2015 Corvette Z06 Eight-Speed Automatic Will Shift Faster Than A Porsche Dual-Clutch Transmission
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General Motors’ chief engineer for transmissions Larry Nitz confirmed to Automotive News what was reported earlier this year: the new Corvette Z06’s 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission will shift faster than the dual-clutch PDK transmission in the Porsche 911 Turbo S. An impressive feat that Nitz said is possible due to the use of “fast electronic solenoids and other controls.”
As mind-blowing as the 8L90’s lightning-quick shifts are, we’re equally impressed by the fact that the transmission weighs approximately eight pounds less than the six-speed automatic used in the 2014 Corvette Stingray. The 8L90 will replace the Stingray’s six-speed unit in 2015.
Chevrolet managed such weight savings by incorporating aluminum and magnesium into the transmission’s construction. By keeping weight down throughout the entire car, Chevrolet expects its new Z06 to be lighter than the 3,538-pound 911 Turbo S.
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Not to down play it, because this is awesome for torque converter units vs dual clutch, but I believe it shifts faster only under certain throttle/rpm conditions
We are talking fractions of a second and most people would never notice.
This is an old story and from those who have spoken on this they said it will better the duel clutch in overall performance.
Also you have to factor in cost and weight issues too. This transmission is kind of like the LT engine where it may be based on old technology but it is as goods or more advanced in many ways than the more expensive and complicated unit.
The bottom line is it will get it done.
Hell the Corvette has been saddled with many things that are archaic. Transverse leafs, over head valves and fiberglass but GM has found a way to make them all up to date and make them work effectively in todays market.