The 2023 Chevy Colorado ushers in a fresh third generation for the pickup nameplate, making splashdown with a long list of changes and updates over the preceding 2022 model year. Among these is a new eight-speed automatic transmission, as detailed here.
To be specific, the 2023 Chevy Colorado will feature the new-generation Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic transmission. This new auto box replaces the GM six-speed 6L50 automatic previously matched to the the naturally aspirated 2.5L I4 LCV gasoline engine and 2.8L I4 LWN turbodiesel Duramax engine, as well as the GM eight-speed 8L45 automatic transmission previously matched to the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6 LGZ gasoline engine. For the sake of clarity, we should mention that this new 8L90 transmission differs from the “old” GM eight-speed 8L90 automatic transmission matched to the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B gasoline engine in the current Chevy Silverado 1500.
As some GM Authority readers will no doubt recall, the “old” GM eight-speed 8L90 automatic transmission has seen its fair share of problems over the years, being the subject of several lawsuits and TSB fixes. Back in 2019, GM Authority even opined that the 8L90 needs to go away as soon as possible.
During a recent Q&A session with media, GM was asked why it did not equip the 2023 Chevy Colorado with the GM 10-speed automatic transmission, rather than updating the 8L90 eight-speed, given the latter’s history.
“Our new-generation eight-speed will be launching in this truck and we’re really proud of it,” GM responded. “To be very honest, the eight-speed is all about the torque band on the engine, so its got a super raw torque band. And with that, we don’t need as many gear ratios, so the eight-speed matches perfectly with the engine and in this application. It’s an all-new transmission and it’s going to shift fast, smooth, precise, and we’re really proud of this, and I think our customers will be as well.”
As a reminder, the 2023 Chevy Colorado features just one powerplant option, the turbocharged 2.7L I4 L3B, which is available in three states of tune – 2.7L Turbo (237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque), 2.7L Turbo Plus (310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque), and 2.7 Turbo High-Output (310 horsepower, 430 pound-feet of torque). Availability depends on the trim level selected.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado will launch in the first half of the 2023 calendar year. Production will take place at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri.
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Comments
Glad to read this update and to know it wasn’t just about money. They have had plenty of time to upgrade the 8spd. Now if they would revisit putting on a standard box would be great. I’ll order one tomorrow if it has a standard bed!!
Yes a 74″ box would be the best thing they could do. I mean they are basically giving up on 15% of their customers that require this configuration.
Really the WT isn’t even a work truck anymore. A 62″ box is useless
Sounds like Ford is adding the 6ft box to the ’24 Screw Ranger because they’re dropping the Extended cab.
for the love of god, give it a proper bumper
So what is “new and improved” about it?? Talk is cheap! Show people what has been changed? Show people how it’s been tested?
It features a different fluid.
Lol, idk but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Different shift map. The problem with the original 8 speed was the fluid. If they had waited till the 10 speed to introduce the fluid we would all be complaining about the 10.
They may have tightened up the shift map again. The 8 was designed by Cadillac/corvette originally and is nominal in that the drums are mounted backwards with the clutches on the engine side. It reduces the internal inertia, and it’s solenoids have millisecond response control to where they can control it like a dual clutch transmission. It shifts faster than a Porsche, but they made it milder with all the shudder concerns.
The 10 speed, being a Ford design, uses a fluid that Ford came up with. GM doesn’t even have a GMW spec for Dexron ULV, because Ford owns it.
The root issue is that since the mid-90’s, GM allows the torque converter clutch to slip significant amounts, even when the TCC is nominally locked, at steady highway speeds. This gives it very smooth apply/release characteristics, but it makes it extremely sensitive to the fluid, the special carbon fiber clutch material, and the interaction of both.
This makes sense as the torque curve on this engine is really flat and they would not need that many gears..
The old tranny I sure has been changed a bit but the fluid was the greatest issue and that has been resolved.
Different shift map? The problem with the original 8 speed was the fluid. If they had waited till the 10 speed to introduce the fluid we would all be complaining about the 10.
They may have tightened up the shift map again. The 8 was designed by Cadillac/corvette originally and is nominal in that the drums are mounted backwards with the clutches on the engine side. It reduces the internal inertia, and it’s solenoids have millisecond response control to where they can control it like a dual clutch transmission. It shifts faster than a Porsche, but they made it milder with all the shudder concerns.
Theb10 speed uses a different fluid then the 8s. The 10 speeds use and ULV(ultra low viscosity) fluid where as the 8 speeds use a LV. So i see there being more actual friction on the clutch packs and torque converter just because of this, probably reducing shudders if there was any issues with it.
Oh, so they went to the 2.7 so they didn’t have to apply the 10 speed to the old engines, I get it now! 😁 jk man, don’t take me serious on that note. I think the 8 speed will be alright honestly. Another thing of interest to me is if the 2.7 will ever make it to fwd to phase out the 3.6 completely.
It is in its way there now from what I saw.
