https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdmMPqxgczU
The new ZL1 Camaro is all about power, and the transmission backing the supercharged 6.2L LT4 has a lot to deal with. It’s designed to offer a visceral feel that will keep the Camaro in the midst of peak power. This 10-speed automatic will forever change the approach to automatic transmission design. Not only is this a first for the Camaro, it’s a first for GM — the Camaro is the premier car getting the new 10-speed automatic transmission.
When we got the official lowdown on the sixth-generation ZL1 back in March, we were immediately taken by it. Powered by the LT4 already found in the high-end GM performance cars such as the C7 Z06 and CTS-V(3), the Camaro ZL1’s engine isn’t the only thing to get excited about — the transmission backing the powerful 2017 Camaro ZL1 is special. The 10-forward gears and quicker upshifting make it much snappier than a dual-clutch, automated manual transmission.
The gear steps are so small with this transmission that it puts the Camaro right in the heart of the peak power. It has an overall wider 7.39 gear ratio spread, a 4.70 short first-gear ratio, and a tall top gear. GM also touts that the transmission shifts quicker between gears 1-4 than the Porsche’s widely praised PDK transmission.
GM’s new 10-speed transmission has been tested and validated on some of the toughest tracks in the world. They’ve also through it on their transmission dyno to put it through more strain and stress than any driver could ever put it through.
While the Camaro ZL1 may be the first GM car to get this transmission, expect to see it showing up a lot more in the lineup by 2018. The new gearbox is made to increase fuel economy and performance, making it a logical choice for their other vehicles. For now though, we’ll just enjoy it as an exclusive ZL1 feature.
Elizabeth is a hardcore horsepower enthusiast with unmatched intensity for making things faster and louder. She wakes up for power and performance and only sleeps to charge up for the next project that’s heading to the track. From autocross to drag racing, Elizabeth is there with you, so stay tuned for her unique perspective on horsepower news, builds, tech info, and installs — with her, it’ll never be boring!
