volvos80

On a GM web site I read the following:

Reports and tips that General Motors has been working on a family of in-house eight-speed automatic transmissions have been circulating for years, but it seems that we may all finally see them as soon as next year. And it’s about time, because considering the competition, they’re overdue. However, the eight-speeds that will be built in-house reportedly still need more time to develop.

To borrow some allotment, Motor Trend reports on behalf of a source that GM has reached a short-term contract with Aisin to supply eight-speed transmission units for rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Think Cadillac ATS, new 2014 CTS, and even the new 2014 Corvette C7. We’ll throw the Chevy Camaro in there as well.

Aisin, which is partly owned by Toyota, currently manufactures two eight-speed automatic transmissions, with one capable of handling high-torque loads that are found in GM’s V8 engines. Motor Trend states that the supply deal will last approximately one year, where afterwards GM will begin utilizing its own eight-speeds.

Read more: http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/11/...#ixzz2bt8i8V5f

So how can I order this in a C7 which I was planning to get next spring? Does anyone have any more input as to this 8 speed auto tranny?

CaryBob

You are about a year late to this party. That article was discussed in several threads last year. Rumors have abounded about an eight speed auto but there has been nothing reported by GM. It is also not clear whether it would offer any advantage beyond extra overdrives for highway cruising. For the time being we have a bulletproof transmission that does a great job.

michaelinmech

1. That is NOT a GM website
2. It's just a rumor - an old one
3. It dates back to November , 2012 - read the article's date
4. It has been repeatedly cover here on the Forum
5. You can't order it in a Corvette you are expecting to get next spring

OnPoint

If this is truly going into a 2015 model, you won't be able to get it next spring. You'll have to wait until you can order a '15.

ZZR1200

I will wait for the 2015 to order and let them clean up any issues that may surface with the initial build year at the same time. Oh yeah, and all the first year pricing problems too. Maybe get an 8 speed at same time?

Achmed

Realistically will there be much of an improvement in acceleration with the A6 vs the A8?

When it was updated from 4 to 6 speeds, that's a significant increase, but im sure at some point there's the law of diminishing returns....will 6 to 8 speed auto improve the #'s by more than a tenth?

jkcam6017

So much for "Buy American".

CaryBob

You hit 60 in second in the six-speed...

Chicago1

I would hope so ...or you meant end of first gear going into 2nd...?

ZZR1200

How many of the actual parts in a Vette are actually manufactured in the USA? And I don't mean assembled. Would be interesting to know.

Talking about speeds, they made a big deal about going to a 7-speed manual from a 6-speed?

tbasco 6

Your concerned about first year issues, but you will buy an eight speed the first year it's available?

ZZR1200

Yes, I have had first year Vettes with minor problems. And yes, I would buy a first year foreign, proven, tried, engineered 8-speed auto transmission without hesitation. I guess you could say it really isn't a first year transmission, unless you are worried that Chevrolet will screw up the installation.
Anyone ordering a Vette now will most likely get it in 2015 anyway, not in a hurry to be part of the stampede and wondering when it will get built, shipped, arrive or any delays.
I bought my first new Vette in 1972 when i was 21 and experienced an electrical fire as it was driven out of the showroom. This will be my 7th, others on this forum have had many more than me. I will be excited and anxious to get it, but not paranoid to where it overruns my daily life.

lt4obsesses

At least 75% in order to be called an American made car.

C7 BOB

How many overdrive gears do you need? When you shift manually, it's sequential, 8-7-6-5-4-3-2. That's a lot of paddling! I drove a 7-speed auto SLK, and it was too much work.

ZZR1200

Thanks guys, appreciate the background info.

WhiteDiamond

Different type of vehicle, but the 8 speed in the new Rams/SRT8 Jeep GC has made a difference. MPG are up and acceleration is faster. Not an Aisin based 8 speed, but gears are usable and shifting isn't really perceivable in normal driving. I expect GM will eventually go this route with the work and patents they have on auto trannies.

Raisin Man

Juechter said this rumor was not true at the Corral at Sebring in March 2013.

punky

Does a sports car with 465 lbs of torque really need 8 forward gears?

SkyTopp

In GM speak it means not true for 2014 only.

NoOne

Huge.

Go look at the differences in the 300, Charger, Grand Cherokee, etc with the 8 speed versus the old unit.

The V6 cars all gained 1 second 0-60.

The SRT-8 Grand Cherokee did not gain much 0-60 because the gearing was close, but 60-120 dropped by like 3 seconds.

Look at the BMW X3 with the turbo 6 compare the year before the 8 speed and the year of the 8 speed. Same with the 328 and 335.

We waited specifically a year to get the 8 speed in a GC, its a big difference.