The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be the first to receive the new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic gearbox and it’s said to have faster shift times than Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch PDK transmission.
In tests carried out by the brand, results revealed that upshifting from first to second was 36% quicker, upshifts from second to third was 27% faster and from third to fourth, 26% quicker than the dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission.
Greater overall performance and efficiency for that matter, is said to be attributed to the gearbox’s wider 7.39 overall gear ratio spread. Off-the-line performance is enhanced with a first gear ratio of 4.70, while smaller steps between gears help the engine maintain optimal speed for maximum power at all vehicle speeds.
Additionally, the 10-speed unit also has a numerically lower top gear ratio compared to the Camaro’s eight-speed unit. This allows the engine to run at a lower speed on the highway but with greater efficiency. “The gear ratios are so tightly spaced that the transmission is in the right gear and the engine is at the best rpm for transitions from corners to straights,” said Aaron Link, ZL1 lead development engineer.
The gearbox uses four simple gear sets and six clutches, including two brake clutches, four rotating clutches (only one more clutch than the eight-speed unit). This allows for the new gearbox to be at the approximate size as the eight-speed transmission. Elsewhere, it has an all-new proprietary electronic control system with performance calibrations as well.
Other features include a reduction in spin losses, new ultra-low viscosity transmission fluid that reduces friction and an internal thermal bypass that allows the transmission to warm up faster – all of which results in greater fuel efficiency. An advanced torque converter design meanwhile, contributes to packaging efficiency, according to Chevy.
The 10-speed gearbox will be produced with a new manufacturing system at GM’s propulsion manufacturing facility in Romulus, Michigan. As a recap, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is the highest-performing Camaro yet. With a supercharged 6.2 litre small-block V8 LT4 engine, the muscle car pushes out 640 hp and 868 Nm of torque.
GALLERY: Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
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- The ZL1 features a supercharged LT4 6.2L V-8 Small Block engine, with intake and exhaust systems tailored for Camaro. It is rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm), backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new, available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic. The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.
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- The 2017 Camaro ZL1 is poised to challenge the most advanced sports coupes in the world in any measure – with unprecedented levels of technology, refinement, track capability and straight-line acceleration. A cohesive suite of performance technologies tailors ZL1’s performance, featuring an updated Magnetic Ride suspension, Performance Traction Management, electronic limited-slip differential, Custom Launch Control and Driver Mode Selector. With a stronger power-to-weight ratio than its predecessor, it weighs 200 pounds less, and offers approximately 60 more horsepower and 80 more pound-feet of torque.
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- The ZL1 features a supercharged LT4 6.2L V-8 Small Block engine, with intake and exhaust systems tailored for Camaro. It is rated at an estimated 640 horsepower (477 kW) and 640 lb-ft of torque (868 Nm), backed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or all-new, available paddle-shift 10-speed automatic. The 10-speed automatic has 7.39 overall ratio for smaller steps between gears. It enables the LT4 engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and lightning-quick responses on both up- and down-shifts.
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- The driver-focused interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard Recaro front seats, along with a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder is available, and allows drivers to record, share and analyze driving experiences on and off the track.
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- The driver-focused interior of the Camaro ZL1 features standard Recaro front seats, along with a sueded flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob. Chevrolet’s Performance Data Recorder is available, and allows drivers to record, share and analyze driving experiences on and off the track.
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Dual clutch, now quad clutch?
When can expect octa clutch?
*Hexa clutch
Deca clutch too lol…
Still can’t beat Suprima S Punch CVT.
boy…you really hate proton that much….
Not as much as others hate dinosar 4AT
Don’t play-play John. That 4AT some people said is nuclear proof, will outlast human being and even survive apocalypse.
Ya ya. Dats why I said, toyota will continue to cheat customers and gip 4AT until 4040
punch cvt. makes you wanna punch someone in the face.
Somehow it already punched all Proton drivers right onto the face.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shift_time
required reading
is the shift speed worth the weight penalty though?
Nothing goes wrong with American pie.. Raw sushi easily contiminated & lot of bacteria
VW DSG also faster, faster breakdown lorh
“The gearbox uses four simple gear sets and six clutches, including two brake clutches, four rotating clutches”.
The dual clutches maintenance is already killing but now it comes with quad clutch (4 rotating clutches). Of course they wanted to prove using quad clutch will faster than dual clutch, but would it also mean the quad one will give 4 times problem than traditional AT?
Hail Hydra!