New GM 8-speed auto

[kevm14]

They are currently using an Aisin 8-speed automatic in the new CTS, because their in-house 8-speed wasn't ready. I don't know if it was a joint venture.

The information was leaked in an unpublished SAE white paper, reaffirming my love for SAE white papers: http://blog.caranddriver.com/2015-chevr ... ech-paper/

As the article states, it will be referred to as the 8L90. That sounds cool. So many numbers. Apparently it'll debut in the 2015 Corvette. If you like many speeds, they already have a 7-speed manual available.

Also of interest, the torque handling capacity of the transmission is 738 lb-ft. I've heard 738 lb-ft in other specifications before, such as the Mercedes bi-turbo V12 used in such vehicles as the CL65 AMG (the one Edmunds bought recently as a long termer). Well it finally clicked why 738 lb-ft is a significant number. It converts to 1000 N-m. There, now I feel like a genius.