Quote:
Originally Posted by Need4Camaro
*Long Post Warning*
In essence...adding gears only helps fuel mileage when its NEEDED...not when its for pleasure.
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In general, you are correct (and thanks for the post!).
But how the transmission is built varies the results as well.
https://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/...0speed-gm.html
The 10 speed has less friction/mechanical loss (i.e., Cornwell ratchets instead of home depot ratchets) and it shifts faster than the outgoing transmission (i.e., can change the ratchet quicker). They brag it shifts faster than a Porsche's tranny. The 10-speed has 3 overdrive gears (i.e., more small ratchets). A big factor is how the tranny is programmed to shift.
So I don't think they are at the point where they are going beyond the efficiency hump and they are doing it for both mpg and the pleasure of torque. The Lexus LC 500 has one as well.
Oddly, the last two are VERY close at 0.69 and 0.64. I assume this is because a 10-speed is better for marketing.
Overall, they are trying to get it closer to a CVT for torque, mpg efficiency, reliability, and the sounds of shifting gears in order to sell cars to enthusiasts.
Since the manual dropped performance as well, I'll blame the loss on drag.
Maybe air is pushing that front end away saying "Eeewww, get that away from me!!"