Patent Details 8-Speed DCT For Mid-Engined Corvette

The mid-engined Corvette shows its face officially on July 18th. But with a mere month left until its debut, details on the super coupe are still leaking. Today we learn that the C8 could have an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The details come from a user on the MidEngineCorvetteForum, who uncovered a patent filing from General Motors for an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Though filed on November 13, 2015, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted GM the patent for the updated transmission today, June 4, 2019. The 12 pages of detail are complex and show the GM-built eight-speed extensively, piece by piece.

What's important to note is that nowhere does the copy suggest dedicated use of the transmission on the C8 Corvette - or any vehicle, for that matter. If this new gearbox is for the Corvette, it contradicts reports of six-, seven-, and 10-speed transmissions specified previously. But, it's hard to imagine its application elsewhere.
The mid-engined Corvette (based on what we know) promises an expansive lineup with multiple engine options. The base, V8-powered model - which our spy photographers captured yesterday - could use either a new 4.2-liter V8 or carry over the same 6.2-liter unit available on the C7. A 1,000-horsepower (746-kilowatt) hybrid is also on the docket, as are multiple mid-range options.

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Source: Jeff Perez - Motor1.com

Posted 6/21/19