GM to Launch 10-Speed Automatic Gearbox in Camaro ZL1

General Motors Co. plans to offer the 10-speed automatic transmission it co-developed with Ford Motor Co. in eight models by 2018, starting this autumn with the 2017 Camaro ZL1 sports coupe.

The track-oriented ZL1 will be unveiled this week at the New York auto show. The base transmission will be a 6-speed manual. Both it and the paddle-shift 10-speed will be mated with a supercharged 6.2-liter small-block V-8 that packs 640 hp and a like amount of torque.

In the ZL1, GM says, the rev-matching 10-speed will have a 7.39 overall ratio that allows for smaller steps between gears. This enables the engine to remain at optimal rpm levels during acceleration, particularly when exiting corners, for quicker laps and fast response on both up- and down-shifts, according to the carmaker.   

GM also is partnering with Ford on a new 9-speed automatic transmission. The 10-speed was designed for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, while the 9-speed will be for front-drive models. Ford will launch the 10-speed this autumn in its F-150 Raptor off-road pickup-truck. 

Several other carmakers, including Volkswagen and Hyundai, also are developing 10-speed gearboxes.