The idea that a manual Corvette C8 could become a reality has taken the internet by storm after Tremec showed a new 6-speed transaxle at the SEMA Show last November.
While many fans took that as a sign that General Motors is seriously considering the manual gearbox as a factory option for the C8—after all, Tremec is the official supplier of mid-engine Corvette’s TR-9080 8-speed dual-clutch transmission—the Corvette team shut down the rumors in a rather unusual way.
Last week, Corvette chief engineer Tony Roma said at the 12 Hours of Sebring that the Tremec 6-speed transaxle “is not real” and the Corvette team doesn’t have “any plans to talk about a manual transmission.”
“I love manual transmissions. All I can say is our eight-speed DCT is tremendous, it’s awesome. The car is faster and essentially better with the transmission we make,” Roma said. Roma’s comments were echoed by Corvette engineer Josh Holder, who noted that demand for manual Corvettes tanked near the end of the C7 era. “The market was voting with their wallets, and we didn’t get enough votes,” he said.
Tremec Disagrees With Corvette Chief Engineer's Comments
Now, Tremec never implied that the six-speed manual transaxle was anything more than an aftermarket replacement for the Corvette’s factory DCT. Its SEMA Show press release simply stated that the manual gearbox features the same mounting points as the TR-9080 DCT and therefore is compatible with the C8.
Now, since Roma’s comments seemed to suggest the Tremec 6-speed transaxle isn’t real, The Drive reached out to the Mexican gearbox manufacturer for clarification. Tremec’s reply was very diplomatic.
“At this time, we do not have any comment to share regarding the statements referenced,” a Tremec marketing representative told The Drive. “We respect that our customers and partners are entitled to their own perspectives but unfortunately, we cannot comment at this time.”
By saying that Corvette engineers are “entitled to their own perspectives,” Tremec respectfully disagrees with their comments, therefore implying that the transaxle is real. And quite spectacular, we might add.
Tremec's 6-Speed Transaxle to Hit Stores in 2027
Tremec
By using the same basic housing shape and mounting points as the Tremec TR-9080 8-speed DCT, the 6-speed transaxle is compatible not only with the Corvette C8 but also the Ford Mustang GTD.
Tremec is dead serious about its 6-speed transaxle and has already installed one in a C8 Corvette in November 2025, according to Road & Track. While the manual gearbox is at an early development stage, it's definitely going into production and it's expected to reach aftermarket stores in 2027, targeting custom-car builders and racing teams.
No price is available yet, but those who will be brave enough to attempt the conversion should know that a custom engine control software will also be required, in addition to the obvious task of fitting a manual shifter and clutch pedal in the cabin.
As a reminder, the Tremec 6-speed transaxle can handle up to 800 lb-ft of torque, 1,000 horsepower and a maximum of 8,600 RPM. This means it can theoretically be fitted to any Corvette C8 model south of the ZR1 and ZR1X.
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