2020 Corvette Unveiled...the Good...and the Disappointing

On July 18, Chevrolet took to the stage to unveil the new C8 Corvette.

If you haven't already heard:

• Mid-mounted 6.2l small-block V-8 

• 490hp (495 with performance exhaust) 

• 0-60 in under 3 seconds 

• Larger interior than the C7 

• Starting price under $60k (though that is almost certainly something like $59999 before destination) Convertible to be shown later 

However, only one thing leaves us thinking the new Corvette is anything other than perfect.

Primarily of concern is the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. That is all that was announced. And, while a dual-clutch with paddle shifters is no-doubt the fastest way around a track, can it truly be a Corvette with no available manual transmission?

It appears that there is room in the new center console for a shift lever to reside, but the designers have decided to put the infotainment jog-wheel in front of that area...meaning a manual transmission would have to lose that part of the interior - which does not feel like a decision they intend to make at this moment.  We may have to wait until a mid-cycle interior redesign if enough potential buyers balk at the lack of 3 pedals and the engagement of self-shifting.

So, what do you think?  Is the Corvette a non-starter without a proper manual?  Should Chevrolet reconsider this decision as soon as they can for that part of the enthusiast community?