CT4-V Some thoughts after test driving an auto 4-v blackwing, and asking for some advice regarding manual vs auto

[cjz]

After trying to drive fast to keep (catch) up with the (race team) 5 BW drivers.....and failing...I got very frustrated. I then tried to concentrate purely on technique and not worry so much about speed (per se)....and (like you) of course every lap was getting better. Shame I missed the last session(s)? as I had gained confidence and was starting to push it much harder (and brake later and harder). I probably did best in the chicane where i didn't have to brake at all...

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast

 

[Kawman]

I'm late to the conversation, but my vote is for the manual.

The primary reason I bought the CT4 Blackwing is because it's available in a standard. The primary reason I don't have a C8 Corvette is because it's not available in a standard.

I saw several people mention the hill hold feature, but I didn't see anyone mention how you don't have to work the gas and clutch in first gear. You can let the clutch out without touching the gas and the computer will give it some gas. In heavy traffic you only need to operate one pedal. I only mention this for those that claim traffic in a standard is annoying.

 

[oldskoolboarder]

I'm late to the conversation, but my vote is for the manual.

The primary reason I bought the CT4 Blackwing is because it's available in a standard. The primary reason I don't have a C8 Corvette is because it's not available in a standard.

I saw several people mention the hill hold feature, but I didn't see anyone mention how you don't have to work the gas and clutch in first gear. You can let the clutch out without touching the gas and the computer will give it some gas. In heavy traffic you only need to operate one pedal. I only mention this for those that claim traffic in a standard is annoying.

How does that work in practice? I'm planning to take my new CT4V home from the dealer tomorrow and expect to be sitting in traffic.

 

[SynisterAZ]

How does that work in practice? I'm planning to take my new CT4V home from the dealer tomorrow and expect to be sitting in traffic.

Youll see, just slowly release the clutch and the car has some sort of anti-stall logic built in and will add a touch of gas to get rolling, more so than just idle/flywheel inertia.

Id say its really only relevant in true bumper to bumper traffic and I wouldnt really say it makes traffic in a manual any less annoying but this car with the manual is probably one of the easiest to manage combos.

The anti-stall is more obvious in reverse, you really dont need any gas at all to reverse, just a slow feathered clutch release and she'll back up even a slightly inclined driveway at a decent pace.

The other cool thing is you can set the parking brake at a stop and it automatically disengages as soon as you touch the gas to start moving. But you do need to touch the gas, the concept of just feathering the clutch will fight the brake.

 

[Kawman]

Like Synister said, it just does it on it's own.

Being I'd driven standards all my life, I never even noticed the feature. Someone else pointed is out to me.

 

[668LT4]

Make no mistake, if you release the clutch at a normal rate without adding some gas pedal, the car will stall. But if you ride the clutch out slowly, you can plug along.

 

[CBH]

I had no idea there were more automagic shennanigans going on with the clutch !!

I've had hill stop kick in a few times, but didn't notice the auto-start thing.

I like Rev Match too, mainly because the ECU gets the immediate throttle response denied to my right foot.

 

[oldskoolboarder]

Youll see, just slowly release the clutch and the car has some sort of anti-stall logic built in and will add a touch of gas to get rolling, more so than just idle/flywheel inertia.

Id say its really only relevant in true bumper to bumper traffic and I wouldnt really say it makes traffic in a manual any less annoying but this car with the manual is probably one of the easiest to manage combos.

The anti-stall is more obvious in reverse, you really dont need any gas at all to reverse, just a slow feathered clutch release and she'll back up even a slightly inclined driveway at a decent pace.

The other cool thing is you can set the parking brake at a stop and it automatically disengages as soon as you touch the gas to start moving. But you do need to touch the gas, the concept of just feathering the clutch will fight the brake.

This will save me driving the hills in San Francisco. No more parking brake hands!

 

[Professor Speed]

@Kawman appreciate you joining the conversation late. I had read when first got my 4BW about being able to roll the car by letting the clutch go without giving it any gas but forgot about it. After riding your post, I gave it a try. I find it more fun when in reverse for some reason

 

[BW56M]

Had that feature on my 2019 GT350, along with hill assist. Taught my (at the time) 15 year old grandson how to drive a standard shift, before he even had a driver's license. Made it much easier for him to learn. Now at 17 years old, he now drives my 5BW manual like a pro.

 

[rubberduck]

Had that feature on my 2019 GT350, along with hill assist. Taught my (at the time) 15 year old grandson how to drive a standard shift, before he even had a driver's license. Made it much easier for him to learn. Now at 17 years old, he now drives my 5BW manual like a pro.

Hopefully you don’t let him drive it unattended. I know what I did with cars when I was 17. - So many stories I could fill up pages on this topic.

 

[oldskoolboarder]

Isn't riding the clutch bad? I tested releasing the clutch and not hitting the gas in traffic and got the slow roll. But since I was a kid, it was always hammered into me not to ride the clutch. Am I missing something?

 

[rubberduck]

IDK about the 4BW, but on the 5BW when the clutch is slowly released in 1st with no throttle the revs jump up a little, once the car starts rolling I push the clutch in then release it quicker than the first time. Only done this method on flat surfaces.