2016 Cadillac CT6 Will Get Hydra-Matic Eight-Speed Automatic
Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed
© General Motors
In addition to announcing that the 2016 Cadillac CT6 will be offered with all-new 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6 and 3.6-liter V6 engines, it was also revealed that the flagship sedan will utilize the Hydra-Matic paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission that was first utilized in the 2015 Corvette Stingray.
The 3.6-liter V6-equipped model will utilize the Hydra-Matic 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic, and the 3.0-liter Twin Turbo V6 will use the higher-capacity 8L90 version.
“The shift performance of the new 8L45 paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission complements the CT6’s new threshold for efficient luxury to help take it to an even higher level,” said Bill Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. “The shifts are quick and nearly imperceptible, establishing a benchmark for Cadillac.”
Hydra-Matic 8L45 eight-speed
The 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions are both lighter than the previous-gen six-speed automatics, and each allows for higher gear ratios and improved fuel efficiency. Both will also be configured to support automatic stop/start technology.
The Hydra-Matic 8L45 and 8L90 transmissions are both built at General Motors’ Toledo, Ohio, and Silao, Mexico transmission facilities. It was also revealed that the transmissions will be offered in the 2016 Cadillac CTS and ATS, including CTS-V and ATS-V.
“The 8L45 was designed to enhance the CT6’s driving experience, offering a strong balance between performance and efficiency,” said Goodrich. “Perhaps its best attribute will be that customers really won’t notice it—they’ll simply enjoy the CT6’s seamless, smooth driving experience and on-demand performance.”
The 2016 CT6 will be revealed in full on March 31st just ahead of the opening day of the New York Auto Show.
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