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Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Mon Jan 27, 2014 11:49 pm
by Rope-Pusher
From an interview with Ralph Giles, head of the SRT brand:

Q:Have you changed the SRT brand's operation because of the Viper's delayed rollout last year?

A:I think we're on the right track. The orders are strong. But we are shifting to a different business model.

We're trying to make packages because it's easy for the dealers to digest, but we are not Corvette. We've never tried to be Corvette. We never will be. We're handmade. It takes 18 hours to paint the stripe on a Viper. We color sand the entire car, inside and outside. All the panels are beautifully finished. We're trying to build a custom show car that you can own. This is not a disposable device here.

Q:What do you think about the notion that the Viper can lose customers because it lacks an optional automatic transmission?

A:We're not working on it as we speak, but we're open-minded to it.

Q:Is it an emotional or a business reason that keeps Viper from offering an automatic transmission?

A:It's both. In a way, it's further distinguishing us because everyone has paddle shifters and we don't. But at the same time, we're also seeing now where people are noticing and saying, "Wow, it's like the last driver's car left." That's exactly what it's been about all along.

It's a choice people make. Whoever buys a Viper is someone special. They're not normal.

It's someone who really wants to rock and roll and feel alive and not have a filtered experience.
It's a car we designed for pleasure.


Read more: http://www.autonews.com/article/2014012 ... z2rf41zvGx
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Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:13 am
by ClutchFork
monkeyhunk wrote:My dad had me driving an old Ford pick up three on the tree with blocks on the pedals when I was about 8.
That is great! My first two manuals were three on the trees, a '63 Chevy Biscayne and a 1977 F100. I miss them. :(

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 12:41 am
by monkeyhunk
You're either showing your age or you had some well taken care of vehicles. I learned on an 81 F100 my dad owned twenty some years ago LOL.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2014 9:50 am
by Squint
monkeyhunk wrote:You're either showing your age or you had some well taken care of vehicles. I learned on an 81 F100 my dad owned twenty some years ago LOL.
He's ancient, more mentally than physically (I don't actually know his age - just going off his desire to drive a stone wheeled, saber tooth tiger-powered vehicle). But he does have a son on the forums... let's play the guessing game!

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 12:15 am
by Rope-Pusher
Corvette Reveals Another Technology Secret

"Coming up next, a look at some cool new technology in the Corvette Stingray that may have some automakers wishing they came up with it first."
Starts at around 3:30 into the video.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Wed Jan 29, 2014 9:10 am
by tankinbeans
Squint wrote:
monkeyhunk wrote:You're either showing your age or you had some well taken care of vehicles. I learned on an 81 F100 my dad owned twenty some years ago LOL.
He's ancient, more mentally than physically (I don't actually know his age - just going off his desire to drive a stone wheeled, saber tooth tiger-powered vehicle). But he does have a son on the forums... let's play the guessing game!
Paul is indeed antedeluvian.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 9:14 pm
by ClutchDisc
Squint wrote:But he does have a son on the forums... let's play the guessing game!
I think everyone is afraid to guess.... :mrgreen:

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Sun Feb 02, 2014 11:21 pm
by monkeyhunk
ClutchDisc wrote:
Squint wrote:But he does have a son on the forums... let's play the guessing game!
I think everyone is afraid to guess.... :mrgreen:
So what you're saying is he was driving stick when the stick was used to put the brakes to the wagon wheels

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 8:36 pm
by Shadow
monkeyhunk wrote:
ClutchDisc wrote:
Squint wrote:But he does have a son on the forums... let's play the guessing game!
I think everyone is afraid to guess.... :mrgreen:
So what you're saying is he was driving stick when the stick was used to put the brakes to the wagon wheels
I don't know his age, but my guess is that he's older mentally then he is physically. Or maybe I should say his actual age is less than what you'd think based on his mentality. He's an old man wrapped in a middle-aged body. Yup, that's my guess.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:03 pm
by ClutchFork
Shadow wrote:I don't know his age, but my guess is that he's older mentally then he is physically. Or maybe I should say his actual age is less than what you'd think based on his mentality. He's an old man wrapped in a middle-aged body. Yup, that's my guess.
This'll help you understand my age. This is me about 1976 (for real):
Image
Photo at highest point in Colorado (14,439' which is 4,401 meters).

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:11 pm
by Shadow
Okay, my guess is late 50s. Maybe 58?

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 11:31 pm
by Rope-Pusher
InlinePaul wrote: This'll help you understand my age. This is me about 1976 (for real):
Image
Photo at highest point in Colorado (14,439' which is 4,401 meters).
Image
Mt. Elbert?

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:02 am
by ClutchFork
Shadow wrote:Okay, my guess is late 50s. Maybe 58?
Close. I'm 56.

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 12:12 am
by monkeyhunk
Cripes. I'm a pup. I picture a few people here being in that age range

Re: 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - Manual vs. Automatic

Posted: Tue Feb 04, 2014 1:18 am
by ClutchFork
Rope-Pusher wrote: Image
Mt. Elbert?
Yes, Mt. Elbert.
Image