c7 to have 7 speed manual

[Kevin]

Just the Facts:
The next-generation Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission.
Power will come from a pushrod V8; direct injection and a variable valve lift system are likely.

SANTA MONICA, California — Inside Line has learned that the 2014 C7 Chevrolet Corvette will be available with a seven-speed manual transmission.

Although not confirmed officially by Chevrolet, a source with knowledge of the C7 project confirmed that the upcoming Corvette will offer a seven-speed manual transmission. This comes on the heels of Porsche's announcement that the 2012 911 would offer a seven-speed manual along with its seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual gearbox.

The next-generation Corvette is expected to use a revised version of its 16-valve pushrod V8 engine architecture. Headlining the changes are direct injection and a variable valve lift system to further enhance its already formidable performance while bolstering efficiency.

The addition of a seven-speed manual might be viewed solely as a fuel efficiency play, but we suspect that Chevrolet will continue to use two overdrive gears like the current six-speed manual. This would allow the engineers freedom to tighten up the spacing of the lower gears for improved low-speed performance.

Another benefit to the seven-speed manual gearbox is product rationalization — Chevy can use the same ratios for all versions of the car. Today, the ZR1 currently runs a close-ratio Tremec TR6060, while lesser Corvettes employ a different gearset.

http://www.insideline.com/chevrolet/...ed-manual.html

that's a lot of gears