2015 Silverado & Sierra to get 8-speed transmission

Zane · July 18, 2014

Zane drives the 8-speed - read his thoughts - Correct Link

By Zane Merva
Executive Editor, GM-Trucks.com
7/18/2014
General Motors has confirmed that every 2015 full-size truck and suv equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 engine will be offered with a brand new GM developed 8-speed transmission.
This includes the Chevrolet Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and GMC Sierra, Yukon, and YukonXL.

The new Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is similar in size to the outgoing 6-speed and will allow lower rear axle ratios for improved fuel economy.

Fuel economy and additional specifications for 8-speed equipped vehicles will be announced later this year.

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2015 Chevrolet and GMC Pickups, SUVs to Offer Eight-Speed Transmission
DETROIT – Chevrolet and GMC have confirmed a new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali models equipped with the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8.
The GM-developed Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed is approximately the same size and weight as the Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic. Its 7.0 overall gear ratio spread is wider than GM’s six-speed automatic transmissions, providing a numerically higher first gear ratio to help drivers start off more confidently with a heavy load or when trailering. The 8L90 also enables numerically lower rear axle ratios, which reduce engine rpm on the highway.
With 420 horsepower and 460 lb.-ft. of torque, the 6.2L EcoTec3 V-8 is the most powerful engine offered in any light-duty pickup, and offers a maximum available trailer rating of 12,000 pounds, based on SAE J2807 Recommended Practices. As with other EcoTec3 engines, it seamlessly switches to four-cylinder operation under lighter loads to improve fuel economy.
Additional technical details and the EPA estimated fuel economy will be announced closer to the start of production in the fourth quarter of 2014.
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Daryl LBZ · July 18, 2014

Haha! Mini Kenworth anyone?

newdude · July 18, 2014

Called this one a while back...bout time they announced it.

Anyone wanna bet the 6.2 sees highway numbers bump to 22 or 23mpg? City to 16-17? If this trans trickles down to the 5.3 and 4.3, then the Colorado better get 30+mpg to be worth sticking in the lineup, and the V6 version pull atleast 26-28mpg highway and be cheaper by a good chunk. I could see the 5.3 pulling 24 highway and 4.3 25-26 with this trans. This will be very interesting to watch how it all pans out.

Edited July 18, 2014 by newdude

newdude · July 18, 2014

Now this has to be the worst kept secret for months. Heard there will be an interior surprise about the same time too. ;)

Oh rly? do tell...

Edited July 18, 2014 by newdude

SnakeEyeSS · July 18, 2014

Oh rly? do tell...

It was leaked 2-3 months ago on many major auto sites, that the K2XX would get major updated for 2015.

KMGZ400 · July 18, 2014

3.08 and the 8 speed is going to be the new standard

newdude · July 18, 2014

It was leaked 2-3 months ago on many major auto sites, that the K2XX would get major updated for 2015.

Been through the order guides unless they redesigned anything on the interior and haven't shown it yet, nothing "major". Obviously 8L90 for 6.2, new camper mirrors, rear HVAC vents for rear occupants will show up either for 15 or 16, a new blue exterior color, addition of bodyside moldings, reg cab gets the 8inch MyLink available with or without nav...etc.

GPGuy · July 20, 2014

I'm very interested in how this plays out and the mpg numbers for sure.

sirbOOm · July 22, 2014

I think it would have been nice to get the 6-speed transmission right instead of it (or the transfer case) clunking all the time. Also, isn't this a shared design with Ford? My last Ford transmission had to be rebuild twice and then finally was replaced after a lengthy, time consuming fight... all before 38K. And every Ford my family has had prior has had transmission issues. Oddly, never a transmission issue with a Chrysler product - go figure! Haha...

Imcrazy · July 22, 2014

3.08 with a 8 speed...... 3.08 no thanks, 8 speed maybe....

glamis44 · July 23, 2014

GM has to have the worst product roll outs ever. Its a 2015 model year and has already seen major changes. I ordered a 2015 Yukon XL Denali in April and it just shipped out......No 8 speed in it either.......So a vehicle I do not have yet is already out dated. Debating on just cancelling it now and finding something else.

GM needs to pull their head out of there you know what.

Do it right the first time..............

rmackmo · July 23, 2014

I just ordered a 2015 Tahoe. Now I wonder if I should cancel? But, I don't want a first year tranny either...

CRSilverado · July 23, 2014

3.08 with a 8 speed...... 3.08 no thanks, 8 speed maybe....

I'm with you on that! I bet in 8 gear it will barely pull itself over an overpass with that gearing. Edited July 23, 2014 by CRSilverado

Nargg · July 23, 2014

Really guys?!?! GM hinted at this at the same time they were hinting at the new '14 line up years ago. This is nothing unexpected or "called" just a few months ago. It's old news.