8-Speed Auto Transmission in 2015 GMC Sierra & GMC Yukon

The news out of Detroit is that GMC will have an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment on their 2015 Sierra and Yukon Denali. And it's not going to stop there. The Hydra-Matic 8L90 is an eight-speed transmission developed by GM that's similar in weight and size to their six-speed automatic Hydra-Matic 6L80. The major difference in the 2015 GMC Sierra transmission and the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali transmission is the overall 7.0 gear ratio will be spread wider on the new eight-speed transmissions than they were on GM's six-speed automatic transmissions.

The change will be welcomed by people who do a lot of towing or trailering. The gear ratio on the new eight-speed transmissions is higher. This allows for easier starting for drivers who are pulling heavy loads. But the new transmissions not only improve starts, they allow the rear axle to have a numerically lower ratio. This can significantly reduce the engine's RPM as it cruises down the highway and improve fuel efficiency. It will also help drivers towing heavy loads to start with more confidence.

The new transmission was designed with performance and power in mind. Initially GM planned to use the 8L90 eight-speed transmission with the 2015 Corvette Z06. However, with a few minor modifications it was adapted for use in larger vehicles like the Sierra and the Yukon which are used more for their power than their speed. Soon the eight-speed transmission will be used in other GM trucks and SUVs. When coupled with the powerful engines in their light-duty pickups, drivers will notice a significant difference. The two extra gears will provide more flexibility, but no extra weight.

GM will begin producing vehicles which pair the eight-speed transmission with the 6.2-liter, 8-cylinder engines in the fourth quarter of 2014. It's an important upgrade, and just the first of several planned by GM. This is the first major roll-out of GM's 8-speed transmissions, but it certainly will not be the last. It is already available on some Cadillac CTS sedans and the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray and will soon be available in the Cadillac Escalade. Adding the eight-speed transmission to the Silverado, GM's most popular vehicle in the U.S., will improve its already high profitability.

GM introduced its newest generation of full-size pick-ups just a year ago and had promised the public would not have to wait very long to have access to improved powertrain options in those vehicles. With the introduction of the new eight-speed transmission GM has begun to fulfill that promise. People who love GM products are excited, and rightly so.

For younger people interested in purchasing versions of the 2015 GMC Sierra, 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, and the 2015 GMC Yukon Denali or Yukon XL Denali that comes with GM’s 420-hp EcoTec3 V-8, 6.2-liter engine, the new eight-speed transmission will add more bang for their buck. Anyone who is looking for a new vehicle that's perfect for family trips, great on gas, and can tow just about anything now have an excellent new option. They can get a powerful, high-quality vehicle that looks good, has all the creature comforts, and the latest technology.

It's a great time to be in the market for a GM vehicle. New innovations are rapidly coming down the line that make the vehicles more powerful, easier to handle even while towing heavy loads, and provide good gas mileage. With the addition of the eight-speed transmission to so many vehicles in the GM line, the company can definitely expect truck loving young Americans to sit up and take notice.

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