Photos by Perry and Cindy Mack
GM Review
Detroit News
General Motors Co.recently announced that the company’s new eight-speed automatic transmission will be standard on 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali pickup trucks that have the 6.2-liter EcoTec V-8 engine.The Detroit News reported that the automaker says the eight-speed transmission is about the same size and weight as the six-speed auto transmission the trucks currently use.
GM said the new transmission will offer benefits starting off driving with a heavy load or when they are towing something and will reduce engine rpms on the highway. Automakers are working to enhance offerings and boost fuel economy in their highly profitable trucks and GM’s executive chief engineer for trucks said earlier this year that the 2015 trucks would have some new additions.
The Silverado and Sierra were all-new in 2014. Ford Motor Co.’s new 2015 F-150 pickup with an aluminum body is expected to go into production later this year. Chrysler Group LLC offers a 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickup with near car-like fuel economy ratings.GM said it will offer estimated fuel economy ratings on the 2015 trucks closer to when they start production in the fourth quarter this year. GM builds the eight-speed transmission at a plant in Toledo.