The all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado will mark the beginning of the pickup truck’s third generation, bringing with it a host of upgrades to the exterior, interior, powertrain, and technology. One of the most surprising developments related to the new truck was GM’s decision to iterate the existing eight-speed transmission found in the second generation trucks instead of using its logical successor, the ten-speed automatic transmission found in other GM products.
The decision was surprising to say the least, since the previous-generation eight-speed (RPO Code M5T) had many issues in the second-gen Colorados, enough to prompt multiple lawsuits against GM. However, engineers believe they have addressed as many of the problems as they reasonably could in the gearbox.
Based on the outgoing eight-speed transmission used in the 2017 thru 2022 Chevy Colorados, GM calls the “new” eight-speed the Hydra-Matic 8L80. But just how new is it?
“I wouldn’t say it’s all new, but from a component perspective, there’s a lot new in it,” 2023 Chevy Colorado Chief Engineer, Nick Katcherian, told GM Authority Executive Editor, Alex Luft, when asked if the eight-speed was all-new from the ground up. “We learned a lot from the first-gen eight-speed on this truck, we’ve taken all those learnings and added more componentry, and really tried to move the eight-speed to a position where we could be proud of. We know what the customers have been complaining about on the current generation and we fixed everything that we could within reason,” Katcherian added.
GM’s decision to not use the ten-speed comes from the perspective of gear ratios. The 2.7L turbocharged engines available in the new Colorado provide plenty of torque, meaning that GM didn’t need an extra two ratios. In other words, the ratios of the eight-speed matched better with the engine than those of the ten speed.
As a reminder, all 2023 Chevy Colorado trim levels are powered by one of three variants of the turbocharged 2.7L I4 gasoline engine, depending on the trim level selected. The new Chevy Colorado LT gets the “base” 2.7L I-4 L2R Turbo tune as standard, rated at 237 horsepower and 259 pound-feet of torque (max trailering rating of 3,500 pounds).
The remaining two tunes are designated with RPO Code L3B. They include the mid-range 2.7L Turbo Plus tune is optional, offering up 310 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque (max trailering rating of 7,700 pounds), as well as the high-output variant rated at 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque.
The third-generation Colorado rides on an updated version of the same GMT 31XX platform used by the previous generation. Known internally within GM as 31XX-2, the updated architecture is shared with the Colorado’s corporate platform-mate, the 2023 GMC Canyon.
The new 2023 Chevy Colorado will launch during the first half of 2023, with production is slated to kick off on January 25th, 2023 at the GM Wentzville plant in Missouri. Official pricing details will follow closer to the start of production.
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Comments
GM used the combination that got the most MPG.
More gears are not always better. The TH400 proves that.
Although not mentioned im sure cost was the biggest driver here.
Of course cost wasn’t mentioned. GM never mentions cost as a limiting factor… but all questionable decisions they make are explained by cost.
GMA: good job getting to the bottom of this. This is what I needed to know before placing my order for the 2023 Colorado.
Oh it was mentioned but in a round about way! “we fixed everything that we could within reason,” Katherian added.” So don’t count on not seeing transmission issues and check engine lights on going forward!
They spent it all on batteries
What they changed was perception. They are not giving a list of components changed, nor pictures of changes to the inside. so what was changed????
The 8 speed is a good transmission. They know this and after the fluid problem was solved, it’s in many ways more reliable than the 6. Anyone who does serious research can see that. People who dont delve in deep enough and have worries about the latsuits will be fooled by this claim of “all new” and won’t do the research deep enough to realize it’s not changed. It’s intellectually dishonest, but effective marketing
So having insider info that it has not changed, can you be more specific? You must work there on it knowing it isn’t new when GM releases press releases about it being new. Car to divulge or can we just ASSume you’re sour and just trying to spread misinformation?
You need to turn on spell checker.
Tried to make it something to be proud of. Fixed everything we could within reason.
