Will GM Offer the Camaro ZL1’s 10-Speed Automatic Transmission for the Corvette Z06?

Earlier this month, Chevrolet introduced the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 that will be coming later this year. The new 6th generation ZL1 is powered by the Corvette Z06’s LT4 V8. In a move that will please Corvette Z06 owners, Chevy has backed the ZL1’s LT4 power rating down slightly to 640 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque in a move that keeps the Z06 as Chevrolet’s “Big Nasty” when it comes to horsepower.

The track ready ZL1 will be equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission which is interesting as Chevrolet has the 7-speed manual available in the parts bin. But the real news is that a new 10-speed automatic transmission will be offered with the car.

The 10-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission was developed jointly with Ford, although Chevrolet says in the ZL1 press release that the quick shift automatic features hardware and unique calibrations exclusive for the new Camaro.

According to Chevrolet, the Camaro ZL1’s 10-speed automatic has a 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.

The press release also confirms that by the end of 2018, GM will introduce the new 10-speed automatic in eight vehicle models.

So what does this mean for the Corvette Z06?

It seems a given that Chevrolet will make available the new 10-speed auto for Corvettes and particularly the Z06 if the ZL1 is offering essentially the same powertrain. The benefits of the 10-speed auto are two-fold. First, the extra cogs were designed to handle more torque than a CVT can in their present state and they will help increase the fuel economy standards for the powerful, rear-wheel drive cars, trucks and SUVs they were developed for.

With the pressure that automakers are under to raise fuel economy standards where ever possible, it wouldn’t make sense for GM to not offer the new transmission for the Z06 or even the Stingray for that matter.

The press release and subsequent interviews with key GM executives say the Camaro ZL1 will be the first General Motors car to receive the transmission . As the ZL1 is expected “in late 2017”, we figure that means if it does comes to the Corvette Z06, it will most likely happen in 2018 as the 2017 Corvette Z06 production will already be underway before the first Camaro ZL1s come off the assembly line.

GM spokesman Tom Read told Automotive News that GM will continue to offer its current eight-speed automatic, which is available in Cadillacs and Corvettes.

The 2018 model year has been on our radar for quite some time as it marks the 5th year of the C7 Corvette. 2018 will be first full production year with the Corvette Assembly Plant’s new $439 million paint shop which we believe will create the necessary space for a secondary production line for the much rumored Corvette ZORA ZR1 mid-engine model.

Should C7 Corvette production continue into 2018 and beyond, then it could possible we are seeing the first signs that Chevrolet will offer a mid-production powertrain upgrade for all three Corvette models to help stimulate sales and keep the C7 line-up fresh.

So yes, we believe the Corvette Z06 will receive the new 10-speed automatic transmission. The real question is when…

Source:
Chevrolet

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