GM Half-Ton Trucks Get Eight-Speed Auto With 6.2L V8
General Motors is fitting its 2015 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra with an eight-speed transmission, but with a catch.
The new eight cog unit will only be available with one of the three engines offered in the trucks, the 6.2-liter V8. That is the most powerful engine you can get with a Silverado or Sierra, which means that the 5.3-liter V8 and 4.3-liter V6 will soldier on with the six-speed automatic currently available.
To get the 6.2-liter engine that makes 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, buyers have to get either a crew cab or double cab truck. As it is the top-dog engine, the 6.2-liter is also fitted to the High Country-trimmed Silverado and the GMC Sierra Denali.
SEE ALSO: GM Truck Tow Ratings Adjusted by Tougher Testing
Details on how this transmission will affect the trucks performance are still unreleased, but you can expect better fuel economy.
Recently, General Motors released revised towing numbers based on SAE J2807 practices, revealing that the 6.2-liter equipped trucks can tow a maximum of 12,000 pounds. It is unclear whether or not GM used the eight-speed transmission in the testing, so there is a possibility that the max tow rating could increase as well.
[Source: GM Inside News]
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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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9 and 10 speed for Ford and GM developed the 8 speed is all GM..