Michigan-based supplier Tremec has filed a patent application for a new hybridized dual-clutch transmission design that could potentially be utilized in the forthcoming C8 Corvette E-Ray and Corvette Zora.
This GM patent filing has been assigned application number US 2022/0009339 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on May 13th, 2021. It’s titled “Hybridized Double Clutch Transmission Arrangement” and lists three separate Belgian engineers, Nico de Visscher, Pieter Meseure and Didier Genouw, as the main inventors.
The patent describes a dual-clutch transmission with a motor-generator unit (MGU) “for providing electric or hybrid driving capability wherein the MGU is selectively connectable to a transmission input shaft, or transmission output shaft or to neither shaft.” Put simply, the application is for a dual-clutch transmission that incorporates a small electric motor within its metal housing. The patent indicates the hybridized DCT would be capable of operating in a battery charging mode in which an internal combustion engine feeds energy to the battery, or in an all-electric mode. It also describes a “sports performance” pure electric driving mode, as well as a combined performance mode that would purposefully make the shifts more aggressive to enhance the feeling of speed.
Standard, non-hybridized C8 Corvette Stingray Tremec DCT transmission
It seems highly likely this patent application is for the forthcoming C8 Corvette E-Ray – a future plug-in hybrid version of the mid-engine sports car that will pair the standard naturally aspirated 6.2L LT2 V8 gasoline engine with an electric motor and small lithium-ion battery, giving it enhanced performance and, potentially, the ability to operate in a pure-electric driving mode. The Corvette Zora is expected to be powered by a twin-turbo 5.5L V8 LT7 DOHC engine mated to a hybrid-electric drivetrain, with output reaching a mind-boggling 1,000 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel-drive will be responsible for putting all that power to the pavement.
Tremec is the same supplier that designed the standard DCT transmission found in the C8 Corvette Stingray and C8 Corvette Z06, so it only makes sense that GM would turn to Tremec to supply the E-Ray’s transmission unit. Additionally, the patent application makes several references to the hybridized DCT being for a sporty, performance-focused application and indicates it could take the form of a transaxle as well.
We’ll have all the official details on the production version of the C8 Corvette E-Ray and Corvette Zora once they make their respective official debuts. In the meantime, be sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more mid-engine Corvette news, Corvette C8 news, Corvette news, Chevy news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Comments
1996 Fiat Multipla or a GM Pontiac Az…
people says this car was the most ugly from industry….
well… do not see so… see as a good concept,, now,,,
since 2010 hummmm see what we have strange in streets… really many if not them all… my dear… it is complicated, we really have no choice if would buy
What?
The dual clutch allows either the engine, motor, or both to power the wheels . It seems complex but the patent has the details to explain how this is done. This is a parallel hybrid system .
Maybe there will be a conversion kit for non-hybrid Stingray.
I call fraud 🙂 GM would never use a lego block 6, when they’re dying to use the L3B and convince everyone to want it.
hahahaha LOL kkkkkkkkk funny !
Wow, the comments on this thread are about as beneficial as the article itself.
Including yours.
Gads… take a pill!
»three separate Belgian engineers, […], as the main inventors« — Belgian? That makes me think of Punch, and of Stellantis which have announced a similar hybrid transmission. Or the same?
I thought the eray was to have the motor in the front for awd
It will, but having a small motor in the transmission will allow them to use it to recharge the batteries via the engine.
High Torque AC brushless electric is a wonderful thing. The DCT is also wonderful.
I probably will never own one, but I do enjoy the 2021 C8, I guess that will have to do for now.
Have a good day all, and realize we live in an amazing world, even if not all of us can afford it all.
The Drive did a good technical deep dive into this trans. Worth the read
GM should patent their Ignitions…
No need for Divorce, or splitting assets, and complete deniability too…
ANOTHER STUPID COMMENT BY MARY BARRA FANCLUB
Great to know this. Official details for the same will help alot. Thank You.