[Nick S]

Ok, so I see there is a thread above for pics of delivery and after delivery of A10 ZL1's. With all of the anticipation, praise by journalists, and discussions on the forum about how good the A10 will or won't be, why do I not see any reviews from those who have taken delivery of their A10? Come on let's here about them. The good...the bad...all of it. Let's get real world feedback on how fast it shifts and how useful those paddles are.

[Hammerli]

Obviously not everyone is in this situation, but some number of the deliveries are to people still stuck in winter. I mean it is 23 degrees, feels like 12, and snow flurries where I am, so regardless of my tranny I am not getting out the toys. I mean I drove mine home, was able to put a few miles on it, then it went basically into storage, so those with A10's maybe have not had enough time to get break-in miles on the car (seems most subscribe to the break-in), so a review of taking off from the occasional stop light but keeping it under 4K RPM might not be the most useful. Just some thoughts, IDK.

[Nick S]

Yes I'm well aware of the winter situation being from Madison WI area. But our resident Mr mlee is from Texas and from what I saw in the pic thread he has taken delivery of his A10 ZL1. So I'm hoping the few in areas without salty roads can hurry up and provide some real world feedback!

[mlee]

I'll be reviewing mine in detail with track days coming up as well. It's way too early since we have to get 1,500 on first. I'm at 500 now and working 12 hr shifts so not much time to spend checking things out.

I am however daily driving it to work and back (70 miles round trip) so I can get miles on and from all indications this thing is everything it's hyped up to be and then some. Since you asked about paddles I think the +- shifter is going to be way more useful. Have to watch the RPMs right now so not downshifting too much in manual mode but it's going to be sweet.

So many other bells and whistles too. For grins I used the heated steering wheel this morning and it felt awesome even though it was 70 deg at the time. The cooling on the Recaros is excellent too. Soon as you hit the button it cools all the way up to your shoulder blades. Memory buttons and blind spot warning lights in the mirrors are very cool too.

More to come in my build thread once I can get on this thing.

[Artos]

Got mine yesterday but I won't have any feedback for a while due to the extensive break in is completed...I will say I dig shifting with the gear handle over the paddles in town.

[Inspector 17]

Here's one for you...

I logged almost 400 miles so far in the ZL1. It's been a mix of highway, back winding country roads, town center streets and stop and go city traffic. The weather so far for me has been cooler, around 45 degrees but crept up to as high as 68. So more early spring like days for Maryland.

I was a little annoyed at having to adhere to the suggested break-in instructions which include staying away from high revs and keeping it under 80MPH. Geez! You might as well tell me I have to take off the front wheels. LOL!

Seriously though, there wasn't anything I threw at the car so far that it didn't respond well to. I've spent most of the time toggling back and forth between Tour mode and Sport mode to see which I liked better and to see if I could tell a difference. I definitely could and for most of the time I prefer to be in Sport mode. The steering seems to be more connected and responsive and I don't notice enough of a difference in the suspension to warrant missing out on the great steering and exhaust note.

This car seems just as happy bubbling along at 55 as it does at 75. I'm sure it would really rather be doing 90, but we'll save that for an appropriate location and after break-in. It also seems as happy on the highway as it does in city traffic. I was thoroughly surprised by that as well. This is a car that you don't mind logging 100+ miles at a time. I have to say, I wasn't expecting it to be this comfortable.

I thought with a car essentially setup to be a track car that I would get uncomfortable in the seat after a while. Not at all. I was comfortable for all day long driving and never felt as though I needed to get out and stretch my legs. I have another longer trip coming up next week so I'm eager to take it again and see how it does. I'm hoping the weather cooperates, but it doesn't look like it is going to do that.

Another thing I thought might be a problem was the exhaust drone. With all that engine, I thought for sure there would be some throttle range where it was too much. Definitely not the case. Even in sport mode, the noise is only there when you want it to be and oh is it glorious! It makes you want to pop the throttle constantly just to hear it. And when the supercharger spools up and starts to whine it's even better. I'm sure as I can get on it more it will prove to be an even better concert. I can't wait.

For those wondering if they should go with the A10 or get the manual, I would HIGHLY recommend the A10. I've always been a manual person and I really thought I would miss shifting gears. This transmission is so well matched to the engine and the entire car that I have to admit it might be more fun than a manual. The power just seems to always be there. The shifts are fast and crisp and it can go from gear to gear up and down with ease. Pop the throttle and the car will put you in the best gear. I also like the performance shift mode when you're in Sport mode. It holds the gear changes like it knows when I would want it to shift and when I wouldn't. I've never been happier that I waited for the A10. What an amazing combination!

I have to say, GM really nailed it. This is one of the best cars I've ever driven. The interior is awesome top to bottom. I know it's probably some sort of crime, but I think I prefer the ZL1 over the Corvette. I've been in both the regular C7 and the Z06 and while I'm sure the Vette can take me on the track, I'd still take the ZL1.

So, well done Camaro team and GM. I thought I would be sad saying goodbye to my 5th Gen Camaro. And while I had a sentimental attachment to it, I never had this much fun in it. I can't wait to get out and drive the ZL1 more!

[RedCamaroZL1]

Thanks for that review! I have been nervous that I might regret going A10. The 2013 ZL1 I had was an M6. So I am nervously excited for the A10 tranny. These positive reviews from people that came from manuals really helps! Thanks again!

[mlee]

Originally Posted by RedCamaroZL1

Thanks for that review! I have been nervous that I might regret going A10. The 2013 ZL1 I had was an M6. So I am nervously excited for the A10 tranny. These positive reviews from people that came from manuals really helps! Thanks again!

I had a 2012 M6 and was never really on the fence about my choice to go A10 until the 1LE dropped at Daytona.

Now that I've actually driven it. I have ZERO regrets. This trans is going to be even more fun.

[Nick S]

Thanks for the early reviews! Let's keep them coming!!

[Stephen12ZL1]

this is an owner review: http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=486429