If you like crisp, fast shifting, you'll savor the short-throw six-speed manual transmission that's standard in all models. The shifter itself is designed to be an extension of your hand, and shifting effort has been improved for 2008. Along with a light-clutch effort, it allows for lighter, faster shifts in either a joystick or palm-hand position. Because the transmission is located in the rear of the car and is connected to the engine by means of a transaxle and torque tube, Corvette achieves a near 50/50 weight distribution for better overall performance.