The new 10-speed automatic transmission developed in partnership with Ford promises to turn the Camaro ZL1 into a proper point and shoot weapon.
Chevy promises faster upshifts than a DCT along with a new performance standard they say will move the goalposts across the segment.
The Camaro ZL1 will be the first serial-production car to feature the jointly developed autobox--Ford will debut it in the Raptor later this year and the Mustang is expected to get it sometime next year.
"There is simply nothing like the experience offered with the new 10-speed automatic in the Camaro ZL1," said Aaron Link, ZL1 lead development engineer. "It delivers nearly instantaneous, lightning-fast shifts that alter your perception of what an automatic transmission can offer in a high-performance vehicle - whether you're on the street, drag strip or road course."
In order to raise both overall performance and efficiency the automatic ZL1 features a wide 7.39 overall ratio spread-- a tire destroying first gear ratio of 4.70 gives the ZL1 raucous off-the-line performance. Smaller steps between the gears keeps the supercharged LT4 in the fun and fat part of the powerband at all times, turning it into a proverbial slingshot out of the apex.
"The gear ratios are so tightly spaced that the transmission is in the right gear and the engine is at the best rpm for transitions from corners to straights," said Link. "And with the power from the ZL1's supercharged LT4 engine, the force you feel in your seat as you accelerate out of a turn will put a grin on your face every time."
![The all-new 10 speed automatic transmission is the first 10 speed automatic for a volume production car. The performance 10 speed transmission transfers power and torque with quick shifts and maintains more engine power after each shift.]( "The all-new 10 speed automatic transmission is the first 10 speed automatic for a volume production car. The performance 10 speed transmission transfers power and torque with quick shifts and maintains more engine power after each shift.")
The 10-speed was heavily benchmarked against Porsche's venerated PDK--the 1-2 shift is 36-percent faster, 2-3 is 27-percent quicker and 26-percent better from 3-4.
"You touch the paddle and the gear changes with immediacy," said Link. "The shifts happen so quickly and without delay that it almost feels like an extension of your reflexes. It's a much more involving experience for the driver that really helps improve confidence and performance on the track."
In terms of efficiency, the 10-speed offers a numerically lower top gear than the 8-speed in those other Camaros, letting the LT4 settle into a lower rpm when running on the highway.
Chevy worked wonders in terms of packaging, the 10-speed roughly shares dimensions with the Camaro's other 8-speed automatic. It uses four simple gearsets and six clutches: two brake clutches and four rotating clutches. That's only one more clutch than the eight-speed, despite having two more forward gears.
The transmission will be manufactured at GM's propulsion manufacturing facility in Romulus, Mich.
Additional highlights:
Chevy promises faster upshifts than a DCT along with a new performance standard they say will move the goalposts across the segment.
The Camaro ZL1 will be the first serial-production car to feature the jointly developed autobox--Ford will debut it in the Raptor later this year and the Mustang is expected to get it sometime next year.
"There is simply nothing like the experience offered with the new 10-speed automatic in the Camaro ZL1," said Aaron Link, ZL1 lead development engineer. "It delivers nearly instantaneous, lightning-fast shifts that alter your perception of what an automatic transmission can offer in a high-performance vehicle - whether you're on the street, drag strip or road course."
In order to raise both overall performance and efficiency the automatic ZL1 features a wide 7.39 overall ratio spread-- a tire destroying first gear ratio of 4.70 gives the ZL1 raucous off-the-line performance. Smaller steps between the gears keeps the supercharged LT4 in the fun and fat part of the powerband at all times, turning it into a proverbial slingshot out of the apex.
"The gear ratios are so tightly spaced that the transmission is in the right gear and the engine is at the best rpm for transitions from corners to straights," said Link. "And with the power from the ZL1's supercharged LT4 engine, the force you feel in your seat as you accelerate out of a turn will put a grin on your face every time."
The 10-speed was heavily benchmarked against Porsche's venerated PDK--the 1-2 shift is 36-percent faster, 2-3 is 27-percent quicker and 26-percent better from 3-4.
"You touch the paddle and the gear changes with immediacy," said Link. "The shifts happen so quickly and without delay that it almost feels like an extension of your reflexes. It's a much more involving experience for the driver that really helps improve confidence and performance on the track."
In terms of efficiency, the 10-speed offers a numerically lower top gear than the 8-speed in those other Camaros, letting the LT4 settle into a lower rpm when running on the highway.
Chevy worked wonders in terms of packaging, the 10-speed roughly shares dimensions with the Camaro's other 8-speed automatic. It uses four simple gearsets and six clutches: two brake clutches and four rotating clutches. That's only one more clutch than the eight-speed, despite having two more forward gears.
The transmission will be manufactured at GM's propulsion manufacturing facility in Romulus, Mich.
Additional highlights:
- A reduction in spin losses, thanks to only two non-applied clutches and other design features, contributes to greater fuel efficiency
- New ultra-low viscosity transmission fluid reduces friction across the full temperature operating range for greater fuel efficiency
- An internal thermal bypass allows the transmission to warm up faster to its optimal operating temperature for additional fuel efficiency
- Advanced torque converter design contributes to packaging efficiency
