The General Motors Hydra-Matic 10-speed 10L90 automatic transmissions is believed to be the name of the super-heavy duty (high performance) variant of the Hydra-Matic 10LXX transmission family.
The 10L90 moniker is decoded as follows:
- 10, for 10 forward gears
- L, for longitudinal placement within the vehicle’s powertrain system
- 90, for the robustness level of the transmission (a higher number, such as 90, means that it is capable of handling more power compared to a 10L45)
The introduction of the 10L90 in the 2017 Camaro ZL1 marks an industry milestone, as it is the first 10-speed automatic transmission in a volume production car.
Vehicles equipped with the 10L90 transmission benefit from higher fuel economy and performance when compared to the Hydra-Matic 8-speed 8LXX and Hydra-Matic 6-speed 6LXX transmissions it will replace during its lifecycle.
The improved performance is the result of smaller steps between each ratio, maximizing engine power under acceleration, while a wide 7.39 overall gear ratio spread and a lower numerical top gear ratio results in improved efficiency by reducing engine revolutions at highway speeds.
| Transmission: | 10-speed 10L90 | 8-speed 8LXX |
|---|---|---|
| Gear ratios (:1) | ||
| First: | 4.70 | 4.56 |
| Second: | 2.99 | 2.97 |
| Third: | 2.15 | 2.08 |
| Fourth: | 1.80 | 1.69 |
| Fifth: | 1.52 | 1.27 |
| Sixth: | 1.28 | 1.00 |
| Seventh: | 1.00 | 0.85 |
| Eighth: | 0.85 | 0.65 |
| Ninth: | 0.69 | – |
| Tenth: | 0.64 | – |
| Reverse: | 4.87 | 3.82 |
We will update this section with more detailed specs on GM’s Hydra-Matic 10L90 10-speed transmission as they become available.
The new GM 10-speed 10L90 automatic made its debut on the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
| Vehicle | Transmission | Transmission RPO Code | Horsepower Capacity | Torque Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe | 10L90 | MX0 | 650 | 650 |
| 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible | 10L90 | MX0 | 650 | 650 |
The Hydra-Matic 10LXX transmission family was developed in collaboration with the Ford Motor Company.
The 10L90 transmission is produced at the GM Powertrain facility in Romulus, Michigan.
