A Look at the Corvette C8's Tremec TR-9080 DCT Transmission and How It Works

The engine redesign and layout change resulted in the need for a completely new transmission, and for the first time in nearly forty years, America’s favorite sports car does not feature a manual.

Chevrolet engineers decided that the only workable option that could benefit the new LT2 powerplant was a wet concentric dual-clutch gearbox, a type that is widely used in today’s most successful high-performance cars.

They turned to their traditional supplier, Tremec Corporation, which designed a new gearbox exclusively for the C8 Corvette dubbed TR-9080.

The eight-speed DCT works like two units built into one. Forward gears are mounted on one shaft, while the odd-numbered gears sit on another. Two electronically-controlled clutches engage and release these gears in perfect synchronization, transitioning from one to another seamlessly, in less than 100 milliseconds without disrupting torque.

Tremec’s latest advancements in wet clutch technology bring robust friction plates and a new active thermal management system inspired by race car gearboxes.

The new transmission is operated by a powerful 32-bit control unit that was internally developed by the manufacturer, including its software for maximum performance, delivering instant input to the durable electro-hydraulic actuation system.

The shift algorithms are meticulously optimized to hold lower gears longer for more throttle response and offer a driver-focused experience that can be felt with each pull of the paddle shifters.

The torque curve of the new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray engine has also been enhanced to take advantage of the power transfer provided by the new transmission.

The first gear features a low ratio that benefits launch acceleration. From the second and all the way to the seventh, the gears are perfectly matched, and the available torque will glue the driver to the seat when flooring the gas pedal. The final gear was given a tall ratio to provide a calm and comfortable highway cruise or help the Corvette get to 194 mph (312 kph) on the track.

Also focusing on on-track performance, Tremec engineers optimized the oil management system to withstand the extreme gravitational force conditions. Extreme performance is provided with either fixed-bias mechanical or the electro-hydraulically controlled limited-slip differential options available for the new Corvette.

The new TR-9080 transmission and the naturally aspirated V8 that produces 490 hp (365 kW; 497 PS) help launch the C8 from 0 to 60 mph (96 kph) in 2.9 seconds, which is faster than a Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport, one of the fastest cars in the world back in the mid-'90s.

Introduced last year, the new Corvette will receive a host of new features for the 2021 model year, like new exterior and interior color schemes as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Additionally, the Magnetic Selective Ride Control suspension system, which was previously only available as part of the Z51 performance package, will come as standard from 2021 on all trim levels.

Chevrolet has recently announced that the car will retain the same base pricing as the previous model, which means that the base 1LT coupe is available for $58,900 while the same convertible trim has a $66,400 price tag.