New Z06

[Clem Z.]

Re: word has it that the 6 speed auto

yes the 3.15 rear gear was a factory option with the 4 speed auto trans as i had that in my 02.

[Chuck S.]

Re: word has it that the 6 speed auto

Pricing and the ordering guide for 2006 coupe/convertible is apparently released in Canada, and the ordering guide for Canada shows only the A4 automatic. This has created quite a stir, wringing of hands, and gnashing of teeth among those waiting for the A6.

The latest word is the ordering guide isn't going to be released in the US until 8/4 with the first allocation cycle starting 8/11. If I were in the market for the A6, I would say wait a little bit before despairing...none of these 2006s are going to be built until the week of 9/12. The General is going to try to move the old tech off the lots before the secret is revealed.

[Joe L.]

Re: New Z06

Duke------

Perhaps I'm missing something but I don't see Dave Hill's statement that "Z-06 production will occur before the end of August" being consistent with your indication that means sometime this week. I would say that we have about 35 more days to prove him right or wrong.

Also, a few more "tidbits":

1) Someone recently "let it slip" that the primary reason that the C6 wheelbase was lengthened was to accomodate the new 6 speed automatic transmission. I had not heard that before, although it's possible that information was "out there";

2) A word of caution: with the new design 6 speed automatic transmission and the complexities inherent in automatic transmissions, I wouldn't "touch one with a 10 foot pole" for, at least, a couple of years regardless of how desirable that they might otherwise seem. There's WAY TOO much possiblity of becoming a "guinea pig" with something like this.

[Duke W.]

I meant to type "July" *NM*

[Chuck S.]

On Tidbit 1...

I was amazed that the comment elicted no response from the group...Interesting.

[Curtis L.]

Re: On Tidbit 1...

Why would a true performance purist want an automatic.

[Chuck S.]

Re: On Tidbit 1...

The problem with automatics in performance cars is not HOW the gears are changed, but WHEN the gears are changed. In fact, automatic transmissions can change the gears faster than a human being, and are superior in straight line, WOT acceleration contest like drag racing.

On road course twisties, however, the best automatics can only REACT to changes to throttle position and braking...their limited success under such conditions depends on how successful the manufacturer has been at designing in responsiveness to those changes.

A human driver, however, can see approaching changes in the road and anticipate the best gear selection to keep the engine actively involved in the driving process. The Corvette's new paddle shifters, which allow the driver to make his own gear selection within pre-determined limits, will go a long way to eliminating any advantage of the manual gear box on the road course.

But, you didn't want to hear all that clap-trap! You didn't catch me in the closet...I'm a shifty kind of guy...Like to decide for myself when gear changes happen. But, I'm trying to look at this logically. I also have an interest in the competitiveness of Corvette and its future success with the shiftless people of the world.

[Mike McKown]

12 were built before July shutdown *NM*

[Joseph R.]

Re: New Z06

On our monthlong driving vacation this past June/July, there was a Z06 at the Black Hills Corvette event driven by a GM employee. My wife & I did the Corvette factory tour, another Z06 with plates in the management parking lot. And at the end of the production line, 5 Z06's, were in the check/repair area. And, at least 2 Z06's at Bloomington, 1 in my favorite color - Orange!