With the introduction of the latest ten-speed automatic gearbox, co-developed by both General Motors and Ford, it’s time to start sticking the transmission into a myriad of applications.
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will debut the gearbox, but Automotive News says the Cadillac Escalade is likely the next logical choice. According to the report, the 2017 Cadillac Escalade will see the ten-speed auto added most likely as standard equipment.
The transmission pairs only to rear-wheel drive vehicles, meaning performance cars, trucks and SUVs will be on deck for the transmission. Front-wheel drive vehicles will likely be receiving an upcoming nine-speed automatic, also co-developed with Ford.
Previously, GM stated it will introduce the ten-speed automatic on eight vehicles by 2018, and we’re certain the Escalade will be one of the eight.
We should note that GM’s order guides citing 2017 Escalade updates and changes did not list the ten-speed gearbox as of the first week of July 2016, though this could change in the weeks ahead.
Comment
This is a good move. GM should surely put its 10-speed automatic transmission into as many RWD-based vehicles as possible. By virtue of its size and weight, the Cadillac Escalade should surely be one of the first to get it. The eight-speed autobox is a splendid unit by all accounts, but I still think the the 10-speed unit should be phased in, if only to aid Cadillac and the GM fleet in improving fuel economy (and thus helping it to meet those infernal CAFE regulations). The only thing that could go wrong is if the shift quality of the 10-speed is botched, as happened to Fiat-Chrysler’s nine-speed unit when it first hit the market. But the co-development with Ford should hopefully prevent this 10-speed box from suffering a similar fate. The more transmission speeds the merrier, I say. Start by giving the 2017 Escalade a perfect 10!