Chevy Says the Camaro ZL1’s 10-Speed Auto is Faster than Porsche PDK
The new 10-speed automatic transmission makes use of four rotating clutches and two brake clutches
Photo: © General Motors
While the 2017 Ford F-150 will be the first vehicle released with the new 10-speed automatic transmission that was developed in a joint collaboration between Ford and GM, the new high-performance Camaro ZL1 is expected to be the first volume production car to be offered with the highly-touted automatic gearbox.
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“There is simply nothing like the experience offered with the new 10-speed automatic in the Camaro ZL1,” said ZL1 Lead Development Engineer Aaron Link. “It delivers nearly instantaneous, lightning-fast shifts that alter your perception of what an automatic transmission can offer in a high-performance vehicle – whether you’re on the street, drag strip or road course.”
Chevrolet’s new Hydra-Matic 10-speed auto has a wider overall gear ratio spread that’s designed to improve both efficiency and performance. In addition, a dynamic first gear ratio of 4.70 enhances off-the-line performance. In internal testing, the bowtie brand discovered its new 10-speed auto could shift from first to second gear 36% quicker than the Porsche PDK. Chevy also reported the Camaro ZL1 equipped with the 10-speed auto could shift from second to third 27% quicker than the PDK, while shifts from third to fourth were also 26% faster than that of the highly acclaimed Porsche gearbox.
“You touch the paddle and the gear changes with immediacy,” said Link. “The shifts happen so quickly and without delay that it almost feels like an extension of your reflexes. It’s a much more involving experience for the driver that really helps improve confidence and performance on the track.”
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 with its available 10-speed auto is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
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