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GM 8-Speed 8L45 M5N Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission

The Hydra-Matic 8L45 (production code M5N) is a fuel-saving and electronically controlled eight-speed automatic transmission developed and produced by General Motors for use in rear- and rear-biased all-wheel-drive vehicles with a longitudinal powertrain orientation. Used in sports and luxury cars, the Hydra-Matic 8L45 is part of the 8LXX family of transmissions that succeeded the 6LXX family.

Designed and built by GM, the 8L45 transmission speed is expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared to the previous Hydra-Matic 6L45 and 6L50 six-speed automatic transmissions. Smaller steps between gears compared to the 6L45/6L50 six-speed automatics enable a wide 7.0 ratio spread and keep the engine within the sweet spot of the rpm band, making the most of its horsepower and torque to optimize performance and efficiency.

Like its more potent 8L90 variant, the 8L45 occupies the same space as GM’s previous 6L45 and 6L50 six-speeds while weighing less. Compared to the 8L90, the 8L45 is smaller and lighter while having the same grouping of four gearsets and five clutches. The 8L45 also incorporates special components necessary for engines with start/stop technology.

One of the major changes of the 8L45 compared to the 8L90 is the gear ratios. With a wide 7.0 overall gear ratio and numerically higher 4.62 first gear, the 8L45 will help drivers “start off more confidently, with a greater feeling of immediate performance.” The gear ratios and smaller steps between gears also result in a 5 percent fuel economy benefit over a six-speed automatic.

For performance driving, the transmission offers full manual control via steering wheel paddles, and unique algorithms to deliver notable shift performance with the smoothness and refinement that comes with a conventional automatic fitted with a torque converter.

At this point, GM has not officially confirmed the torque capacity of the 8L45 M5N. However, we should note that 8L45 M5U, the more capable variant of the 8L45, has a torque capacity of 738 pound-feet (1000 Nm). In addition, the 8L45 is estimated to be roughly 33 pounds lighter than the 8L90.

Compact And Lightweight

Featuring four gearsets and five clutches, creative packaging enables the 8L45 to fit the same space as the previous 6L45/6L50 family of six-speed automatics. Being less capable than the 8L90 also enables the 8L45 to be 33 pounds (15 kg) lighter. Along with design features that reduce friction, the 8L45 is expected to contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared with a six-speed automatic.

Five clutches are used, three at a time, leaving only two open clutches in each gear state. Optimized clutch sizing and off axis binary pump contribute to outstanding spinloss attributes.

All applications feature adaptive shift controls. Several features such as grade braking, Performance Algorithm Shifting, and Driver Shift Control are available on some of the applications. Performance Algorithm Shifting (PAS) monitors how assertively the driver is using engine output and other vehicle sensors to determine at what engine speed to upshift of downshift. Driver Shift Control allows the driver to shift the transmission like a clutchless manual gearbox. Electronic safeguards prevent over-revving if the wrong gear position is selected.

The 8L45 uses VFS control components to monitor clutch pressures with optimum accuracy. The result are faster and more precise shifts.

The 8L45’s 32-bit transmission control module (TCM) monitors transmission performance and compensates for normal wear in components such as clutch plates, so performance is consistent for the life of the transmission. The control module also “tests” the components to optimize their interaction on an on-going basis.

The 8L45’s controller analyzes and executes commands,the processor microcontroller executes instruction at a rate of 120 Million Instructions per second, and wide-open-throttle upshifts are executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch transmission offered in the Porsche 911.

The torque converter is 258 mm in diameter and features a lock-up clutch, although clutch and converter specifications vary depending on the application. The 8L45 uses electronic controlled capacity clutch (ECCC) technology, which employs a small, regulated amount of slip to dampen out engine pulses for a smoother running drivetrain, especially during shifting.

Low Maintenance

The 8L45 uses Dex 6 HP Transmission fluid, which was developed to have a more consistent viscosity profile as well as improved lubrication characteristics.

Type: Eight speed RWD / AWD, electronically controlled automatic overdrive transmission with torque converter clutch. Clutch-to-clutch architecture, with external transmission control module
Maximum engine power: unknown hp (unknown kW)
Maximum engine torque: unknown lb-ft (unknown Nm)
Maximum gearbox torque: unknown lb-ft (unknown Nm)
Gear Ratios
First: 4.62
Second: 3.04
Third: 2.07
Fourth: 1.66
Fifth: 1.26
Sixth: 1.000
Seventh: 0.850
Eighth: 0.66
Reverse: 3.93
Vehicle Engine
2016 Cadillac ATS RWD 2.5L I4 LCV
2016 Cadillac ATS RWD 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Cadillac ATS AWD 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Cadillac ATS RWD 3.6L V6 LGX
2016 Cadillac ATS AWD 3.6L V6 LGX
2016 Cadillac CTS RWD 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Cadillac CTS RWD 3.6L V6 LGX
2016 Cadillac CTS AWD 3.6L V6 LGX
2016 Cadillac CT6 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Cadillac CT6 3.6L V6 LGX
2016 Chevrolet Camaro 2.0L Turbo I4 LTG
2016 Chevrolet Camaro 3.6L V6 LGX

The Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed automatic transmission used in

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