The 2014 Corvette Stingray offers performance and technology on par with some of the most advanced sports cars on the market. But in the case of its carried-over 6-speed automatic transmission, it is overshadowed by the quicker shifting and more efficient 7-speed and 8-speed automatics offered by the competition. However that might not be the case for much longer, as a report from Automobile Magazine states an eight-speed automatic is in the works for the new ‘Vette.
The report highlights a technical paper previewed by the Society of Automotive Engineers that details the upcoming eight-speed automatic to be offered in the 2015 Corvette. The new transmission, dubbed 8L90, is said to be roughly the same size as the 6L80 it is replacing.
The 8L90 has a torque capacity of 737 lb-ft of torque and an overall ratio spread of 7.0. Thanks to a shorter first gear ratio, the 8L90 will deliver an improved launch off the line and improved highway fuel mileage due to the wider ratio spread. Considering the Corvette’s already impressive fuel economy figure of 29 mpg when equipped with the seven-speed manual, it seems possible that with an eight-speed transmission highway fuel economy figures could jump past the 30 mpg mark, an incredible feat for a  6.2 liter, 450 horsepower V8 performance car.
The full paper will be available for purchase in April 2014, but hopefully we can dig up a little more info at the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.
Update: SAE has taken down the published paper since word spread.
Comments
Now, off to the pickups.. But on topic, that is an incredible accomplishment and work they put into the new engine and everything else.. To have 29 highway and some say you can do 30+ on eco for a 6 speed and now offer an 8 speed which I’m thinking the EPA highway rating would probably be 31 the same as a dodge charger V6. Anyways I like to see the 8-speed in the pickups hopefully no later than 2015 but hoping before the end of 2014 before the Colorado launches. Just have to wait and see.
If GM is able to develop an automatic dualclutch gearbox anywhere close to the Porsche PDK is game over for the Germans…
The corvette can beat the porsche with these normal transmissions offered today!
Is Aisin providing GM with the new 8-speeds only until GM/Ford finishes up their 9-10 speed transmissions or are they going to be in-house as well.
Wait but then can the lambdas fit a 8L90?
and a 5.3L V8?
Nope, and never.
I hope you realize that I didn’t mean to put a 5.3L V8 in the Corvette.
I meant put it in the Lambda’s. . .
@ vic1212 Well they are building 9-speeds for future FWD vehicles so I could imagine an 8-speed transmission built for FWD would fit. The article stated that the 8-speed auto is almost the same size as the 6 speed auto which I understand that that auto can take a lot more torque than the one in the lambda’s but I would imagined that if they did build one for FWD that it could definitely fit, of course. But my question is will they just wait and put the new 9-speeds that GM and Ford are co-developing on? Its getting almost like Semis with all those gears.
If you want a 5.3L in a FWD Crossover why won’t you just get a real SUV like a Tahoe/Yukon with RWD and 4WD? I could see a 3.6TT at best to compete with Explorer’s Ecoboost, just you have to have a stronger transmission to handle the torque.
the 8 speed would keep the power of all the time it would be the way to go very fun at the drag strip
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