Corvette Stingray customers shun manual

Nearly two-thirds of C7 Stingray buyers are going auto; why?

By Matt Bird / Friday, 4 October 2013 / Loading comments

Lovely thing though it is, it seems unlikely that hoards of Corvette customers will be after a

conversion. A bit too niche and a bit too daring, you suspect. But the seven-speed manual, with rev-match tech? Surely buyers of the Corvette Stingray would be clamouring for it?

Surely you'd want this package with a manual?

Not really. Despite all the efforts to make the C7 the best handling, most

driver-focused Corvette

ever, just 38 per cent of the new cars purchased so far have three pedals. What make this figure more surprising is the auto option is just a conventional six-speed torque converter; there are no dual-clutch or eight-speed delights on offer.

This video

from Hennessey would suggest the shifts are quick enough, even if the ratios are very, very long.

Moreover, you would imagine the early takers of the Stingray are the real enthusiasts, keen to get their hands on it ASAP. We had this type of customer down as those who drive 'stick', but evidently not.

Probably the desired spec Stateside

Rather less surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of C7 customers are previous 'Vette owners, despite Chevrolet aiming to attract more first-timers. Around 75 per cent of buyers have opted for the Z51 performance pack too, bringing additional niceties such as an electronic LSD, larger brakes and new dampers.

Chevrolet predicts these figures, including those choosing a manual, will drop as the super keen early punters get their cars. Auto cabrios for the win then.. Chevrolet should be praised for offering buyers the choice of 'boxes, but will it continue if there's such a low take-up?

[Source: GTSpirit]