Rumored: 8 Speed Automatics, Turbochargers Coming for 2014 GM Trucks?

[FenwickHockey65]

Eight-speed automatic, turbo engines coming to 2014 GM full-size trucks?
Left Lane News
By Nat Shirley
July 25, 2011

The rumor mill also seems to be focused on fuel efficiency, as the latest whisperings are that GM is likely to add eight-speed automatic transmissions and turbocharged engines to its next generation of full-size trucks.

Though there is yet no official word from GM concerning the powertrains for the successors to the long in the tooth GMT900 full-size pickups and SUVs, there is reason to take the recent speculation seriously.

For starters, GM recently announced that it will invest $250 million in a transmission plant in Toledo, Ohio. One of the plant’s main products: a new eight-speed transmission that can be adapted for use in longitudinal-engined, rwd vehicles.

While there is less hard data to support the turbocharging component of the rumor, the General has clearly shown with the turbo engines in the Chevrolet Cruze and Buick Regal that the technology is part of its long term strategy. Additionally, countering rival Ford’s Ecoboost V6, which has been implemented with a fair amount of sales success in the F-150, would seem a logical step to take.

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[Amphibian]

This would be great. GM was the last to leave the 4-speed party with the GMT900s but they can leapfrog everyone here.

[igotzzoom]

Awaiting comment from Jim Farley in 3...2...1....

[jckjds]

I think the law of diminishing returns is about to put a halt to the increasing number of gears. The addition of gear ratios is unlikely to substantially reduce fuel economy, but given the difficulty automakers have had with gear hunting in 6 speed transmissions, I would guess that overal satisfaction with 8 gear units is not going to be overwhelming.

3.0TT Silverado?

[Stéphane Dumas]

I hope to see that 8-speed auto coming to other vehicules: Camaro, CTS, etc....

[KingElvis]

I was skeptical about the zillion speed trannies until I drove one. Still, this seems like the marginal utility of the additional gears is definitely diminishing.

However, if they really gave you a 'granny' first gear, it could obviate the need for the the two speed transfer case - the Avalanche has abandoned it already, and if you were looking at a 5:1 or 6:1 first gear, why bother with low range?

I'm pretty skeptical that a FWD eight speed could be 'adapted' for use in a pickup though. The power loads would be so widely divergent.

[CJH]

These SUV's could use the new 8 speed - good news!!

Some DI TT engines wouldn't hurt either. The Ecoboost is selling as fast as they can make them in the F150. I think Ford has the best mix of gas engines in the lineup right now, looking forward to seeing what GM counters with!!

[episode26]

I think the law of diminishing returns is about to put a halt to the increasing number of gears. The addition of gear ratios is unlikely to substantially reduce fuel economy, but given the difficulty automakers have had with gear hunting in 6 speed transmissions, I would guess that overal satisfaction with 8 gear units is not going to be overwhelming
3.0TT Silverado?

If you look at it from the manufacturers perspective- 6% or 8% savings in fuel efficiency across a fleet of million or so trucks is a rather substantial savings. Didn't GM build more than a million trucks last year off of this platform. When your dealing with such a large fleet, even minor gains in efficiency in has huge real world numbers.

[chevypowa670]

3.0 TT with a 8 speed tranny? Yes please!



I would like to see this engine line up for the next trucks.

3.6 DI- 310-315 HP

5.3 DI V8- 360-370 HP 380-400 Torque

3.0 TT- 360-380 HP 430-450 Torque

6.2 DI V8- 425 HP 425 Torque.


Now that would be sweeet.

[shabodah]

How is the GMT900 "long in the tooth"? It's only been around since MY 2007, and most of the lineup has only recently begun to receive the 6-speed autos...

[GMusa]

im all for that! lets see it GM!!

[germeezy1]

I would prefer a twin turbo 3.6 to better match Ford, since the engines are externally the same I imagine some variation of the 3.0 TT hardware would work on the 3.6.

[Novak454]

3.0TT Silverado?

With an 8 speed adn 3.23 gears on a lightened truck -
or even the LFX 3.6 v-6 w/ 8 speed, and you have the makings of a true 25 mpg full size.
I hope GM jumps ahead this time and doesn't just 'catch up'...

[germeezy1]

With an 8 speed adn 3.23 gears on a lightened truck -
or even the LFX 3.6 v-6 w/ 8 speed, and you have the makings of a true 25 mpg full size.
I hope GM jumps ahead this time and doesn't just 'catch up'...

You have a good point there, a 3.0TT with an 8 speed auto could provide similar performance to the Ecoboost and better gas mileage. Considering my assumption and hope that the Ford trucks will be heavier.

[Amphibian]

How is the GMT900 "long in the tooth"? It's only been around since MY 2007, and most of the lineup has only recently begun to receive the 6-speed autos...

Well, they kinda are. They first hit showrooms in 2006. That was five years ago, fairly old in the automotive world.