Ford, Ram, and Now GM Bringing 8 Speeds to 2013/2014 Trucks – Will Toyota Follow?
Automotive News is reporting that the next generation of GM pickup trucks will feature at least one 8 speed automatic transmission, the goal of course being to reduce fuel economy in order to meet federal fuel economy regulations. It’s estimated that going from 6 speeds to 8 speeds can increase fuel economy 3-6% (likely closer to the higher number in a pickup), and that combined with other fuel-saving technologies, the next generation of trucks coming out in 2013/2014 could see 10-20% fuel economy improvements right away.
Of course, all of these fuel economy improvements don’t come without a cost. An 8-speed transmission, for example, can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of each vehicle depending on the cost of development and how that cost is amortized. Industry analysts say that developing an all-new transmission costs $500 million to $1.5 billion dollars, which is why it’s a bit of a surprise to see Ford, Ram, and now GM rushing an 8 speed to market in time for the 2014 model year.
If you’ll recall, Ram is adding an 8 speed automatic to their truck, but it will be based on an existing transmission developed by ZF. As a result, the costs will be quite a bit lower for Ram…but this begs the question, will Ram’s 8 speed transmission be of the same capability as purpose built 8 speeds from Ford and GM?
Will Toyota Match 8 Speed Offerings from Ford, Ram, and GM?
We haven’t heard a peep about an 8 speed transmission on the next generation 2014 Tundra, but that certainly doesn’t mean that Toyota isn’t working on one. However, Toyota’s economics are a bit different than GM and Ford.
- The federal fuel economy ratings apply to an automaker’s entire fleet. It’s an average rating you must meet across all trucks in your line-up. With plans for a Scion pickup (based on the next-gen Rav4) and a new direct-injection engine in the Tacoma that should boost fuel economy, Toyota’s fleet is inherently more fuel efficient than fleets from Ford, GM, and Ram. Therefore, Toyota won’t have to improve the fuel economy of the Tundra as much to meet the federal regulation.
- Toyota has a viable hybrid Tundra on the drawing board, likely ready for release in 2015/2016. This too will help Toyota meet the fuel economy goals without necessarily requiring them to invest in an 8-speed transmission.
- The biggest hesitation with an 8 or 9 speed automatic is related to durability. 6-speed automatics are plenty complicated as it is, but the technology is mature enough to be considered reliable. 8 speeds automatics? Never been done before, at least in a pickup in North America. (NOTE: Some medium duty trucks have more than 8 speeds, but they get there using a dual axle, so technically they’re not 8+ speed automatics)
Still, the fact is, marketing from Ford, GM, and Ram is going to harp on the fact that more speeds are better…just as Toyota did when the Tundra debuted in 2007 with a 6 speed and some manufacturers (GM and Ram) were still using 5 speeds.
What do you think – is Toyota going to come up with an 8 speed for the Tundra in time for 2013?
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Absolutely Toyota will match or exceed. With <100,000 units sold in 2011 they will want to match, or outdo, the competition as much as possible. I just hope they consider bringing the 4.5L V-8 diesel on top of it. A light duty diesel would boost sales. Even better if it got 25+ mpg!
Doubt toyota will debut in late 2013 a new 8 speed tranny or new engine. Toyota seems to not follow right away or lead in the market segment for changing things up. Look at the camry and corolla for example. I cannot believe the 4 speed 1.8L in the corolla hasn’t changed 1-2 years ago since hyundai elantra right now with their 1.8L 6 speed leads in all categories and is ranked #1 right now and is hard to come by on dealers lots. By the way, GM in 2007 had a 4 speed tranny in their 5.3L V8, not 5 speed, and combined with their wimpy 3.42 rear end and if lucky to get the 3.73 rear axle ratio, was barely adequate.
I thought ford brought out the Eco-boost as thier saving grace to meet Federal Regulations. Can’t everyone see that GM can live on taxpayers money, so they can invest in every technology and research all areas of a vehicle and if the gamble doesn’t work they simply get another bailout, if it does work than they outsell the competition and see returns on technology they couldn’t afford (without government help) to begin with. If these new technologies need repairs and are covered under warranty, GM takes the loss and gets yet another bailout. If they outsell all competition and have no warranty claims to speak of (highly doubtful) then the US government comes out smelling like a rose and pushes Toyota, Nissan, and any other “foreign” automaker out. I find it sketchy that all the new Regulations were timed with the bailouts and will affectively push the cost to meet the regulations to the consumer, unless you have a general fund to absorb that cost like that of the US treasury.
