I have no need for training wheels, aka auto transmission, as I am a grown man not a little baby that pretends to have a real mans car... just kidding!
Seriously though. Nothing wrong with an auto in a car especially since it can be faster and makes a better daily driver. But, some people are a better fit with a GT500 over a ZL1. The GT500 has a tradition of only offering a manual. It is made for certain enthusiast not to the masses. If I had to choose between the two, I would get the GT500. Of course the SS with 1LE package only comes in manual and it is more of my price range. So I will be in a camaro for a while.