The 3.6 will finish out Cadillac and GM will only have 4 and 8 cylinders other than the I 6 diesel and the gas they are working on.
guys said in this post 𝘈𝘭𝘭-𝘕𝘦𝘸 2023 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘷𝘺 𝘚𝘦𝘦𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘋𝘦𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢 that cars with straight side are boring boxes, is this then a boring box too ?
Try this
I think GM finally got the 8sp right this time . GM is more focused on quality they know the New Tacoma is right around the corner so they have to get this right .
I’m glad it’s the 8l90 and not th 8l45 or some other version. At least it’s heavy duty.
Ford has been using the 10r60 in a lot of stuff that should have been 10r80.
Sounds like the Colorado w/ the base 2.7T (with the detuned engine cal) will get the 8L45.
Houston: This past Friday I drove a 2023 Z71 Colorado, being totally ignorant of these transmission issues, I told the dealer in the truck with me that at low speed in the parking lot, taking my foot of the gas (to naturally park) it roughly and clumsily hunted for a lower gear. I was surprised really, given everything else about the truck is absolutely spot on.
Now that I have read this article (the same day I ordered a ZR2) I certainly hope this issue gets resolved—it certainly wasn’t on the model I drove.
And don’t say “Houston we have a problem “, Lord please don’t…
Alex Luft please get an answer on this Colorado crew cab bed. Is the short box only for roll out or are the the people complaining on this site have to research another model or brand. I personally can’t see how a work truck could possibly have a five ft bed. If I have to wait 6 months for the standard box I would consider waiting but I’ve already been putting off my truck waiting on this reveal. 15/20 percent looking for standard bed is a pretty big number, probably as many as a ZR2. Hopefully u can get some favorable information.
Detroit Free Press, today:
“The 2023 Colorado will offer just one bed length and cab size, a four-door crew cab with a 5-foot 2-inch bed.”
The Freep is not always right.
Car And Driver:
“exclusively as a four-door crew cab with the shorter five-foot-two-inch box.”
At this point it would require a different (longer) frame in addition to creating a lot of parts. If the answer is no now, best case scenario is in 4 years in the refresh.
a 5′ bed is fine. I do and my team have short beds and we build commercial apartments, highrises, and communities. Plenty of work is done with a 5′ bed. I can’t stand this “I need a longer bed BS”. Every truck with a longer bed just gets if full of a toolbox and less useable hauling space.
A 5′ bed is fine… For your particular use case. Trying to tell other people what they need is idiotic.
Anyway, if someone wants a real bed, they can still buy something else.
You got that wrong Nate , I too wish a longer 6 ‘ bed was offered as an option ! I think the new Colorado is awesome looking , But I will keep 2015 Colorado LT long bed !
I like the idea of 3 states of tune. The idea is, in my opinion, the lower states of tune will offer increased gas mileage and greater durability while, perhaps, being just a little less quick off the line. Since I am kind of past all the excitement of getting ahead of everything on the road; I would much rather have the increased mpg and durability. It looks like the new Colorado will be a huge winner! Great job GM!
It’s the same frame basically, yes they would have to extend it but it’s been done since 2016. Not a lot of parts.
Torque and HP of the 2.7 in the Silverado is amazing. It should really be great in the Colorado. Loving the new design inside and out!
Too bad it doesn’t get any better real world MPG than the V8’s and sounds like crap
I’m wondering if gm will drop the base tune once the Tacoma is updated.
I’ll believe it when I see and hear reviews and owner reports regarding the 8 speed. No extended cab long bed equals no sale for me! It’s amazing how this company keeps taking more and more choices away from the consumer. And I don’t want to hear any lies about it doesn’t sell or nobody wants this configuration because they are literally seen everywhere on a daily basis. This is simply a way to maximise profits and raise the base price well above 30K all in one fell swoop.
you are 1% of gm dealer orders can you just accept no one wants your business and that you should buy a real truck aka Silverado if you need a bigger bed……its amazing how you people don’t understand economics and for profit businesses . Lets use millions of dollars of investments so we can build long beds no dealers will order and we will make now money on instead of making the truck all around better like they did….
A new design because of a different torque band? What a joke. More torque than a C7 Z06? The previous 8 speed was a flawed design. The fluid change did provide a good percentage of fixes but there was, and still is a lot of the 8speeds in which the new fluid was just a bandaid and they still have problems or the shudder went away only to come back miles later. As long as the vehicle is out of warranty that’s all GM cares about.
The Silverado 3.0 Diesel has a 10 speed. Does this have a flatter torque band?
When someone says “To be honest” they’re usually not telling the truth. It’s like when someone says something nice and then finishes it with a “but” statement.
It doesn’t need 10 speeds. It just needs a good transmission. Maybe the 8 speed is good now but so far it hasn’t been.
What are you trying to say? Diesels have low redlines. The 2.7L turbo maintains 85% of peak torque 1000-5500 RPM. The diesel similarly falls off above 3500 RPM. Not only that, it redlines at 5000.
That’s why semi trucks have 18 speeds, and is also why Europeans dislike diesels. When they got 4 cylinders, stuck in a 5 or 6 speed manual with no torque converter, they’re lethargic.