Brian – You make a good point that Toyota really isn’t in a position to let Ford/GM gain the techno advantage. However, an 8 speed transmission could backfire on Ford/GM too…if they’re not as durable as the 6 speeds, they could really take a hit. That’s why I’m not convinced Toyota will jump out with an 8 speed right away. Still, you very well could be right. 🙂
mk – Agreed – Toyota has been slow to upgrade transmissions.
Anon – EcoBoost is the first step in fuel economy. The 8 speed, direct injection, start-stop, electric steering, etc. – all these things will be on an F150 sooner or later because Ford has a giant fleet of trucks that they have to make more efficient.
I hear what you’re saying about the timing of these new regs and the bailout too – Ford definitely got the short end of the stick, and it’s interesting to wonder if G.M. has more political pull…
Of course GM has more political pull simply because they are owned by the fed. govt. still and not 100% independent until they pay back 100% of the bailout instead of giving raises and bonuses to the 1,000’s of execs not worth a hill of beans. I had an opportunity back in the mid 90’s to go to a class at GM headquarters in Detroit MI. Let me tell you, that place was 1st class with all the trimmings and steak and seafood and all the best just for a weekly training class I attended with hotels being first class as well. There are more execs at GM doing nothing to earn their 250K per year or more and is a waste of money for sure. Back on subject, I would think toyota would get all their lineup like the RAV4 and corolla’s, etc. into a standardized 6 speed tranny before they come out with an all new 8 speed tranny in their trucks. Toyota is now behind the times when it comes to trannies and the big 3 and Hyundai are surpassing them in 2012 that is for sure.
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The article says no 8 speeds in pickups. I read that the Ram now has an 8 speed with its Pentastar or did I misunderstand that. I know 8 speeds are prevalent throughout Chrysler’s auto line.
This stuff is getting scary.
8 speed automatic transmissions. Fully automatic 4WD systems (which are more trouble then they are worth). High RPM large V6 motors with variable valve timing, high pressure fuel rails, dual turbos which unlike on a diesel spin as 10000 RPM. What can spin at 10000 RPM and last 10 years?
How many electric motors have been added to these trucks over the years. Servos to control the front differential, motors on each window, motors for steering, pumps to move fluid to the transmission to warm it up. Servos to activate locking differentials. Servos to open and close flaps to control radiator air flow on the new Ram. Automatic shutdown and restart on the Ram requiring a tougher starter motor. Electric motors to move the seat up,down, forward and back. How much will it cost to replace the turbos on the F150 at 140,000 miles or 7 years? 4000 dollars by the year 2020? Air conditioned seats on the F150. Lets not even go into the complexity of a locking torque converter which can handle an 8 speed transmission with a motor having 350 foot pounds of torque towing a 10000 load up a 15 mile grade in the rockies. What was wrong with the idea of a good old fashion clutch? Every new device is a repair waiting to be paid for. Screw the new milage ratings and give me a basic work truck. These new trucks might use a bit less fuel but the owner is not going to save a dime after paying to keep all this junk operational.
I don’t know what these things are but they sure aren’t trucks.
How long will these setups run before overhaul is required and at what cost. At dealer shop rates, the old V8s will likely cost less in the long run.
It’s almost impossible to find a basic work truck.
I want a work truck with a 3L diesel and 6 speed manual transmission which will get 25 MPG and run for 250,000 miles without having to overload my home equity loan to keep it repaired.
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I would like to replace my 18 year old 4WD T100 3.0L V6 5 speed manual trans standard cab 8 foot bed. But, after 18 years and 180,000 miles it still gets 19 MPG and the only repairs have been to replace the timing belt, muffler, and front rotors.
There is no truck on the market in 2013 which can come even close to what I got when I got my new T100 back in 1994 at a price of 17000. It has never been fast but, always gets the job done.
The only thing available now is a 4WD leather sofa for 40,000 dollars.