Photo: GM
9 speeds. Too few, too many, you decide. But if Mercedes-Benz went forward with the 9G-Tronic automatic for models such as the W213 E-Class, it’s rather clear that 9-speed transmissions are all the rage these days. A more recent case in point comes from GM.
In models such as the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Premier, 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Hatchback Diesel, and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel, the all-new GM Hydra-Matic 9T50 transmission is the name of the game. As General Motors points out, the 9-speed automatic is designed with refinement and mileage in mind.
Take the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Premier as a prime example. Thanks to the wider overall ratio of 7.6:1, the 9T50 transmission helps the 2.0-liter turbo-equipped Malibu return 33 mpg highway. The old 6T45 makes do with an overall ratio of 6.0:1. Don’t, however, think that the 9T50 doesn’t play ball.
Whereas the tall 0.62 top ratio is designed for low revs at highway speeds, the deep 4.69 first gear ensures capable off-the-line acceleration. “No matter the engine torque or vehicle speed, the 9T50 is always in the perfect gear,” declared Dan Nicholson, vice president of GM Global Propulsion Systems.
GM’s first application of a selectable one-way clutch is engineered to hold torque or freewheel, eliminating the need for an additional clutch pack. The transmission uses five planetary gearsets, four stationary clutches, and three rotating clutches. In other words, 1st to 2nd is a freewheeling shift, while 2nd to 9th is clutch-to-clutch shifting. Because all applications of the 9T50 are gifted with a stop/start function, General Motors engineered an accumulator within the newly-developed transmission to store energy for engine restarts.
Previewed by the 2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport, the next-gen Buick Regal in sedan and wagon forms will get the 9T50 as well, in conjunction with the 2.0-liter turbo powerplant. Expect to see the 2018 Buick Regal in production-ready attire late in 2017. By then, General Motors promises to deploy the newest member of the Hydra-Matic transmission family on 10 models.
Take the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Premier as a prime example. Thanks to the wider overall ratio of 7.6:1, the 9T50 transmission helps the 2.0-liter turbo-equipped Malibu return 33 mpg highway. The old 6T45 makes do with an overall ratio of 6.0:1. Don’t, however, think that the 9T50 doesn’t play ball.
Whereas the tall 0.62 top ratio is designed for low revs at highway speeds, the deep 4.69 first gear ensures capable off-the-line acceleration. “No matter the engine torque or vehicle speed, the 9T50 is always in the perfect gear,” declared Dan Nicholson, vice president of GM Global Propulsion Systems.
GM’s first application of a selectable one-way clutch is engineered to hold torque or freewheel, eliminating the need for an additional clutch pack. The transmission uses five planetary gearsets, four stationary clutches, and three rotating clutches. In other words, 1st to 2nd is a freewheeling shift, while 2nd to 9th is clutch-to-clutch shifting. Because all applications of the 9T50 are gifted with a stop/start function, General Motors engineered an accumulator within the newly-developed transmission to store energy for engine restarts.
Previewed by the 2017 Opel Insignia Grand Sport, the next-gen Buick Regal in sedan and wagon forms will get the 9T50 as well, in conjunction with the 2.0-liter turbo powerplant. Expect to see the 2018 Buick Regal in production-ready attire late in 2017. By then, General Motors promises to deploy the newest member of the Hydra-Matic transmission family on 10 models.
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