Do you want a ZL1 automatic transmission option?

[SonnyakaPig]

Originally Posted by SSLarry

Look at the GT500:
Ford made the calculation that even though they could have designed and tested an automatic trans with their supercharged 5.4, they decided against it. Why? It's simple math...they figured the net result would be fewer GT500's sold. Duh. The gain in the number of 'automatic-only' buyers who could now buy a GT500 would not offset the loss in manual drivers who would now take the GT500 off their shopping list ( because the car lost it's focus ).

In the end, Chevy might not make this assumption. It all depends on how amazing of an auto trans they can develop, and how much it would cost to the ZL1 program. With the right tranny at the right cost, there could be a net gain.

I think you make legitimate points.

But, I also think Ford only sells the GT500 with a manual trans because the manuals are often more durable. Just look at the solid axle rear ends. They are so solid that they probably don't brake too often.

Autos can be more finicky and perhaps that's why Ford doesn't mess with them in the GT500. That car is just a bruiser -- it's built real tough (Ford tough, jk). But, it was only recently that Ford stepped up and turned the heavy GT500 into a really good handling car.

GM seems to be going in a different direction. Just look at the CTS-V coup. And now the talk about the ZL1 being track ready and able to take on all comers.

[bobmac427]

Maybe, since the ZL1 is a "performance" vehicle for Camaro, a real sequential shifting (automatic) should be a ZL1 option.
Corvette Racing is using an automatic this season. The video below tells ya why! Where the bottom line is being QUICKER!
Bob

[SSLarry]

Originally Posted by bobmac427

Maybe, since the ZL1 is a "performance" vehicle for Camaro, a real sequential shifting (automatic) should be a ZL1 option.
Corvette Racing is using an automatic this season. The video below tells ya why! Where the bottom line is being QUICKER!
Bob

No one is disputing that supercars have race-oriented automatics. It gives racers an edge. I've actually driven the new M3 with $3500 optional automatic. It truly is a manual in every way, just without a human operated clutch.

But why doesn't Corvette offer an auto on their track and supercars? It's a philosophy at Chevy that probably will carry over to ZL1 as well.

Corvette Coupe: manual or auto ($49K/$51K)
Corvette Z06: manual only ($75K)
Corvette ZR1: manual only ($110K)

[bobmac427]

Originally Posted by SSLarry

No one is disputing that supercars have race-oriented automatics. It gives racers an edge. I've actually driven the new M3 with $3500 optional automatic. It truly is a manual in every way, just without a human operated clutch.

But why doesn't Corvette offer an auto on their track and supercars? It's a philosophy at Chevy that probably will carry over to ZL1 as well.

Corvette Coupe: manual or auto ($49K/$51K)
Corvette Z06: manual only ($75K)
Corvette ZR1: manual only ($110K)

I think that usually this technology drifts down from the racing program. Once GM is comfortable with the sequential shifter in their race car we'll probably see it in a production vehcle. I would expect to see one available in Corvettes in 2 to 3 years and maybe in the Camaro shortly after.

[djsnoflake]

Originally Posted by SSLarry

I'm not sure if you read my whole post.

I'm talking about Ford's decision and Ford's perception of the buying public, not mine. Can you offer up another explanation as to why they chose not to offer an auto on the GT500. Please, I'm all ears.

They didn't offer an auto cause they would have to build/certify a special transmission to only go into the GT500. A bunch of extra cost that would drive up the cost of both models.

The auto for the ZL-1 already exists. It's in the CTS-V. The Caddy dept. has already paid all the research costs, this keeps costs down. A WAY more feasible option for General Motors

[OldJedi]

The CTS-V set a very fast time at the Ring with an Automatic and the LSA engine. This combo has already been certified, so no reason why it cannot be used. Spy shots shows the LSA & Auto being tested in the Camaro. I think that it it will be there as an option when pricing comes out in the fourth quarter of this year. I am just hoping between the tuning and EPS it can get under the GGT. I personally will not order an auto, I would rather put the money towards a sunroof (sunny south florida). We just have to wait and see.

[DevilKnightFalcon]

Originally Posted by djsnoflake

They didn't offer an auto cause they would have to build/certify a special transmission to only go into the GT500. A bunch of extra cost that would drive up the cost of both models.

The auto for the ZL-1 already exists. It's in the CTS-V. The Caddy dept. has already paid all the research costs, this keeps costs down. A WAY more feasible option for General Motors

You make a very good point. The GT500 is the top of the line for Ford so if they are going to make something for that car they have to put all the R&D costs into it which doesn't make a lot of sense for something they are only gonna sell a few thousand of. GM on the other hand has the entire Corvette line and CTS-V line from which to pick technologies from. The R&D for magnetic ride control was already spent by the Corvette team. The automatic transmission for the LSA was already done by the Cadillac team. Therefore it is much more reasonable for GM to offer an auto than it would be for Ford. However you can bet that if they offer an automatic ZL1 that Ford will follow suit.

