Interview w/ Corvette Chief Engineer explains why 6 speed auto (and not 8) chosen

Tran · 01-23-2013, 12:04 PM

Some interesting bits:

He explains why the choice to go with a 6 speed automatic transmission (and not 8 speed) - see 10:30 into video. Basically reason is that the 6 speed is good for high torque engine like the LT1, while fitting an 8 speed just adds weight and mass.

Also says that they haven't shared everything about the car yet (woohoo!).

GaBoy25 · 01-23-2013, 12:14 PM

I'll take my 7 speed though.

He was extremely smooth with his wording. I just sat there and:sad:

CamaroSkooter · 01-23-2013, 12:41 PM

Launch Control in the automatic transmission

FenwickHockey65 · 01-23-2013, 12:44 PM

Pretty sure an 8 speed will work its way into the Corvette eventually.

JoeP@TeamBeckyD · 01-23-2013, 12:57 PM

All Great Info....

"..and holding back a little..."

CamaroSkooter · 01-23-2013, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Pretty sure an 8 speed will work its way into the Corvette eventually.

I don't know why you would need so many gears on a vehicle with this wide of a torque curve.

I can understand an 8-speed on a high revving European engine because you have to keep the engine inside a certain small band of rpms to have any useable torque. But on a big displacement American V8?

Meh.

FenwickHockey65 · 01-23-2013, 01:18 PM

Trucks are all slated to get it in the near future with the new V8s. I'm just assuming Corvette will eventually.

CamaroSkooter · 01-23-2013, 01:20 PM

I'm betting the trucks are getting them more for fuel economy. When hauling something, you can have a pretty big impact on gas usage if you have another gear between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th...

GaBoy25 · 01-23-2013, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorvetteSkooter

I'm betting the trucks are getting them more for fuel economy. When hauling something, you can have a pretty big impact on gas usage if you have another gear between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th...

This is what I thought as well. Economy not performance

CamaroSkooter · 01-23-2013, 01:23 PM

...but since the only thing a Corvette is hauling is ass...

Stingray · 01-23-2013, 01:42 PM

If AFM can be manually toggled-off at a beckon call, I'd be rejoicing.

GaBoy25 · 01-23-2013, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray

If AFM can be manually toggled-off at a beckon call, I'd be rejoicing.

That would be glorious

OctaneZ28 · 01-23-2013, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stingray

If AFM can be manually toggled-off at a beckon call, I'd be rejoicing.

Me too, but that's highly unlikely.
It will likely only be defeat-able with a tune, much like Camaro's AFM.
AFM is not an enthusiast-friendly option IMHO.

01-23-2013, 12:04 PM	#1
Tran Administrator Drives: 2010 Camaro of course.... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NE baby Posts: 5,595 View My Garage	Interview w/ Corvette Chief Engineer explains why 6 speed auto (and not 8) chosen Some interesting bits: He explains why the choice to go with a 6 speed automatic transmission (and not 8 speed) - see 10:30 into video. Basically reason is that the 6 speed is good for high torque engine like the LT1, while fitting an 8 speed just adds weight and mass. Also says that they haven't shared everything about the car yet (woohoo!).

01-23-2013, 12:41 PM	#3
CamaroSkooter Retarded One-Legged Owl Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 9,745	Launch Control in the automatic transmission __________________ My VIN = 2G1FK1EJ9A9105017 Build Date: 04-23-2009 according to: http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

01-23-2013, 12:44 PM	#4
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2020 Colorado Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,324 View My Garage	Pretty sure an 8 speed will work its way into the Corvette eventually. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2020 Chevrolet Colorado W/T Extended Cab (State-issued)

01-23-2013, 01:18 PM	#7
FenwickHockey65 General Motors Aficionado Drives: 2023 GMC Canyon, 2020 Colorado Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 37,324 View My Garage	Trucks are all slated to get it in the near future with the new V8s. I'm just assuming Corvette will eventually. __________________ 2023 GMC Canyon Elevation 2020 Chevrolet Colorado W/T Extended Cab (State-issued)

01-23-2013, 01:20 PM	#8
CamaroSkooter Retarded One-Legged Owl Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 9,745	I'm betting the trucks are getting them more for fuel economy. When hauling something, you can have a pretty big impact on gas usage if you have another gear between 4th and 5th or 5th and 6th... __________________ My VIN = 2G1FK1EJ9A9105017 Build Date: 04-23-2009 according to: http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

01-23-2013, 12:14 PM	#2
GaBoy25 Drives: 2010 SS/RS M6/2500HD Lmm LTZ Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: South Georgia Posts: 2,543	I'll take my 7 speed though. He was extremely smooth with his wording. I just sat there and:sad:

01-23-2013, 12:57 PM	#5
JoeP@TeamBeckyD 1 Drives: SS,PaceCar,ZL1,1LE,C7Z51,Z06,17-ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Detroit, Mich Posts: 68,630	All Great Info.... "..and holding back a little..."

01-23-2013, 01:23 PM	#10
CamaroSkooter Retarded One-Legged Owl Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 9,745	...but since the only thing a Corvette is hauling is ass... __________________ My VIN = 2G1FK1EJ9A9105017 Build Date: 04-23-2009 according to: http://www.compnine.com/vid.php

01-23-2013, 01:42 PM	#11
Stingray just can't get enough Drives: a bunch of fast toys... Join Date: May 2012 Location: SoFla Posts: 3,605 View My Garage	If AFM can be manually toggled-off at a beckon call, I'd be rejoicing.