Photo: GMC
If you’re a fan of the GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll know that the popular pickup has never hurt for varied engine options. The 2020 model features five choices across its three trim levels, with different transmission configurations available for each engine. However, in an unexpected turn of events, it looks like one of these options — the popular 10-speed automatic configuration — has been dropped for the remainder of 2020 and possibly longer.
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The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 transmission change
On Aug. 10, GM Authority reported that certain editions of the 2020 Sierra 1500 would be losing their 10-speed automatic transmission option. This change applies to all the 4WD models that come with the naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V8 L84 gasoline engine. The loss of the 10-speed option leaves the 2020 Sierra 1500 with a new standard transmission configuration: the 8-speed option.
Drivers looking to find this change on the GMC website will find something particularly odd. When using the site’s configurator feature, the 4WD Sierra 1500s that include the 5.3-liter V8 L84 engine option still list both 8-speed and 10-speed configurations as available. However, placing an order for the 10-speed edition results in the site automatically reverting your choice back to the 8-speed, and a $200 refund appearing on your invoice.
So, why exactly was this change made? Since there has been no official announcement regarding the situation, it’s difficult to know for sure. The decision seems to have come out of nowhere, especially given the popularity of the 10-speed option. Motor1.com suggests that supply issues with 10-speed components or a surplus of 8-speeds may have resulted in GMC dropping the configuration for the remainder of 2020. The permanency of this change is also unknown, and many drivers are wondering if the 10-speed will still be MIA in 2021.
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Stay tuned to The News Wheel for further developments on this story as they arise.
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