GM: Faster TapShift Response gives ZL1 Auto an Edge

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by PQ

In the video he says it's accomplished by 'Steging the oncoming clutch of the next upshifted gear before the driver even requests it.

So is that a mechanical change as well? Does the 6L80E have that ability?

He did say it was implemented in the 2012 Camaro, Corvette, and CTSV. He didn't specify the ZL1 or ZR1.

Any thoughts?

It's not a mechanical change. How I understand it is the programming, under acceleration, pre-fills the hydraulics for the next gear (clutch pack). So, whereas before you hit the paddle, the transmission confirmed a gear change - fills hydraulics - shifts gears....now you hit the button and it's already ready to shift.

[YourBlindingBias]

Nice tuning they did on that! kind of ironic an automatic shifting gears lol
but I am sure it's more comfty than a manual. just can't beat a manual for fun though!

[MyIBMssRS]

Damn, I thought I was in the ZL1 subforum, not the post whore lounge.

Anyone from GM want to address this software's potential availability to pre 2012 A6s?

[htron50]

I also heard that it anticipates going "lower" in gears so you don't over rev! So downshifts won't be so dangerous! Something about being based on your MPH the tranny will select the proper gear going into corners ..... ??? TBD......

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by htron50

I also heard that it anticipates going "lower" in gears so you don't over rev! So downshifts won't be so dangerous! Something about being based on your MPH the tranny will select the proper gear going into corners ..... ??? TBD......

The automatic will never let you downshift if it puts RPMS past the rev-limiter.

[bobmac427]

Originally Posted by CFD

It also claims no hardware changes and the improvement is in the software, I wonder if our cars can be upgraded?

Yes!

My tuner has been doing it in tap shift Corvettes for some time now.


Bob

[htron50]

Heres a quote from a magazine last year around October... forget which one...but it is on target.

___________________________

Likewise, he stressed that the optional six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic gearbox is “not for poseurs who don't know how to shift.” As a general rule, hard-core enthusiasts will choose the six-speed Tremec manual transmission, but at least the auto 'box is built for performance, with three different driving modes including a manual setting that only shifts when a driver commands. Automatic upshifts will not occur even at redline, and Oppenheiser promised that it will select and hold the appropriate low gear into corners to match the manual-equipped ZL1's performance.

“Contrary to what we could have done [by taking the easy way out with a simple, off-the-shelf transmission], the automatic is not a compromise,” he said. “We spent a lot of time working on it for the track.”

________________
It certainly sounds like even the auto is track ready! Up and Down the gear range! Holy Sheet..... I forgot to make the bed before my wife gets home...... BRB


I also read somewhere that in driving mode 1 & 2 the auto starts out in 2nd. Anybody else know about that?

[1MtnGoat]

Yes, when in 'D" the tranny starts out in 2nd gear. Tapshift or "M' will start in 1st.

[htron50]

Originally Posted by 1MtnGoat

Yes, when in 'D" the tranny starts out in 2nd gear. Tapshift or "M' will start in 1st.

I thought you could leave it in "D" and still select 5 different modes, and it was the "modes" that determined which gear you start out it. IE, if you are in D AND in Mode 5, you will start in 1st gear!

[CAM....ZL1]

Originally Posted by YourBlindingBias

Nice tuning they did on that! kind of ironic an automatic shifting gears lol
but I am sure it's more comfty than a manual. just can't beat a manual for fun though!

I have a 2SS now, and if u use competetive performance mode and trac off it will surprise you, and with the new tranny improvements,from what i hear [ were really gonna like this auto ] should be very exciting....I can't wait to get my hands on it sitting beside a M..Turd. Ops did I say that..

[RonnieSVT]

Sorry but i still believe that the auto is only going to be quicker for the average driver !I bet a good driver with a 6 spped is still going to be quicker

[Revo1]

I'd like to see a firmware update for the '10s. Shift response is my only beef with the current setup...

[1MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by htron50

Heres a quote from a magazine last year around October... forget which one...but it is on target.

___________________________

Likewise, he stressed that the optional six-speed Hydra-Matic 6L90 automatic gearbox is “not for poseurs who don't know how to shift.” As a general rule, hard-core enthusiasts will choose the six-speed Tremec manual transmission, but at least the auto 'box is built for performance, with three different driving modes including a manual setting that only shifts when a driver commands. Automatic upshifts will not occur even at redline, and Oppenheiser promised that it will select and hold the appropriate low gear into corners to match the manual-equipped ZL1's performance.

“Contrary to what we could have done [by taking the easy way out with a simple, off-the-shelf transmission], the automatic is not a compromise,” he said. “We spent a lot of time working on it for the track.”

________________
It certainly sounds like even the auto is track ready! Up and Down the gear range! Holy Sheet..... I forgot to make the bed before my wife gets home...... BRB


I also read somewhere that in driving mode 1 & 2 the auto starts out in 2nd. Anybody else know about that?

