(Auto News) Chevrolet’s new nine-speed automatic transmission illustrates the difficulty of eking out fuel economy improvements as automakers work to meet increasingly stringent fuel efficiency standards.
Launched in the Chevrolet Malibu in September, the nine-speed, co-developed with Ford Motor Co., delivers just 1 mpg more in highway driving than the eight-speed automatic it replaces — up to 33 mpg in the 2017 Malibu from 32 in the 2016 version.
General Motors plans to use the gearbox in 10 models across its brands by the end of next year. GM executives said at a media event last week here that the transmission adds refinement over the outgoing six- and eight-speeds, giving vehicles a premium feel.
GM will also save money by using its own transmission. In the Malibu, for instance, GM bought the outgoing eight-speed automatic from Aisin AW Co.
“The big goal when working with internal combustion engines is to keep the engine in the optimal operating position,” said Chris Meagher, GM’s executive director of electrical hardware engineering. He said the transmission’s shorter steps result in smoother shifts.
