Major bummer.....

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mcpp66

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Well, it looks like what I thought was going to be the Z28 is not to be. Chevy's going to release a new ZL1 Camaro instead. Now of course that's not my problem. From what I'm seeing it looks like they're only going to release it with a manual transmission. I'm sure you'll all laugh at me when I say that I don't know how to drive a standard. Looks like I'm going to have to learn from someone. Anyhow, google 2012 ZL1 Camaro and you'll see the car. It's one awesome looking car.
 
I learned how to drive a standard after being dropped off at the place where I bought my first vehicle. The guy who sold it to me and I put a clutch and pressure plate in it and then he showed me which gear was which (3 speed on the column) and if I wanted to get home with it, I had to learn on the fly. I stalled the engine maybe 3 times and twice had to jump out in traffic to unjam the rods going from the steering column to the transmission.:doh: I'll never forget that day or how to drive a stick. Necessity was definitely the mother of invention that day.
 
O wow it's beautiful! I love Camaros! As the HSV slogan says "I just want one"

There is nothing like driving a manual. So much more fun. There are those days where you hop in the car and a manual just makes it that much more fun! Always something to look forward to over an automatic, from perfecting half clutch launches to get the perfect take off. With a manual, your launch can win you a drag, or lose it!
 
While not as painful as Dave's adventure, mine was similar.

I bought a Jeep from a guy and it was a 5-Speed. My dad put me in the driver seat and said, alright, let's go home. A few times stalling, and a few horn honks, and I was on my way to being a master.

Have only had 1 other stick since then, but they aren't too bad. For daily drivers though, I still prefer auto's.

As far as the ZL1, cool beans. Another old production code making its way back in.

DLB
 
The new Camaro's are gorgeous..along with the Challenger and Mustang. If I had the room and of course some extra cash they'd look great in my garage...

If it wasn't for last years Autogeek expenditures I probably could afford all three! :laughing:
 
Why would you want a car like this in an automatic? Just as easy to learn to drive stick and then you get all the benefits of a stick. I too bought a manual car when I was 16 without knowing how to drive it. A couple trips around the block and I could do it well enough to get around. After about a week of driving it everyday it was simple.

Now I have a manual weekend car and an auto daily driver since there is so much stop and go traffic around here.
 
Spicy McHaggis said:
Why not just learn how to drive manual? I too bought a manual car when I was 16 without knowing how to drive it. A couple trips around the block and I could do it well enough to get around. After about a week of driving it everyday it was simple.
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:iagree: And it is as simple as this... :props:

There is no mystery to driving a manual transmission....
 
66 do you have a cemetery nearby? Great place to learn a stick. Not many cars and not much honking and some have hills to practice on. Dude, I wish a 5 speed was the only thing stopping me from getting a new Camaro.
 
I worked in construction when I was 16, the foreman asked me if I knew how to drive a standard, I said sure. He gave me a truck, it bucked all the way to the site. He just laughed and said "you'll learn"
 
I wish more companies would put manual transmissions in there cars/trucks here in the states. I have never owned an automatic, because I just love being in complete control of the car. I think its awesome Chevy is doing this. I wish The challenger SRT8 had a manual option.

They are easy to learn. Just find a friend who has one and ask if you can practice with the car in a parking lot or something. You will pick it up in no time.
 
reality33 said:
I wish more companies would put manual transmissions in there cars/trucks here in the states. I have never owned an automatic, because I just love being in complete control of the car. I think its awesome Chevy is doing this. I wish The challenger SRT8 had a manual option.

They are easy to learn. Just find a friend who has one and ask if you can practice with the car in a parking lot or something. You will pick it up in no time.
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I agree, the Charger SRT 8 is on the top of my list for my next vehicle, but it will only have an automatic in it. I haven't decided if I will just put up with it or get something else. I love everything else about the car except for that one thing, but it is a big thing. I might cave and get it just because my fiance can't drive stick either so this way she could drive my car if she ever needed to.
 
Stick shifts aren't that hard to learn. Like some else said, go to a place where you can be by yourself and practice with it. The biggest thing will be trying to start moving while on a hill, but after a while, you'll get the hang of it.

A neighboring town (way back when) had a '66 Chevelle SS with a four speed for a Driver Ed car! I actually think they ought to teach stick shift to people in driver ed. Also how to change a tire, check the oil, etc.
 
Spicy McHaggis said:
Why would you want a car like this in an automatic? Just as easy to learn to drive stick and then you get all the benefits of a stick. I too bought a manual car when I was 16 without knowing how to drive it. A couple trips around the block and I could do it well enough to get around. After about a week of driving it everyday it was simple.

Now I have a manual weekend car and an auto daily driver since there is so much stop and go traffic around here.
Click to expand...

I've never driven a standard but I've seen others drive one. It just seems like a pain in the, well you know. I like just putting my hands on the wheel, putting it in drive, and then just going. With a stick I'd have to concentrate on more things than I think I'd care to. I don't know, perhaps after learning maybe I'd enjoy it. The problem I have is that everyone I know drives an automatic, I may have to go to a driving school to learn how to drive a stick.
 
DLB said:
For daily drivers though, I still prefer auto's.

As far as the ZL1, cool beans. Another old production code making its way back in.

DLB
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For a daily driver I'll definitely stick with an automatic, but for this car I may just learn how to drive a stick.
 
silverfox said:
Don't fret...you just saved yourself about $48k....
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Sounds about right. Somewhere I was reading that they expect these ZL1s to start out around $47,000. Who knows, I may just buy a 2SS automatic and throw a supercharger in it if that can be done.
 
vet said:
Stick shifts aren't that hard to learn. Like some else said, go to a place where you can be by yourself and practice with it. The biggest thing will be trying to start moving while on a hill, but after a while, you'll get the hang of it.

A neighboring town (way back when) had a '66 Chevelle SS with a four speed for a Driver Ed car! I actually think they ought to teach stick shift to people in driver ed. Also how to change a tire, check the oil, etc.
Click to expand...
They should teach people to drive in a stick shift truck. That way they will actually be able to drive properly in anything. I can't stand all these people that don't know how to drive these days...
 
Finemess said:
66 do you have a cemetery nearby? Great place to learn a stick. Not many cars and not much honking and some have hills to practice on.
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Plus, if you make a big mistake.... :laughing:
 
Do NOT be scared off by not knowing how to drive manual. I had no clue when I bought a z28 back in 1996. My dad drove it home from the dealership. I messed around for a few minutes when I got home, then drove to my cousins house. It's not hard to learn, and I would never buy a big american V8 in automatic. :eek:
 
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