GM Launches 6 speed transmission boosting fuel economy

General Motors Corp. is expected to unveil today the first of a new generation of transmissions that will improve the fuel economy and performance of its cars and trucks.
The transmission -- called 6L80 -- will be used in a range of GM's highest-profile vehicles, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac STS-V and XLR-V and GMC Yukon SUV.
GM plans to introduce 10 six-speed automatic transmissions by 2010. GM says the transmissions will reduce fuel consumption as much as 4%. GM also estimates the transmissions can trim 0-to-60-m.p.h. times up to 7%. "Six-speed automatics improve fuel economy and make a car feel a lot more refined," said Jim Hall, vice president for industry analysis at the Southfield office of consultant AutoPacific. "As well as fuel economy, six-speeds offer great performance benefits because the shifts are quicker and more precise," said David Petrovski, analyst of North American powertrains with consultant CSM Worldwide, Farmington.