Not really selling it. Either not super proud of it, or needs a lesson in PR talk.
The main issue on th old was the fluid.
Once changed mine is a totally different tranny. Soother shifts and no issues the converter clutch.
The post on the. Colorado site were all over from 2017 till 2020. Now it is rarely posted.
Some folks just need to get a grip and realize they may have actually fixed it.
I will give gm the benefit of the doubt that they have indeed updated the 8 speed auto transmission. But it would be nice to know what improvements they did.
“…we fixed everything that we could within reason.”
They acknowledge there were so many problems with the 8 speed that they couldn’t fix them all. I don’t want any part of that.
I think he was talking about the pre 2023 version of the 8 speed. At least I would hope so.
Whole quote: “We know what the customers have been complaining about on the current generation and we fixed everything that we could within reason.”
Acknowledging our complaints on pre-2023 8 speeds were legitimate.
Acknowledging 2023+ 8 speeds will continue to have problems because there were so many problems they couldn’t fix them all.
100% inexcusable to continue to sell a product that you know has issues and that you know you can’t fix – when you have an alternative product (10 speed) ready to go without these issues.
I have only test drove the 8 speed and I didn’t understand why all the hate. Drove it back to back with the 6 speed from the prior year and I thought the 8 speed had more pep to it and was better overall
I have a 2018 with the 8 speed… No issues at all.
As a former heavy-vehicle transmission engineer and long-time GM watcher I would not be too concerned with GM retaining the 8L80 in the Colorado. GM is well known for transmission issues in the first 2-3 years of introducing a new transmission product family, then fixing/updating/developing the product into something both durable and reliable. Witness the THM-200, 4T60 and 700R4. Those are the reason why, when I buy any new GM car, I make sure that both the engine and transmission have been in serial production for at least 3 years. GM killing off the 3800 V6 still brings a tear to my eye.
The 3800 was to good, it lasted too long, long running cars are bad for sales.
Bob: Quite possibly. However, folded into the 3800 Series cancellation decision was block and head material (cast iron, and therefore, engine weight) and age (marketing) perception (non-DOHC and the basic engine architecture going back to the 198 Fireball V6 of 1962). A number of non-engineer acquaintances who thought they were auto enthusiasts bemoaned the engine design as antiquated, but never owned a 3800 Series II and were ignorant of its durability, performance and real-world fuel economy.
I was big into 3800s but they were not a run forever engine. Intake manifold gasket could leak coolant into the engine and destroy it. Same with throttle body gasket as it had coolant passages in it. Coolant elbows were a problem. Coolant management in general! Lots of sensor issues, fuel rail leaks caused a massive recall due to many burning to the ground. This was also blamed on valve cover gaskets leaking oil onto the exhaust manifolds. Let’s not forget the good for 100k 4t60 / 4t65 and hd.
They were however very easy and cheap to fix.
The 3.6 in it’s current form out performs, gets better mileage and is more reliable than the 3800 and supercharged 3800.
Mr. Mike: Thanks for the note. Yes, the 3800 Series II suffered from GM “save a nickel” philosophy and each of my 3800s had those maladies, which were serious only if the owners were not wrench turners and/or were not bright enough to watch fluid levels and immediately fix issues (God bless GM SPO, GM Tech Service Bulletins and Dorman). For me, each were easily addressed by expending a couple of hours in my garage at home. I do appreciate your 3.6L comments and your more recent experience. Remember, the 60 degree V6 had its roots with the the cast iron 2.8L, then the cast iron 3.1L then the 3100. Starting with the 1996 Model Year (MY) every 3100 would pop the lower intake gasket at 60,000 to 70,000 miles (less if one lived in really cold climates) and it took GM until MY2006 to come up with a fix that worked. I’ve repaired a few 3100s with leaking lower intake gaskets and they were not a 2-hour job, but I for one, am really glad that they finally solved the problem. Good to hear from you. Cheers!
