The C8 Corvette is an absolute beast when it comes to the art of fast driving. Still, fans of the car can’t help but dream of getting behind the wheel of this mid-engined sports car, an option that GM has repeatedly stated won’t happen. GM Authority has been consistent in reporting this fact, but it bears repeating, considering statements made by Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma.
In a recent video posted to social media, Corvette Chief Engineer Tony Roma addressed rumors that GM is secretly building a manual-equipped C8 Corvette. As you might expect, Roma stated clearly that nothing has changed, and The General still has no plans to introduce a manual transmission for the mid-engined Corvette.
Even so, Roma specifically mentioned the six-speed manual shown by Tremec at SEMA, explaining that it was not a production application and should not be interpreted as evidence of a future offering from GM. This clarification comes after much speculation, as many enthusiasts interpreted the Tremec manual as a sign that your own C8 Corvette might be available, but according to Roma, that assumption is essentially incorrect.
Despite Roma’s statement telling the audience “don’t believe it GM Authority,” we have been consistent in reporting that a manual C8 Corvette will not be available, as seen in an article published in early 2019. This position was also previously supported by former Corvette chief engineer Tadge Juechter, who cited a decline in demand for a manual gearbox.
Indeed, despite speculation from other outlets, technical and market realities continue to align with the manual C8. The DCT’s faster performance and historically low manual demand provides a clear rationale for GM’s decision.
Ultimately, the message remains unchanged – the C8 Corvette was never expected to get a manual transmission, and GM AuthorityThis reporting only reinforces that reality.
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