Chevrolet claims new 10-speed automatic outshifts Porsche PDK
Chevrolet says its 2017 Camaro ZL1’s new 10-speed automatic delivers faster upshifts than Porsche’s PDK, with 1-2 gear changes 36 percent quicker in company tests.
Chevrolet has unveiled its new Hydra-Matic 10-speed automatic transmission, making its debut in the 2017 Camaro ZL1. The company claims this gearbox delivers upshift speeds that surpass those of Porsche’s highly regarded PDK dual-clutch system. According to Chevrolet, the 1-2 shift is 36 percent faster than the equivalent in the PDK, with the 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts also ahead by 27 percent and 26 percent respectively.
Chevrolet Launches Lightning-Fast 10-Speed Automatic Transmission
Performance Pairing: Engine and Transmission
The new 10-speed transmission is paired with Chevrolet’s supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 V8 engine, which produces 640 horsepower. This combination is positioned as central to the ZL1’s performance capabilities, aimed at both street driving and track use. Chevrolet is targeting high-performance rivals and is keen to highlight the technical advantages of its new transmission.
- Hydra-Matic 10-speed debuts in 2017 Camaro ZL1
- 1-2 upshift 36% faster than Porsche PDK, according to Chevrolet
- 2-3 and 3-4 upshifts 27% and 26% quicker respectively
- Paired with 640hp supercharged 6.2-litre LT4 V8
- Wider gear ratio spread and tighter gear steps
Technical Details: Gear Ratios and Shifting
Chevrolet attributes the rapid shift times to the 10-speed’s wide 7.39 overall ratio spread and a short first gear ratio of 4.70. The smaller steps between each gear are designed to keep the engine in its optimal power band, whether accelerating out of corners or launching from a standstill. According to the company, the gear ratios are tightly spaced to ensure the engine remains at peak rpm during hard driving. The aggressive first gear and close ratios are described as key to maintaining momentum through corners and delivering immediate acceleration on exit. The design also aims to balance performance with efficiency, as the wider overall ratio spread allows for lower engine speeds at cruising.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aggressive first gear ratio | 4.70 |
| Overall ratio spread | 7.39 |
| Design focus | Smaller steps between gears for optimal engine speed |
Chevrolet’s Strategy in the Performance Segment
The 10-speed automatic is a first for Chevrolet and represents a significant step beyond the eight-speed automatic previously offered in models such as the Corvette Stingray. With the ZL1 aimed at high-performance competitors, Chevrolet is eager to demonstrate measurable advantages. Faster shift times are intended to improve acceleration and response, which are crucial for both drag strip times and circuit driving. By comparing its new gearbox directly with Porsche’s PDK, Chevrolet aims to position the ZL1 among the world’s top sports cars. The PDK is widely regarded as a benchmark for shift speed and smoothness in road cars, so Chevrolet’s claims challenge perceptions about the capabilities of traditional automatic transmissions in high-performance applications.
Future Prospects and Buyer Benefits
The new 10-speed automatic is expected to be introduced to other GM performance models over time, following its debut in the ZL1. For buyers, Chevrolet promises a car that delivers both rapid acceleration and everyday usability, without the compromises often associated with high-performance gearboxes. The combination of quick shifts, a powerful engine, and a focus on maintaining optimal engine speed is designed to appeal to enthusiasts seeking both performance and practicality.