[bigwhit45]

If the auto is good enough for the CTS-V ITS GOOD ENOUGH FOR THE ZL1.

[thePill]

Originally Posted by DevilKnightFalcon

Therefore it is much more reasonable for GM to offer an auto than it would be for Ford. However you can bet that if they offer an automatic ZL1 that Ford will follow suit.

The Hydra-matic 6L90 (MYD) is a fantastic transmission, it was specifically designed by GM to support a supercharged 6.2. It was primarily used in the 2500HD Silverado/Sierra (6.2 Vortec) and shortly after the CTS-V (LSA). You get superior results during drivetrain developement when matching an engine with a transmission from the developement phase throughout production. GM knows that the LSA/6L90 combo is without a doubt the better of the two merely because of the relation in developement. On the other hand, the TR6060 was made first and had to be altered to fit GM, Ford and Dodge vehicles. The gear ratio spacing is far better in the 6L90, and that alone makes the 6L90 an obvious choice.

When it comes to the automatic, Ford was in a predicament and still is. The 5.4 current does not have a suitable selection in house to support the torque or meet production at a reasonable cost. It wasn't until just recently that Ford ventured with a third party to develope an auto and it will still be some time before a high performance version is ready. GM has the transmission ready but until they can figure a solid MSRP they simply cannot start adding options of that caliber to the order guide. The combo works, is readily availible and is very very inexpensive. When have you ever seen an automatic option below $1700? and the 6L90 is availible for $1300? and thats a 6 speed... It's because it's GM property and they can present it any way they want at any price they want.

GM just showed the ZL1 as is, some of the car wasn't even done yet. In Chicago, they showcased the nameplate, exterior styling, improved interior and a "minimum" HP rating. Those are the details that gets the attention of potential buyers and generates buzz. GM is fishing for feedback and intrest, this initial buzz is enough to get their bobber wet so they can continue building the order guide and adding in other options. It will also assist the production division so they can calculate how many units will sell (hopefully). After a solid production number is estimated, they can look at the numbers and determine if it is cost effective to offer an automatic or not.

If 6000 GT500's are produced a year, would it make sense for Ford to contract a third party to cover 50% of the units produced? They would have to recertify the engine/transmission, spend money on additional research and developement and additional testing. It could even slow production down as Ford would have to predict sales so they would not overproduce a vehicle that probably does not produce high profit volume... In other words, they would have to watch production or they could lose their a$$. This being the first year a Halo 5th Gen will be availible, this is the year you do not want to make mistakes.

Now, if we were to talk about GM's automatic option... GM has already spent money in R&D, have tested the combination and have proved that it works not just in theory but in practice, marketing and sales. It wouldn't take GM nearly as much effort now to offer the 6L90 as it would for Ford to offer an auto... So that puts GM ahead of the auto game and, it also cost GM less because the transmission itself is a GM transmission.

I wouldn't get too anxious over "IF" or "IF NOT" when there is still another 12 months to wait, chances are that the LSA/6L90 are already certified but GM would still want to know their production estimates before they officially announce the option.. It's just good business...

[Rickerbucks]

I must confess I remain surprised at how many of us enthusiasts are in favour of an auto. It genuinely surprises me.

I don't mean to sound arrogant but "driving" to me has to be a standard. I know that the autos are getting very good and I know some people have to deal with traffic (as do I) but rowing through the gears is what it is all about for me.

As I say, it does surprise me how many people on this forum would pick an auto over a manual for such a car as this. *shrug*

[badapple]

I just got my AT 2SS and love it. I will definitely trade it for a ZL1 in 2012 if an auto is offered. Otherwise I would just keep mine. I really hope an auto is offered. The 2SS is a great car with the AT. Power is always there and the shifts are really fast. I would love an AT ZL1.

[v6sonoma]

It's coming as God intended it. With three pedals! You auto fans will just have to tweak your Ls3's.

[DevilKnightFalcon]

Originally Posted by v6sonoma

It's coming as God intended it. With three pedals! You auto fans will just have to tweak your Ls3's.

I'll make sure to remember your screen name so I can personally say I told you so when an auto is offered and I'll laugh at you when it outperforms that manual.

[badapple]

Originally Posted by Rickerbucks

I must confess I remain surprised at how many of us enthusiasts are in favour of an auto. It genuinely surprises me.

I don't mean to sound arrogant but "driving" to me has to be a standard. I know that the autos are getting very good and I know some people have to deal with traffic (as do I) but rowing through the gears is what it is all about for me.

As I say, it does surprise me how many people on this forum would pick an auto over a manual for such a car as this. *shrug*

I understand how you would be surprised about the interest in the AT. But really, the Camaro is not a sports car. It's a pony or muscle car. I had a 1987 Buick Grand National back in the day which was only offered with an AT. And some people have no choice. A buddy of mine loves manual shift cars, but a knee injury prohibits him from owning one. So I do agree with you that real driving is done with a manual, but real world driving might include an AT.