Apr 21
GM is ramping up its self-driving car tests, using a new high-speed 360-degree simulator to test its upcoming Cadillac Super Cruise tech without having to fully build the vehicles first. … Continue reading
Apr 14
Robonaut 2 is a robot living aboard the International Space Station with its many scientists, taking on tasks that allow the crew to do more scientific research while it does … Continue reading
Apr 11
The new 2015 Corvette Z06 Convertible has been revealed, the 625 HP droptop version of the Z06 coupe announced back in January, with Chevrolet promising no compromise in performance despite … Continue reading
Apr 08
There is a huge difference between most automatic transmissions that have a torque converter and paddle shifters and the dual-clutch automatics with paddle shifters featured on many European sports cars. A paddle shift automatic in a Ford product, like the Taurus SHO, needs about 1000 RPM to shift a gear making for a very annoying driving experience.
On the other hand, the dual-clutch transmission on something like the BMW M3 will shift gears much faster than your typical person can shift a manual. Chevrolet is going to be offering a new 8-speed auto transmission in the 2015 Corvette Stingray. However, many people were not happy when it was announced that the transmission GM made for the car isn’t a dual-clutch unit.
GMs tranny has a torque converter, but the company claims it will shift faster at wide-open throttle than the dual-clutch unit Porsche uses in its 911. GM says the 8-speed 8L90 transmission will shift gears .08 seconds faster than the Porsche gearbox. At the same time since it has a torque converter, GM says that it remains smooth and comfortable around town. The 8L90 transmissions will be offered in the standard Stingray for 2015 and the Z06 version.
“Corvette Stingray’s new eight-speed automatic delivers the comfort and drivability of a true automatic transmission, as well as lightning-fast shifts and the manual control that enhance the performance-driving experience,” said Bill Goodrich, assistant chief engineer for eight-speed automatic transmissions. “It was designed to enhance the Stingray’s driving experience, with performance on par with dual-clutch designs, but without sacrificing refinement.”
Guess we’ll have to wait to drive a 2015 Stingray to see how well the transmission lives up to its promises.
Apr 08
Chevrolet is giving the 2015 Stingray Corvette a new transmission option that is an 8-speed paddle shift automatic transmission. When this transmission was first announced, some were disappointed that it … Continue reading
Apr 04
Wood scientists just announced an exciting breakthrough in tree research. They’ve come up with a way to make more environmentally friendly paper—by genetically modifying trees. And it’s not just the paper industry that will benefit.
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Apr 01
GM will apologize but not explain why it took more than ten years to address the ignition key issue that has forced the recall of 2.6m cars, as CEO Mary … Continue reading
Mar 17
General Motors has recalled more than 1.5m more cars as its safety record comes under enhanced scrutiny, admitting that it expects fixing the faults – as well as the previously-announced … Continue reading
Mar 04
General Motors recently issued a massive 1.6 million vehicle recall over an issue with the ignition switch, which can result in a car shutting off and a potentially fatal incident … Continue reading
Feb 25
GM has expanded its huge recall of cars over fears that they could stall while driving or even see the airbags fail to deploy properly, almost doubling the number of … Continue reading
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