GM Confirms Eight-Speed Auto for Pickups, SUVs
While it was spread in rumors last week, GM has confirmed that its half-ton pickup trucks and full-size SUVs will both be available with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
There is a catch though. The eight speed will only be paired with the 6.2-liter V8 that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, while both the 5.3-liter V8 along with the 4.3-liter V6 solider on with a six-speed automatic.
GM says that the new eight speed is roughly the same size and weight as the outgoing six speed, and allows a wider gear spread which means that more torque is available from the first gear. This also means that the rear-end axle ratio can be numerically lower, allowing RPMs to stay low at highway speeds.
SEE ALSO: GM Truck Tow Ratings Adjusted by Tougher Testing
The Silverado and Sierra were recently tested using SAE J2807 standards, and the trucks both retain their maximum tow rating of 12,000 pounds.
The new eight-speed should also help fuel economy, numbers on which will be released sometime in late 2014.
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Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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when are they going to bring out a 4 or 6 cyl diesel in the Tahoe? come on, we really want this and have for a long time, don't you listen ???