Major bummer.....

**mcpp66** · 02-14-2011, 12:04 AM

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.

**tuscarora dave** · 02-14-2011, 06:15 AM

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.

I'll never forget that day or how to drive a stick. Necessity was definitely the mother of invention that day.

**Matt** · 02-14-2011, 07:27 AM

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!

**DLB** · 02-14-2011, 07:35 AM

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

**BobbyG** · 02-14-2011, 07:38 AM

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!

**Spicy McHaggis** · 02-14-2011, 07:44 AM

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.

**BobbyG** · 02-14-2011, 07:46 AM

Originally Posted by Spicy McHaggis

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.

And it is as simple as this...

There is no mystery to driving a manual transmission....

**Finemess** · 02-14-2011, 07:56 AM

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.

**jpegs13** · 02-14-2011, 08:06 AM

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"