The 2020 Corvette C8 arrived this summer waving a long list of firsts and new equipment for the iconic Chevrolet nameplate, including an all-new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Now, we’re learning a bit more about the new C8 gearbox thanks to a document that outlines the factory-recommended fluid used.
For reference, the 2020 Corvette dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission was tagged with the RPO code M1L, and arrives as the only transmission option for both the C8 Coupe and C8 Convertible.
The M1L eight-speed dual-clutch transmission
According to official C8 service documentation, the M1L eight-speed utilizes ACDelco Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Fluid-FFL-4 (part number 10-4130 / 19418016), which offers the right chemical properties for the 2020 Corvette’s high-performance transmission, such as friction stability at different temperatures and extended intervals.
Unlike a traditional automatic transmission, the M1L dual-clutch eight-speed in the 2020 Corvette doesn’t use a torque converter to launch the vehicle. Instead, the dual-clutch setup engages friction plates that provide a sharper response—exactly what’s desired in a sports car application.
The DCT FFL-4 fluid is recommended as the only one to use with the 2020 Corvette, as other fluids could potentially affect the performance, durability and shift quality of the M1L dual-clutch eight-speed transmission. The fluid was evaluated using an extended version of the ASTM 130 Copper Corrosion test to insure optimized gear wear.
We’ve also learned that the 2020 Corvette’s M1L has a transmission cleanliness level that exceeds industry standards, which is critical to the operation of the dual-clutch operation.
As for maintenance, GM is recommending a fluid change after three years or 45,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Stay tuned, because we’ll have more info on the new mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette heading down the pipeline soon. Until then, make sure to subscribe to GM Authority more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
No PDK reference, GM did this themselves? ?
Its a Tremec unit developed for and with GM.
Sarcasm! ?
Tremec alos worked with Ford too. New GT500 its DCT is from Tremec.
The Z06 badge on the C8 says “supercharged”. Why is it referred to as NA?
Agree. GM has the worse auto transmissions only behind Ford. PDK or bust. This should be exciting to watch for reliability in the future
There are some bad auto trans from GM, but not all. Most reliable ones have been the 6L90, 4L80, 4T80 and the Turbo 400. The 10L80/90 so far have been better than the Ford units. The 9 speed FWD has been okay.
On the other hand, 4T60 is meh, some 4L60 are okay, 6T70 was junk.
Exactly! PDK has been around for over a decade and proven itself to be bulletproof and perform better than any other DCT. I got a chance to drive the new 8 speed PDK in Germany and it is even better than the old.
I find it so funny how GM acts like they are innovative for putting a DCT in the Corvette. But then again, Corvettes have always received old technology, I guess that’s why it’s cheap. I mean they are still using pushrod truck engines for God’s sake……
I’ll pay the extra for a Porsche, the true king of GT racing. It’s called engineering! GM just searches through others parts bins to build their cars…,.
Two key pieces of information are missing from your writeup.
1. MSRP/quart is $42.90 for the fluid.
2. The transmission does require an initial fluid change at 7,500 miles. Once that change has been performed, the customer is instructed to follow the transmission oil life monitor in the car after that.
No. The 7500 mile service is just a filter change. s
Pentosin offers an FFL4 fluid as well
What is the capacity of the trans. And what is the estimated service cost for this?
420 dollars LOL
@Harry I’ve not seen any service information yet for the 2020. Hoping they do it soon and when they do I will try to follow up.
Oldsmobile back 75 years ago had a similar 4 speed automatic trans without a torque converter. It proved later in the 60s to be a great drag racing trans . It fast and little spillage after the initial spillage to control the launch line the new C8 trans and Porsche too.
B&M Hydro Stick was developed off of that trans and was a major drag racing trans used by many.
Hats off to Chevy but Olds was there 75 years ago!
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2014/05/16/oldsmobiles-hydra-matic-first-mass-produced-fully-automatic-transmission-turns-75/
The basic principals of the DCT are not new.
The early automatics were without converters .
Converters were added to create a smoother start from stop and torque multiplication.
To get even faster starts with radical cams and low torque at low speeds racers added high stall speed converters.
But now with variable cams the DCTs are the answer to speed, better efficiency and all around paddle shifting performance.
But aromatics with converters are long lasting and many go 150,000 to 200,000 miles if treated right and fluid changes only at 100,000 miles.’
It will be interesting how long hard starts requiring slippage , especially in Launch Control mode, will destroy the components and surfaces in these DCT trans. Care to be taken buying a used car with these transmission .
The only “insight’ this gives us is that the Coebohas a DCT. Which I think we already knew. Worthless click bait