Nowadays, even pickup trucks like the Ram 1500 and VW Amarok come with 8-speed automatic transmissions, making the new Corvette C7’s 6-speed unit look archaic, but the troubled Detroit automaker is trying to catch up with the times – still no word on a dual-clutch transmission, though.
The 2015MY Stingray will ditch the 6-speed auto for a new 8-speed unit codenamed 8L90 designed and built by GM. It’s a modified version of the one that will be offered on the supercharged 2015 Corvette Z06, with different clutch and torque converter specifications matched to the base Corvette’s LT1 6.2L naturally aspirated V8.
GM claims that the new unit, which comes with steering wheel paddles, will contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency over the previous six-speed auto that returns 28 mpg (8.4 l/100 km) highway, with EPA figures to be announced, while also being more than 8 pounds, or about 4 kg, lighter, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum and magnesium.
Furthermore, according to the automaker, “wide-open throttle upshifts are executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch transmission offered in the Porsche 911”.
“Corvette Stingray’s new eight-speed automatic delivers the comfort and drivability of a true automatic transmission, as well as lightning-fast shifts and the manual control that enhance the performance-driving experience,” said Bill Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for 8sp automatic transmissions. “It was designed to enhance the Stingray’s driving experience, with performance on par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement.”
By John Halas
Note: 2014MY Corvette pictured above
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