IOMZL1]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/16/c...-be-automatic/

Consider this a sign of the times: Even though Chevrolet is readying its highest-performance Camaro ever, General Motors executives are reportedly already hedging their bets that over 50 percent of all 2012 ZL1 orders will be for automatic transmission models.

The high expected order rate for automatics paired with the 6.2-liter, 580-horsepower ZL1 not only follows a growing market preference for two-pedal vehicles, it also suggests that even sporty car buyers are noting that advancements in design have all but eliminated the performance deficit long associated with this type of transmission.

Low take rates also means that fewer models are even available with manual transmissions, and it's a problem that's only getting more acute. With fewer new cars being fitted with manual transmissions, opportunities for learning how to drive a three-pedal car (along with people who can teach how to drive them) are fewer and further between. The result? Even fewer manual transmissions.

According to the Ward's Auto report, fully 89 percent of 2010 model-year passenger cars were fitted with automatic gearboxes. In the case of Chevrolet's Camaro, even the existing SS model is trending at 70 percent automatic, and that's higher than the 65 percent take rate among base Corvette purchasers.

The Oshawa, Ontario-built Camaro ZL1 is expected in dealers in the first quarter of 2012.

[radz28]

They're making this option the hardest decision for me... Cheap acceleration that won't effect my emissions concerns, or just flat-out having more fun banging my own gears?

Excellent

[Nessal]

I just can't get myself to buy a automatic transmission car. I pondered this idea before I got my Camaro and decided to stick with manual. It's just SOOO much more enjoyable for me personally to row my own gears. When I first learned to drive, I started on a automatic car because it was easier to learn and pass the test with. Shortly after that I got my first car that is a manual transmission. Since then, I own 4 cars and all of them are manual transmission. There is just so much more fun with it.

[Shu71]

I had a heck of a time finding my car with the manual transmission so I guess I am not surprised by this announcement, but am still surprised by how many are choosing the auto in a sports/pony car. Yeah I know the auto is quicker now with 6 gears in the SS, but it seems so sterile to drive the auto to me. I can not imagine too many of the ZL1's will be daily drivers so on that though I guess I am a little surprised more won't opt for the fun factor of the manual. But then again maybe people are buying these to drag race like they did with the original ZL1?
Oh and I will be teaching my daughter (15) to drive a manual transmission in the Camaro

This is an interesting video on manual vs auto:

[hv92]

hahaha automatic for SURE. I been waiting for this since they released the spy pics with the "L99 supercharged" sticker on the dashboard. Definitely going for automatic. its going to be a daily driver so that helps! a 19 year old with a stick shift... not good!

[liquidsmoke]

Not surprising. Manual has long been a niche market for decades and at some point it will eventually die.

[camaro5]

A true manual trans traditionalist, I too would opt for the auto for the first time ever.

Fbod said he would get the auto for the first time ever as well.

He's driven the beast.

How about these Camaro5 fanboys letting GM know the auto option is a must.

[REAPER SS]

I love my auto but if i bought the zl1, it would be a stick.

[Shu71]

Originally Posted by liquidsmoke

Not surprising. Manual has long been a niche market for decades and at some point it will eventually die.

I really hope you are wrong. Only time will tell, but I have to have faith that there are some true hot rod/sport car drivers out there who will keep the manual transmission alove and not some dumb double clutch Ferrari lame version

[shadow09]

I definitely love my 6 speed manual. And if they are right about more than 50% ZL1's being autos that's gonna make the manual ZL1's rarer.

[OldScoolCamaro]

I've been an old stick guy my whole life, owned a dozen Camaro's, never dreamt about owning an auto Camaro for a daily driver or street racer,... until now. I can't recall the exact words, but Scott says this new auto in the ZL1 is going to be amazing. Soooo, as it goes for several of the options that we know are going to be available for the ZL1, including the tranny option, I find myself in this precarious position....decisions, decisions. However, isn't it cool we have such decisions afforded to us? I think so.

[Crowley]

Is it the same auto that is in the CTS-V? I think there were people that were not to happy about how it acted in city type driving (but a tranny tune took care of the issue). I'm just wondering if it is updated in any way?

I guess we will find out once some tests are released.

Crowley

[nardox]

If I get the ZL1 it will be AT for sure. With all the traffics a MT is gonna be a pain in the butt...

A dual-clutch paddle shifting tranny would be ideal IMO, however I don't see that happening on the 5th Gen Camaro.

[lbls1]

I have been an auto guy since jump street. Autos can be fun on the street with the right handling, as well as having the advantage in day to day traffic.

However, I was planning to pick up a manual for the first time with the zl1. I think that I will go for the manual unless the automatic is significantly quicker off the line. The test data will be the key.