In their constant search of meeting stricter emission standards and improving fuel consumption, automakers have to constantly upgrade their products, and a popular option sees the development of transmissions with an increased number of gears.
General Motors is the latest in a long line of car manufacturers to follow this trend, and their newest offering comes in the shape of a nine-speed automatic gearbox, which offers smoother and quicker gear change compared to the six-speed auto that it replaces, while maintaining roughly the same size.
“Everything about the new nine-speed is designed to maximize benefits for the customer. It helps offer greater fuel efficiency in the city, and on the highway, all with the world-class refinement that makes the drive quiet and smooth“, said the Chevrolet Marketing Director, Steve Majoros.
According to Chevy’s parent company General Motors, the new 9-speed automatic is compatible with the engine stop/start system, working together with it to save even more fuel, and those who demand quicker acceleration shouldn’t be concerned either, as the North American automotive giant says that a deeper first gear ratio provides just this.
The first model that benefits from the new tranny is the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu, equipped with the 2.0-liter turbo engine, which returns an EPA-estimated 33 mpg (7.1 l/100 km) on the highway, representing a 3 percent increase over the 2016MY, with the six-speed automatic.
The nine-speed gearbox will make its way, as an option, on 10 GM models by the end of 2017, out of which four will be made by Chevrolet, including the Equinox and Cruze Diesel.
Additionally, General Motors is also working closely together with Ford on a 10-speed automatic transmission, which will debut on the Camaro ZL1 muscle car and F-150 pickup truck next year, but will also make its way into more models, from both companies.
PHOTO GALLERY
