But I think that`s really my point, (auto vs manual), how long would you expect to see two cars travelling at top speed down the road, certainly not long enough for one to actually be so far ahead of the other to be out of sight, and the one behind still pushing.
I think that the stick is more of a play thing, and I want to relax and let all the modern tech. work for me.
So as far as lag, I would have to suspect that the manual would be more prone to it.
Can you even use the no-lift shift while in traffic to pass someone?
Wouldn`t you have to floor the pedal, down shift, then up shift?

 

I would NEVER expect 2 cars to be travelling at top speed down the road.... Now take those same 2 cars to the track, and you have a different story, as that is where it is supposed to be done.

 

Well, as far as a stage kits, which has not been approved, keep in mind that following facts from GM Powertrain:

2008 Hydra-Matic 4T45 Transaxle( MN5 ) 101106
Type: four speed front-wheel-drive, electronically controlled, automatic overdrive transaxle with electronically controlled torque converter clutch
Engine range: 2.2L - 3.5L
Maximum engine torque: 221 lb-ft (300 Nm)

Which means that GM is probably NOT going to release a stage kit that substantially increases engine power/torque for the automatic HHR SS.
And as for the "supposed " hp difference between stick and autos, why would GM not advertise the highest possible HP: The Solstice and Sky have rear wheel drive auto trans missions rated for higher HP, thats why they don't have a HP penalty for automatics.
The last thing is the manual will ALWAYS beat the auto in mileage.

 

My bubble rarely bursts. I've been driving sticks and autos for many years, and yes there is a car, a time and place for either an auto or manual. I gave up smoking that stuff years ago.

It depends on what you want the car for. If you are a drage racer or just want to go fast in a stright line, yes (maybe) the auto might get you down thw 1/4 mile faster.

But if you are a road racer or street driver (back roads and twisties) the manual is faster, more fun, safer. Plus with the HHR-SS they charge $1K less and give you 25 more HP.

Read the artice I posred a link to to see how the HHR-SS's auto preformed on a track. http://jalopnik.com/cars/jalopnik-re...t-1-334563.php

I'll meet you on the Pocono road course and let's see who's watching who's tail lights.

Is your C2 a stick? My C5 is. But a street C2 is a better drag car than road racer.

 

25 extra HP difference is somthing that can be #1 compensated for in an exhaust system upgrade and #2 will be surpassed with the stage kits. As my dealership told me, its all done through computer programing so that you have to buy the stage kits. Granted the manuals have more power, but what is that really going to translate to on the street? How much faster is it really going to be? As I said, I sat right with a GXP Solstice 5 speed, my friend works at a dealership so we decided to play around, he was reving it out and the whole 9 yards and the Automatic SS was right there. We ran them to 90 and were DEAD EVEN. So you cant tell me that a 5 Speed HHR SS is going to destroy a GXP solsitce or an automatic SS. As was stated before, if your buying it as a toy then get the 5 speed just cause toys should be 5 speeds, but if you already have a toy or just want to have the extra power and not have to worry about shifting then get the automatic. After buying my SS automatic, I test drove a manual just to see the difference and have to say that I dont like the way that the clutch feels, add to the fact that I would never feel comfortable about no lift shifting (not to mention where are you going to use it and how often?), and I feel that in the coming months (espically after the stage kit which they are making) you will see that the Automatics have a better following. As far as the article is concerned, say that the automatic is SLOW??? So the supercharged Cobalt SS that came with a GM reported 205 hp with a manual must be the worse car ever created then (I mean they have the same $0.02 window switches) Plus they rip on the entire platform which has been declared one of the best in GM's line up and the most inovative in ANY car makers line up. So personaly, they can sit on it and spin regarding their opinions. And im not denying that the engine makes 260hp at all. All im saying is that the DIFFERENCE between the auto and the manual is not as great.

 

Until this happens, this argument will go on forever...

I'll gladly race someone, even though I don't have an SS.
Maybe the local boys are up for some 1/8 mile in Havana this summer...

I can picture it now, a big group of HHR's rolling up to a drag strip, with everyone in the croud rolling there eyes.

 

Point is, there is no valid argument. The stock SS 5 speed is faster. Acceleration, top speed, whatever, with or without no-lift engaged. The auto has advantages, and is a perfectly legitimate choice for those who prefer it. The following test quote is typical of all the road tests I read. "During my first few laps at the Bondurant road course I got stuck with both Edmund's Dan Pund and my first taste of a slushbox HHR SS. After two laps each Dan and I were rolling our eyes. This thing was tuned where? Certainly not on Green Hell. The gearbox seemed to shift just for the hell of it and we were totally under whelmed. Sadly Chevy believes that the automatic HHR SS will account for 70% of sales. We're saying sadly because with the stick the car is a blast."

 

[QUOTE=Stealth;234416]I think that the stick is more of a play thing, QUOTE]

Off subject a bit, but not in the HHR SS it isn’t. There can be other reasons for getting a manual. If you live in the mountains and want LSD for the winter and a transmission that doesn’t up shift going down hills when it feels like it (really dangerous), then you have no choice but the manual. GM doesn’t allow the option.

 

BINGO! Exactly why I bought a 5 speed. Why should I pay 1k more for less performance?

I see your point to an extent but again I would have paid 1k more for less performance and then to get to the level of the 5 speed I need to spend more money in after market parts? Please explain to me how this can possibly make sense and be rationally justified.
Also wasn't it GM that said the tranny in the auto probably wouldn't hold the hp hence the reason for de-tuning it? So factor in tranny upgrades or replacement into your equation and you'll spend a butt load of money to get 25hp.

 

#1. IF there is a stage kit, it will be offered for the manual cars too.
(besides, there is no written proof of a "stage kits other than some salesguys blowharding)
#2. The factory qutes 6.3sec 0-60 for the manual, 7.5 sec for the auto, now thats noticable.
#3. ALL the magazine test and drive evaluations mentioned a substantial difference in performance/feel in the manual cars.
#4. You don't have to use the "no-lift" feature.
#5. My Grandma can drive an auto HHR ss fast, but she probably wouldn't like a "toy" manual either, too old.

Just be happy with what you bought, for the reasons you bought it, and don't get so bent about the truth: the manual is faster, gets better mileage, but is more work to drive, less convenient in town driving, and probably is harder to actually be faster in, but it is faster.