September 5, 2002: GM Powertrain to Debut New Hydra-Matic 5-Speed


FOR RELEASE: September 5, 2002

CONTACT(S):
Thomas Read, GM Powertrain Communications

Dave Roman, GM Powertrain Communications

GM Powertrain to Debut New Hydra-Matic 5-Speed

2004 Cadillac XLR and SRX to Showcase GM’s Most Technologically Advanced Transmission

WARREN, Mich. - GM Powertrain’s new Hydra-Matic 5L50-E 5-speed automatic transmission, developed to manage the high torque and horsepower of the next-generation Northstar 4.6-liter V8 in the 2004 Cadillac XLR and SRX, is one of the most technologically advanced transmissions on any highway or autobahn in the industry.

"The Hydra-Matic 5L50-E is the first transmission to integrate three performance features found individually on various high-performance American and European luxury sport sedans but never as a total package," according to Rich Mardeusz, GM Powertrain Hydra-Matic 5L50-E assistant chief engineer. The features include:

 

 

 

- The transmission controller modifies the automatic gear selection during closed throttle high lateral acceleration maneuvers, downshifting with nearly synchronous matching engine speed control for quick power up when the throttle is reopened. This feature is enabled instantaneously once the TCM recognizes a high lateral g input.

 

The 5L50-E transmission is a modification of the Hydra-Matic 5L40-E transmission used in Cadillac CTS.

"The 5L50-E was designed specifically to manage the high torque and horsepower of the next generation Northstar 4.6-liter V8, while combining the convenience of an automatic transmission with the feel of a high-performance manual transmission," said Mardeusz. "And it does it in the same size package as the 5L40-E."

To meet the performance demands of the new Northstar, the 5L50-E was designed to manage at least a 25 percent increase in horsepower and torque over the existing 5L40-E. Among its host of performance features, the 5L50-E gives drivers the ability to partially override the normal automatic gear selection for greater control when more aggressive driving performance is desired.

 

 

Gear

 

Gear Ratios

1st

3.42

2nd

2.215

3rd

1.60

4th

1.00

5th

0.76

Reverse

3.02

GM Powertrain is a global producer of engines, transmissions, castings and components for GM vehicles and other automotive, marine, and industrial OEMs. Headquartered in Pontiac, Mich., GM Powertrain has operating and coordinating responsibility for GM’s powertrain manufacturing plants and engineering centers in North America, South America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

Note to Editors: Complete press releases and photography available on the Internet at GM Media Online (http://media.gm.com). Photography is also available through Wieck Photo Database at 972-392-0888.



Article ID: 85
Created: December 21, 2016
Last Updated: December 21, 2016
Author: Rob Loszewski

Online URL: https://www.xlr-net.com/knowledgebase/article/september-5-2002-gm-powertrain-to-debut-new-hydra-matic-5-speed-85.html