If it doesn’t do something a certain way someone wants then it is labeled as a “flawed design”, come one man. You have zero clue and insight to the workings of that transmission other than what you read on the internet. I bet you were in the boat calling the multi-pro tailgate a flawed design because some dummies leave their hitch in when they shouldn’t… They went through this, it is a new generation. Part of brining out a new generation is addressing issues from the prior generation. Stop spewing false info and see how it is when they come out.
BTW, the fluid fix wasn’t a band aid, it was the key problem and fixed like 80% of those that had problems.
Whoa, do a search on this forum or search on the Corvette Forum to see how many had continuous problems even after the fluid swap. My Cadillac never was fixed after the triple flush with many repeated trips back to the dealer. It was so miserable to drive that I finally had to get rid of it so the new fluid never even made it to “band-aid” status with me. Many even had replacement transmissions and/or multiple torque converters. Some even had the shudder return after many miles.
As far as “insight to the workings of that transmission?” Could I design one? No, but after over 50 years of driving I know that automatic transmissions are not supposed to shudder, hesitate, slip, bang into gear or clunk. All common problems with the GM 8speed. That’s not false information. I also did not bash the newly designed (same name) transmission. I merely stated that using the torque for an excuse is a joke since it’s hard to imagine the transmission being subject to more torque than a C7 Z06.
And for the record, I have a Multi-Pro tailgate on my Sierra and I absolutely love it. And there is a lockout mechanism so that the upper tailgate doesn’t hit the hitch.
When you get to the smaller engines, there is not enough torque and HP to get to the tenth gear. It’s all about what the final ratio is and what rear end is used. But why are they giving it the same family name, 8L90? It’ll cause confusion. If anyone searches on this transmission for problems, those that are not familiar will assume it’s the same transmission. Maybe it is and it was just tweaked by improving the internal parts that was causing problems. I guess we’ll have to wait until some tears one apart for a YouTube video.
Maybe GM is giving it the same name because using a different name will be even more obvious that the earlier 8speed was flawed.
It has the 8L90 name because that is exactly what it is, the Silverado’s problematic 8L90 transmission.
GM calls it “new and improved”, but where are the details and proof that the transmission is actually new and improved? All we have currently is PR, corporate speak. To me, if the transmission was actually new and improved GM would be releasing the details of what was done to make it so.
With the all the past issues and bad reputation, If the transmission was “new and improved”, if I were GM I’d be wanting to “prove it”.
Yessss!! They say the previous 8 speed got a new more durable torque converter. But that was only in the full size trucks. Wonder if thats what they mean my an updated 8 speed transmission??
GM obviously need to do more PR and information sharing about the new updated 8 speed auto transmission, because people are still stung by the horrible old 8 speed transmission and they need to be properly reassured. Failure to reassure the market customer base about the new 8 speed can lead to people who dont know better, to pass up on the new Colorado.
After having 3 GM vehicles at the same time with bad transmissions: A Cadillac CTS and a Corvette with 8speeds and a Silverado with a terribly clunky 6speed, I swore never another GM product. Then needing a heavy duty truck and not being able to wait for an ordered RAM, I accidentally ran across barely used 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 with a Duramax 6.6 and an Allison 10 speed. Without that Allison (which so far is a hell of a transmission) it wouldn’t have happened.
Glad to hear the ’22 truck is doing well with the “Allison” transmission. In reality it’s not made by Allison at all. It’s an “Allison branded” transmission made by gm. GM HD trucks did use actual Allison made transmissions for several years, but now it’s just a name badge on a “gm” made transmission.
I was not aware of that. Hopefully it’s an Allison design.
It is NOT an Allison design. It is a GM design but Allison gave it their blessing so maybe GM will make sure they don’t blow up too soon and risk the Allison blessing to be rescinded.
Fingers crossed 🤞🏻
What are the rated MPG for each 4 cyl variant?
I have a 2016 Crew Cab, Long Bed Diesel wit 152000 miles. Runs better every day. Just had the Timing Belt and Water Pump replaced. Hoping for another 150K. Hope they put a better Seat Cushion in the new model. Ready for a third one now.
Nice looking upgrade to the body
BUT
That new dash is so cheap looking.
It is ugly and cheap enough that I will not be upgrading.
The round air vents are extremely out of place
Wow what a disappointing interior……….
Cheap and ugly
And another friggin crew cab!!!!!!!!! Single Cab…Single Cab…!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boy, I had my share of single cabs back in the day. There’s no room to put anything particularly if you have another passenger. If it was raining and you had a passenger you didn’t even have room for your lunch box. I even go back as far as when gas tanks were behind the seat and the filler spout right behind the door. There was even less room for a darn thing behind the seat. That said, single cabs, especially what we used to call shortbeds (which they call standard now) sure were a lot more maneuverable and easier to park than the monsters that we have now.
I am a GM World Class Technician and I don’t even know what they have attempted to fix on the 8 speed yet.