Why The 2023 Chevy Colorado Uses An 8-Speed Instead Of 10-Speed Transmission
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The all-new 2023 Chevy Colorado marks the beginning of the pickup truck’s third generation, bringing with it a host of exterior, interior, and powertrain upgrades. One of the most surprising features of the new truck is a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
As a reminder, the previous, second-generation Chevy Colorado was also equipped with a GM eight-speed automatic transmission (RPO Code M5T). This transmission had so many problems, that GM had multiple lawsuits filed against it. These lawsuits have cited that vehicles with this transmission are prone to jerking, hesitation, surging and lurching while the vehicle is in operation. In addition, lawsuits have alleged that GM was aware of these problems based on the 60+ technical service bulletins and service updates released.
Following this train of thought, it was expected that GM would utilize its ten-speed automatic gearbox in the new, 2023 Colorado. However, this turned out not to be the case, as GM announced that the 2023 Chevy Colorado would utilize a second-generation Hydra-Matic 8L80 eight-speed automatic transmission based on the outgoing eight-speed transmission.
During a recent interview with 2023 Chevy Colorado Chief Engineer Nick Katcherian, GM Authority Executive Editor, Alex Luft, asked why GM decided to go with the eight-speed automatic instead of the new ten, as found in other Chevy and GM products. Katcherian responded that the team considered the output of the turbocharged 2.7L engine used in the new Colorado, what the transmission was capable of, and ultimately “felt that the eight-speed matched perfectly with” the new engine.
The 2023 Chevy Colorado is powered by the turbocharged 2.7L inline four-cylinder engine in three levels of tune. The lower-output version in lower-end trims is assigned RPO code L2R while the up-level motor in mid- and high-end models is known as L3B.
| Engine Type | 2.7 Turbo | 2.7 Turbo Plus | 2.7 Turbo High-Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| RPO Code | L2R | L3B | L3B |
| Horsepower (hp / kw @ rpm) | 237 / 177 @ 5,600 | 310 / 231 @ 5,600 | 310 / 231 @ 5,600 |
| Torque (lb-ft / Nm @ rpm) | 259 / 352 @ 5,600 | 390 / 530 @ 3,000 | 430 / 569 @ 3,000 |
| Availability | Standard on WT, LT | Standard on Z71 and Trail Boss, optional on WT and LT | Standard on ZR2 |
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 be available during the first half of 2023. 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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When will GM realize the quality and financial benefits of simplifying? They are so penny-smart and dollar stupid ALL THE TIME. One-off engines and transmissions that add manufacturing, storage, reliability, satisfaction problems all down their lineup.