2014 GM Trucks to Lanch With 6-Speed Transmissions, 8-Speeds to Follow
GM plans to release its revamped lineup of trucks next year as 2014 models, and it appears that the American automaker won’t be equipping them with eight-speed automatic transmissions – at least not yet.
While the competition, such as Ram, has turned to offering an eight-speed, according to GMInsideNews, GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission is not quite yet ready, and might not come for another couple of years when the trucks receive a mid-cycle upgrade. This is similar to what happened back in 2007, when GM launched revamped models of its truck lineup with four-speed automatic transmissions.
Both the 2014 Silverado and Sierra will launch with six-speed automatic transmissions only, but are the same units that are available as an option on the current models. It is expected that GM’s eight-speed transmission will be developed as part of its Hydra-Matic automatic transmission lineup.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Ford still offers the 2012 model 1500 E cargo van with only a four speed automatic but GM has the 6 speed auto trans with double overdrive on it's !500, 3500 and 3500 series cargo vans. It seems clear that GM is trying harder to beat Ford in the truck wars And by the way, when the propane, LPG, full factory conversion is offered, Ford uses a lesser quality fuel injector made in Italy but GM of uses a much better quality propane fuel injector. I know of what i speak, having driven almost 1 million miles on propane in commercial vehicles since 1981. By the way, all 3, Ford, Dodge and Chev-GMC all offer a propane ready engine on the pickup trucks so you can choose to save money by using an aftermarket conversion company. A word of warning, do not let any aftermarket conversion shop do your conversion unless they have been doing it for at least 10 years. They just will not have the experience they need to do the best job. Always, always run a full synthetic engine oil ( after engine breakin only ) of at least 10W30 or 5W40 or even 15W40, especially if you are hauling a heavy trailer over 3,000 pounds. The full synthetic oil will allow the engine to run at least 15 to 20 degrees cooler because propane burns very,very hot because it has 18 percent hydrogen. Propane has 18 times the hydrogen content compared to CNG, compressed natural gas. That is why your car or truck will travel at least 35 percent farther on propane, LPG, than when running the same vehicle on CNG.
LOL to most who comment here I`m a old school mechanic Tec to you kids. Its not that easy to do R. & D. And you have to get it right. Or you are selling junk No one wants.I`m a Corvette Fan !!! all the way! But I drive a truck most of the time. And if its good enough for Ford - GM = or Dodge. Its good enough for me. I stay away from shift kits & tuners Cause I dont need the head ake of fixing the car or truck twice .Most of the trucks I`vie driven are winter beaters You know 1000 & rides. Mind you I only pay for parts. To fix it. All I`d like to say is put what the factory said to use If its senthic use it if real oil use it. Dont buy the cheeper stuf. that its not desined for like Dextron & Mercon. Mercon 4 is what the factory wants (Use it) Not mercon 3 Cause its cheeper CM has spent lots of money on R & D and its right when it left the factory. Thats why Corvette keeps getting faster and faster to spite Goverment restritions. And Chevy Trucks are cool ride