This is cool.

[RednBlack]

GM, Ford To Develop Six-Speed Automatic Transmission

POSTED: 3:00 pm EDT April 19, 2004

DETROIT, Ohio -- General Motors and Ford are joining forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership to build a new six-speed automatic transmission.

The automakers say they will invest $720 million into the project. The transmissions will be manufactured at GM's plant in Warren, Michigan, and Ford's plants in Sharonville, Ohio, and suburban Detroit.

The companies said the partnership will protect 1,100 jobs, including 250 in Sharonville, near Cincinnati.

Ford and GM have agreed to cooperate on designing, engineering and testing the new transmission, which will be made separately at their respective plants. They companies also will work with suppliers to develop and buy components.

The front-wheel-drive transmission is expected to offer improved fuel economy over traditional four-speed transmissions.

[geoffinbc]

GM already has a 6 speed automatic. But only for RWD.

[Streetrodder83]

They don't have a six speed automatic in RWD form wither they have the 5L40-E which is in the CTS. A 6 speed is under development right now and will be done in '05 and show up in '06 model year cars. But as of right now no 6 speed automatic exists.

[geoffinbc]

Yes they do. It is just not in any cars. Go search media.gm.com you will find the article. It was also in Chevy Horsepower Magazine.

THe 5L50E is also in alot more than the CTS. Where do you think BMW has been getting all their 5 speed autos from?

[Streetrodder83]

I know hydramatics are in cars other than GM, I just stated that it could be found in the CTS. The 5L40-E is also not a very performance oriented trans either in gas form. As it's torque capicity is only 221 lb/ft. I said one is being developed, and that it will show up in the '06 model year. That is directly from GM Powertrains. But, the fact remains is that it is not in existance in any cars.

[RednBlack]

Here's the complete story from the GM website http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayS...=74&docid=3234 I wonder how many of you are already trying to out how to put it in your ride?