The 2020 Corvette C8 breaks from tradition in several ways. Not only is it the first-ever production mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette, but it’s also the first Corvette to exclusively come equipped with an automatic transmission. However, the solitary 2020 Corvette transmission option isn’t some run-of-the-mill slushbox – it’s a new dual-clutch unit that offers razor-sharp performance and manual style operation, as outlined in the following Corvette Academy video.
The M1L 2020 Corvette transmission.
For reference, the 2020 Corvette transmission is also known as the M1L dual-clutch eight-speed, which was sourced from Tremec, and provides quicker shift times when compared to a traditional manual transmission setup.
Operating the 2020 Corvette transmission is easy. Set in the standard “D” (or “Drive”) mode, the transmission operates like a normal automatic, upshifting and downshifting as needed without inputs from the driver.
However, more control is possible in “M” (or “Manual”) mode. When selected from the drive mode button panel on the center console, the 2020 Corvette transmission will respond to gear selections made via the paddles located to the right and left of the steering wheel. The current gear selected is displayed in the digital gauge cluster, as well as on the Head-Up Display for those models equipped with the feature.
Holding the left paddle will execute multiple downshifts at once, which is useful when flying into a corner under braking when driving the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette on a track.
Notably, the 2020 Corvette transmission software will not execute an upshift or downshift if the current vehicle speed is too fast or too slow. What’s more, Manual mode will not automatically execute an upshift, which means drivers can hit the engine rev limiter under acceleration.
Furthermore, drivers who want to free-rev the engine can do so by holding the upshift paddle and downshift paddle at the same time, which decouples the 2020 Corvette transmission from the 6.2L V8 LT2, as we covered previously.
Does the eight-speed 2020 Corvette transmission have what it takes to replace a traditional manual gearbox? Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevrolet news, and 24/7 GM news coverage.
Comments
General Motors needs to build an App that people can run through to learn about their new car especially the computerized infotainment system, the transmission and all of the other setting possible; some of the dis-satisfaction new owners have with their new car is that they have absolutely no idea on how things work except for the basics.
They have exactly that…MyChevrolet, MyCadillac etc.
It’s got an easily navigable owners manual built into it once you enter your car’s info.
They also have a How Things Work section that has videos for each.
Consumers should not be lazy especially when spending a lot of money on a fancy sports car. Companies spend time putting together thorough manuals and this goes for many products. People just need to read about their items and fully understand how to operate it. GM did their job now it is the owners fault to manage their purchase. I get it new owners are very eager to use the beast!
Although I like what you are putting down, I recall a number of videos available on line that do exactly what you are suggesting, already. You are knowledgeable if your past posts are any indication. AF
In fact and to your point, I have read the entire owner’s manual cover to cover; also the infotainment manual and the track manual quick guide. I now only have a vague idea of how to use the infotainment center. Like anything else, it takes time to become familiar. I suppose extremely tech savy people might just jump into this quickly. I’m not that person. The more I force myself to exposure and then review the manual, the easier it becomes. There are plenty of these on line how to’s, but they don’t always clear everything up. the Sensitivity on the manual verticle station changing bar is too much and the thinness of the bar does not lend itself to easy use. AF
I have my initial deposit on a 2021 C8 and have been looking for any and all info on the 2020 to understand this beautifully engineered driving machine. KUDO’s to GM for producing these fantastic learn video’s and a phenomenal vehicle.
As for the automatic in the new C8….from all I’ve read with all the features, it’s fantastic and in the super-car category. I grew up with performance cars and always felt that manual transmission made the car a true sports machine. As time went on with traffic, water bottles and technology, I buried my guilt and become a big fan of the paddle shifters. No more missed shifts, more focus on the road and the car feedback. The new transmission in the C8 will be a game changer for the manny tranny drivers of the past. Can’t wait till I can place my order.
The transmission has gotten a lot of play, right from the start, yet at the same time is one of the most mysterious elements of the Corvette C8. Now I learn that the transmission is known as the M1L. And here I mistakenly thought that the transmission was known at the TR-9080. Will wonders never cease? Then I observed that the fluid for filling that mysterious dual clutch 8-Speed was something called, “Pentosin – FFL – 4.”Then again, there is the motor oil for the engine. This fluid is called, Mobil1 – European Car Formula, Extended Performance, and it is 5-30 Viscosity, for those of you who were wondering. It can also be used where requirements for & applications for 0W-40, as well as for Mercedes-Benz MB-Approval 229.3 & 229.5; and, Audi and Volkswagon (Dieselgate): VW 505 00 / 502 00; and, Porsche A40. Several names are Trademark protected including the Pegasus design and certain ExxonMobil Oil Corporation of Spring, Texas. This motor oil protects that 6.2 liter engine by the official oil of NASCAR. I guess if it is good enough for BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, this oil is good enough for the Corvette…or vice-versa! AF
One can get the transmission fluid by its generic name, or one can it at the dealer in the GM approved name. By comparing the statistics one can go to certain on-line auto parts suppliers to get this stuff from 10% to almost 50% discount. The amount of oil for an entire transmission, one can save 30-60 bucks on one oil change. Still, it takes some research.