Corvette Stingray probably won't get 8-speed automatic until 2016

There is still no official confirmation from Chevrolet about an eight-speed automatic transmission making its way into the C7 Corvette Stingray, but the Corvette's chief engineer Tadge Juechter seemed to focus on when – not if – the new gearbox would be ready. In a conversation with Auto Guide, Juechter suggested that we might not see the new transmission until 2016 as other Corvette projects continued to be developed.

First up for Chevy engineers is to focus on the all-new 2015 Z06, which is still undergoing final development testing and will be the first to utilize the eight-speed. After that, then Chevy would have more time to calibrate this transmission for use in the Stingray in regards to traction control, launch control, etc. This transmission would likely be used in other Chevy products, including the possibility of the Chevy Silverado.

In the interview, Juechter does give us a hint at just how fun the new gearbox will be in the Corvette (whenever it arrives) as he states that the eight-speed-equipped C7 is "like driving a sports bike."