"The ZL1’s automatic is a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed with additional clutch plates, a strengthened output shaft, and the extra planetary pinion gears needed to ensure survival in this trying assignment. The transmission is programmed with three operating modes. The normal Drive mode uses second-gear starts, quick upshifts in the interests of fuel economy, and temporary manual operation when a down-shift button is tapped or the lever is moved. The Sport mode ups the ante with first-gear starts, more aggressive gear changes, and shifts delayed to higher rpm. In Manual mode, there are no shifts until the driver commands one; gear changes are as fast as possible for maximum acceleration."

[Wondering]

Originally Posted by RonnieSVT

Sorry but i still believe that the auto is only going to be quicker for the average driver !I bet a good driver with a 6 spped is still going to be quicker

Maybe....but the number of people who can really shift is dwarfed by the number who think they can.


See it at the track all the time. Some guy in a Z06 will walk around with his chest out blabbing about how he owns a 10 sec car. Then go rip off a few mid 12's,park it,and stand there scratching his head wondering what's wrong with his car.

[Blue Maro Demon]

Not sure if this has been posted yet but here you go!

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Blue Maro Demon

Not sure if this has been posted yet but here you go!

Thanks for the video, Blue'

Dragon' had a link in his initial post

[CFD]

Originally Posted by radz28

Thanks for the video, Blue'

Dragon' had a link in his initial post

I'd like to see the best manual driver out shift that besides the fact you never disengage the drivetrain by putting in the clutch

[hognutz]

I have always felt a properly built auto is better for the quarter mile. I have yet to drive one yet that I like as well on a road course.

That upshift response in the video looked good. Would like to see a vid on the track with up and downshifts. That is where the feel awkward to me.

[CFD]

I have driven many manuals and here are my thoughts, putting aside the "fun factor" as that is a matter of personal preference, when driving an auto, especially with tap shift and the two hands and feet god gave you, you have the ultimate control. You can brake, accelerate ,shift and steer simotaneously without ever disengaging your drivetrain, this disengaging and re-ingaging your drivetrain is what gives the undesireable charecteristics when shifting in corners. These charecteristics although not completely eliminated, are drastically reduced allowing precise shifting and control.

[SilentSonic]

Originally Posted by Revo1

I'd like to see a firmware update for the '10s. Shift response is my only beef with the current setup...

Have you checked out the Jannetty tune? It does wonders for shift response (plus a whole lot more)

[htron50]

Originally Posted by 1MtnGoat

"The ZL1’s automatic is a Hydra-Matic 6L90 six-speed with additional clutch plates, a strengthened output shaft, and the extra planetary pinion gears needed to ensure survival in this trying assignment. The transmission is programmed with three operating modes. The normal Drive mode uses second-gear starts, quick upshifts in the interests of fuel economy, and temporary manual operation when a down-shift button is tapped or the lever is moved. The Sport mode ups the ante with first-gear starts, more aggressive gear changes, and shifts delayed to higher rpm. In Manual mode, there are no shifts until the driver commands one; gear changes are as fast as possible for maximum acceleration."

I think this is a quote from a source from some time ago before more specific details have been revealed.. or designs fully finalized.. kind of like when we just knew the car would have >550 HP.... do you have your source and time by any chance? I would think in Sport Mode in D, you will have 1st gear.

[1MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by htron50

I think this is a quote from a source from some time ago before more specific details have been revealed.. or designs fully finalized.. kind of like when we just knew the car would have >550 HP.... do you have your source and time by any chance? I would think in Sport Mode in D, you will have 1st gear.

The source was from one of the "sticky" threads above. I'll look later. The Camaro Manual on page 9-20 Driving and Operating mentions 2nd gear starts only in the "D" mode. After the first start in that mode.

[Whorable MPG1975]

Cool video, my 2011 SS rental was a bit slow on the tap shift but this seems to be far more improved.

I wonder how the ZL1 will do when someone installs a torque converter in it for the 1st time... those CTS-V guys are saying the all get AT least a .5 decrease in there 1/4 mile times. When I do order mine, I am going with the auto for sure!


a smaller pulley change will happen as well, har har har....

[radz28]

Originally Posted by Whorable MPG1975

Cool video, my 2011 SS rental was a bit slow on the tap shift but this seems to be far more improved.

I wonder how the ZL1 will do when someone installs a torque converter in it for the 1st time... those CTS-V guys are saying the all get AT least a .5 decrease in there 1/4 mile times. When I do order mine, I am going with the auto for sure!


a smaller pulley change will happen as well, har har har....

BINGO!!! A stall will absolutely make ZL1 a beast. Throw some DRs on it, and it's going to humble many other cars. I'm curious to see if a lot of the calibrations are similar to what tuners have already been doing for some time.

[Ject]

Yet more money to spend to get the tapshift to respond faster.