Willy. I have a theory why new GM vehicles are having problems with transmissions nowadays. Back in the day there were not as many gears in a transmission that now it will be considered lugging. New 8 and 10 speed transmissions need to learn to kick down a gear so that it will not lug the powertrain. I remember driving a GMC canyon up the 60 freeway through Riverside on the steep Hill. Although it had a peppy V6 the transmission would never kick down. I would have to accelerate hard in order for the transmission to kick down to a lower gear. Throw in cylinder deactivation on these new vehicles and logging to go with it and you have the answers to why newer transmissions are feeling in these new trucks. I can see the transmission fluid wearing out rather quickly as the transmission heats up. What I do with my Silverado 1500 HD 2004 is I put it in third and cruise up the hill above 3,000 RPM. I have 130,000 miles on it and have never changes transmission fluid and nor does it look burnt. What is your take on this phenomenon.
Thank you GM Authority for that information! That’s some news that helps buyers that are aware of the owner horror stories with the hideous GM 8 speed’s multiple, ongoing problems.
I also think you need to look at how the 2.7L performs in the full size trucks as it uses the 8 speed as well.
I have read many test drives and video tests and all testers commented on how well the engine and transmission work. No mention of poor shifting or the wrong gear in the full size.
This is the same powertrain that will be in the Colarado .
I am just waiting to place my order when i see the trucks in the flesh and test drive , do i want the Z71, or the Trail Boss, or would the GMC AT4 be a better fit ?
I think the 2.7 will be a great combination , today i have a 3.6/ 6 speed Z71 Crew/4WD. its been a great truck and i think the 2023 with bring some nice improvements
I’m ready to order. I was going to wait for the 2024 Acadia but that will probably cost me additional $30K.
On the forums there were a lot of complaints about the 8 speed. My son has a full size van with the 8 speed and it is absolutely the worst transmission to ever be stamped GM.
But so far on the forums changing the fluid has fixed the complaints about the 8 speed.
And it only took GM more than 2 years to figure out they were using the wrong fluid………
I could have predicted this right from the get go. This is GM and they rarely ever go the extra mile to correct issues just do the absolute bare minimum. As mentioned it’s generally a good practice to wait 3-4 model years before buying a GM or Ford product that is all new especially when it comes to engines and transmissions. They do occasionally get it right out of the box like the new 10 speed though Ford did have issues with it initially.
I had a 2018 Silverado with the 6 speed (5.3). The transmission was horrible. It was my third Silverado. I changed the fluid at 35,000 miles-put in the cooler thermostat. None of it helped. Had the clunk from the last minute release of the of the torque converter when coming to a stop. And lastly not always smooth 4 to 8 cylinder transition of the AFM . I traded for an F150 with the 10 speed and 3.5 EcoBoost. I will just say its easy to figure out why Ford (in a normal market) sells more trucks than GM.
I’d like know what the flaws are that were too unreasonable to fix.
“…we’ve taken all those learnings and added more componentry…”
Great…that will really make people feel better. Just put even more parts in it…because more parts makes things better o_O
So now they are admitting the original 8 speeds are no good but still refuse to fix them. My 8 speed clunkes into 2 gear and if you are trying to drive slow it shifts back and forth. Sometimes you swear it is going to come to a complete stop. The dealer tries telling me thats normal and nothing wrong with it. So i asked him then something must be wrong with my nieces truck because she has no issues. He refused to carry on the conversation. Even received a letter from some clown at GM saying that there is no warranty on the 8 speeds.
CB.R . could you explain what’s different about the TH400 having too many ratio’s? Thanks
Back in 1975 you had a Gentleman Jim edition pickup. It would be awesome if you could bring it back with wide tires, a 10 speed transmission, a little lowered, and blacked out with the Gentleman Jim sticker on the back
If the 8 speed is better because of the torque then why did the ZL1 auto get the 10 speed when it has even more torque.