2015 Corvette Stingray Will Get The New Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission

This morning, General Motors put an end to speculation that the new 8L90 Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission would not make it into the base C7 Corvette next year by announcing the availability of the new high performance automatic for the 2015 Corvette Stingray.

The new 8L90 automatic was designed and built by General Motors at its Toledo, Ohio plant specifically for its high performance cars which includes the Corvette Z06 and Stingray. The transmission is expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency compared to the previous six-speed automatic which means that the Stingray could see 30 MPG Highway fuel economy with the new transmission.

“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 eight-speed automatic transmissions. “It was designed to enhance the Stingray’s driving experience, with performance on par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement.”

The eight-speed auto for the Stingray is based on the same transmission that will go into the high performance Z06, but it features a unique clutch and torque converter matched to the Stingray’s 6.2L LT1 engine.

GM says the transmission features a new control system and unique algorithms that deliver shift performance that rivals the dual-clutch/semi-automatic transmissions found in many supercars – but with the smoothness and refinement that comes with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter. The controller analyses and executes commands 160 times per second. 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.

The new transmission has four gearsets and five clutches and the smaller steps between gears keep the engine withing the sweet spot of the RPM Band, making the most of its horsepower and torque to optimize performance and efficiency.

Source:
General Motors

Related:
New Eight-Speed Auto Transmission Could Boost Corvette Stingray to 30 MPG Highway
A Closer Look at the 8-Speed Automatic for the 2015 Corvette Z06
REPORT: 2015 Corvette Stingray Will Not Get Eight-Speed Auto Transmission