As the Chevrolet Corvette C8 continues to evolve into faster, more powerful, and more technologically complex variants, Tremec is taking an increasingly hands on role in ensuring the reliability of the car’s most critical component: its eight-speed dual clutch transmission.
The DCT has been central to the C8’s identity since launch—lightning quick shifts, computer-controlled precision, and the ability to handle everything from the Stingray’s balanced power to the Z06’s screaming flat plane V8. But as GM pushes the Corvette lineup into even more extreme territory, the demands placed on the transmission have grown dramatically.
That’s why 2025 marked a strategic shift. While Tremec has always engineered the Corvette’s gearbox, some units were assembled under license at GM’s St. Catharines plant in Ontario beginning in 2022. That arrangement has now ended. All Corvette dual clutch transmissions are once again fully assembled at Tremec’s Michigan facility, bringing production back under the direct supervision of the company that designed it.
The move isn’t about geography—it’s about control.
With the Corvette family expanding to include the hybrid E Ray and the high output ZR1 and ZR1X, Tremec is dealing with unprecedented levels of complexity. Though the transmission case remains basically the same across all models, the internals vary dramatically. Higher powered versions receive reinforced input shafts; hardened, stronger gears; upgraded lubrication systems; redesigned final drives; and more robust hydraulic valves.
These enhancements are essential for managing the extreme torque loads and heat generated by the top tier models. As the engineering challenges grow, so does the need for tighter oversight.
Centralizing assembly allows Tremec to monitor tolerances, materials, and testing procedures with greater precision—something increasingly important as the Corvette pushes into supercar territory.
Meanwhile, GM’s St. Catharines plant remains a vital part of the company’s future. It will shift its focus to producing the next generation of gasoline V8 engines, continuing its long history as a cornerstone of GM’s powertrain operations.
All Corvette models continue to be built in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the iconic sports car has been assembled since 1981.
In the end, the transmission itself hasn’t changed—but the way it’s built has. And for a car whose performance depends so heavily on its gearbox, Tremec’s renewed control over production signals one thing: as the Corvette grows more powerful, quality matters more than ever.
Source:
tarantas.news
Related:
New GM TechLink Article Highlights an Issue over the DCT Transmission in C8 Corvette E-Rays
TREMEC Just Released a Manual 6-Speed Transmission with the Same Mounting Points of the C8’s DCT
GM is Making C8 Corvette Transmission Repairs Possible with New Parts Available
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Hmmmm — sounds fishy to me. Don’t suppose a certain idiot’s insistence on throwing a tariff grenade into the middle of the highly integrated North American automotive industry might have had something to do with this decison.
Dear DougR, I read your comment and got curious. BLUF – today the transmission is exempt from tariffs (per copilot) – because apparently it is automobile-parts compliant with the Canada‑U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) which are exempt from the new U.S. tariffs. It seems that a decision was made at some point in the past to produce it in Canada (vs Mexico or Europe) to ensure compliance. So, not likely a contributor to bringing more manufacturing to Michigan (a good thing, agree?). The article also mentions that V8 engines are backfilling for the Tremec transmission work at St. Catherines. Apparently, all engines built in St. Catherines are also compliant and tariff exempt. Best Regards
GM issued a bulletin that some DCT’s would be changed because they found some were improperly torqued in assembly (sounds like they found a mis-calibrated tool). Although Tremec supplies the parts, they are allowing GM to assemble in Canada verses where they were in Michigan for the 2020 thru at least 2023 C8s.They had started that assembly in Michigan for the C8. Tremec had acknowledged they had some assembly issues. GM, when closing some Canadian facilities agreed with the union they would bring some work back to Canada. That was said why they are now assembled in Canada. We’ll never know the “real” story as why it moved. Thanks, Ray
Doug = Another moron with TDS.
DougR is a great American. The others here are deplorable fools who should, along with their families, choke to death. Gaaaak!!
Hal Authers, socialist boot licker who cares more about making himself “feel good” with made up virtue signals that have no root in reality. To Hal, facts don’t matter as poster “Flash” so eloquently informed us. Nope, Hal can’t handle the results of an election or the thought of a prosperous strong based America.. So he throws toddler tantrums. Nice work Hal. You should look up the term “useful idiot”, I hope the reality punch doesn’t shock you too much.
Flash — exempt for now, but recent comments have cast doubt on the current US Administration’s interest seeing CUSMA/USMCA continue.
The 7 speed in my C7 was built in Mexico.
They need more capacity and QC to gear up for the new M6.
Hal,
Doug is a great American because he doesn’t want the transmissions built in America?
I’d wager a guess that Doug hails from Canada based on his comments.
Taking verbal shots at public figures is your right, but when the side that loves to claim moral superiority keeps taking literal shots at political opponents and starts telling regular folks with differing opinions that they and their families should choke to death, it calls into question whether they are the good guys and “on the right side of history” as they claim.
Food for thought.
Bowling Green cut a shift last year. St. Catharines was the overflow to Tremec when the demand was high. This is old news as they haven’t been making them since last March. This has nothing to do with quality and certainly nothing to do with tariffs, everything to do with the Corvette market.
What part of America. America is a co kinetic, not a country. Learn your geography!!!!
I more and more support Rob Ford position about Ontario (and ultimately Canadian) auto industry. But yeah, it’s about control, economic, not production as herd they claim… And Carney is useless regarding our auto industry imho.
GM took wDCT C8 Production away from TREMEC; due to SOP delays and WARRANTY problems early in production.
– we can only HOPE TREMEC QUALITY at their Wixom facility is now capable??
Doug R,
Fun fact:
So, an “idiot” has superior intelligence over you.
Before you toss out elementary grade level immaturity, obtain an education on the subject.
One who bases their thoughts and opinions off hate is a direct reflection of one’s emotional immaturity (EQ).
Hal Authers,
Thanks for the elementary grade level mentality and immaturity. 👍
The DCT is NOT “…the car’s most critical component…”. The driver/passenger safety cage is. False technical HYPE brings the rest of the article into question.
TT C8
There is no such thing and everybody knows it, including you!
Just ask the hundreds of C8 owners that had to have wDCT replaced at LOW miles (many were WALK HOMES).
The fact that Trans Fluid and Filter MUST be replaced at 7,500 miles makes it obvious there are some problems that are abusing the Trans Fluid and Clutches (clutch material in the filter is common)
Side bar: C7 M7’s, are made in Mexico. The DCT parts are still being made there! Tremec is a Mexican company that makes HD trucks etc. transmissions. Thanks, Ray
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