Do you have any actual facts to support that theory?

Nope, I’ve kept the bow-ties, but blacked them out. Mine is black (an unfortunate consequence of wanting a manual and being willing to take whichever color showed up). But you may see me on 526 from time to time, as it’s my daily commute. I have yellow fog lights which I usually run along with the LED driving lights.…

I’m surprised and disappointed for you. I bought mine from Hendrick in West Ashley in May 2015. They sold another manual in Regal Peacock Green a few months later that ended up getting traded back in to the dealer later in 2016. I didn’t have a great experience the first time showing up just to browse, but the second…

You’re right about the options. I think that it was a mistake not allowing the consumer to make the decision for options and that would have helped overall price concerns. Unfortunately, I believe this was another decision made for simplicity, since the plan was only ever to bring over a given # of cars, and…

I assume you’re talking about Charleston, WV and not SC? I bought my manual SS in Charleston, SC no problem. It was the first in 2015, as far as I know, but there have been others since.

Yea, that’s why I waited for 2015 too. I had a gen 1 CTS-V at the time, and really wasn’t in a huge hurry anyway, but a local dealer got a 6spd in and asked me to come drive it. I fell in love, traded, and haven’t looked back. I love it.

What RWD manual sport sedans can you buy, brand new, for less than that? Serious question. I hear the $$ complaint all the time, but I’ve yet to find a good comparison for new cars.

I hate to hear that... I suppose it depends on where you are. Here in Charleston, SC there’s a few manuals around. I bought one of the first ones around in 2015 and it was right off the dealer lot. No special order, and I paid below MSRP. I believe there are still 1 or 2 in the area for sale.

I hear the “price” argument a lot but I’m not sure I understand. A similarly equipped SRT8 Charger is just as much, if not more expensive, and has a lower quality interior. I mean, where else can you get this size/class of car with this much power in a traditional RWD V8 config for less money?

Thank you. I try to explain this to anyone who will listen, but it’s always “blah blah marketing, blah, cost, blah rental car”. These do exactly what GM is intending them to do here, no less. I’ve even heard they’ve sold quicker than expected. It’s unfortunate, GM’s stance on the car in the US, but it was the…

That’s probably true, I won’t argue. I just really wanted the manual.

Too big and heavy compared to what, though? Of course it’s big and heavy compared to the M3 you suggested, it’s a much bigger car (which is what this guy wants). As for interior quality, for new cars in it’s price range that provide a similar level of performance and RWD, I’d be interested to know what is available…

yea I second John, go drive one. I’m surprised to see Patrick’s hot take on the SS. I cross shopped 2nd gen CTS-Vs, Chargers, M-cars, and AMGs before buying an SS. For the money, size, and drivetrain reliability I think it’s a winner. Interior is much nicer than the CTS-Vs IMHO, though perhaps not as quality of…

Y’all did a nice job picking cars this time, which is surprising in itself, but it was all for naught really. The dude already mentioned the best answer to his own question. Chevy SS, easy choice. Next question.

Did I miss the lap time comparison? I don’t think it would surprise anyone that the car with over 100 more HP would win in a straight line, but what about on an actual track of, god forbid, turns...

Well I don’t think any of that weight is on the front wheels, as the engine even in stock form, sits mostly aft of the front axle line. Also an ecotec is only 2 inches shorter than an LS series engine, so engine COG is likely not very different, particularly when you take into account the position they decide to put…

There’s only a roughly 60-70lb difference between an Ecotec and LS series V8 with aluminum block anyway, and that’s not considering the mass of a larger turbo or aftermarket intercooler parts. So my assumption would be negligible difference in weight distribution.  

That’s pretty scary to witness, I’m sure.

Hat tip to you, sir, for the genuine engineering curiosity and wherewithal to make this happen. You’ve also taught me a few things, as I wasn’t previously aware of this type of valve mechanism and its advantages/disadvantages.