GM's new Hydra-matic 6L80 transmission may only have six gears — where Toyota's ready to launch its eight-speed but it can handle torque in amounts that would turn the eight into a box of metallic slush. So there. The six-speed is designed for new rear-drive and 4WD models like the Corvette Cadillac XLR-V and LM9000 trucks like the '07 GMC Yukon Denali, and is one in a series that will include trannies for front-drivers like the 2007 Saturn Aura and AWD models like the company's new line of crossovers. A "tap up /tap down" function allows drivers to up- and downshift using a selector on the column shifter.

GM Launches New Six-Speed Automatic for RWD/4WD Vehicles [Edmunds]

Related:
GM to Introduce Six-Speed Tranny in Saturn Aura for 2006; Rolling Boxcars: Toyota s Race for the Eight-Speed [internal

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