Are transmissions reaching their peak potiential?
 

I read in the latest Motor Trend that the Corvette just received a new 6L80-E. Here is the difference between the 4L80-E, the transmission it replaces. The difference in the 0-60 acceleration time is around 4.8 secs for the 4L80-E vs. 4.7 secs for the 6L80. The quarter mile times I unfortuneatly do not remember, but based on the 0-60 acceleration times are marginally changed, I doubt much of a change has happened as well for the quarter-mile time. The fuel mileage difference between the 4L80-E vs. 6L80-E is 18/26 city/highway vs. 17/27 city/highway. So my basic point is, why bother upgrading if it has very few advantages? What do you think?

RE: Are transmissions reaching their peak potiential?
 

While I haven't really studied it but my guesses are:

1. Newer technology and manufacturability

2. 4 vs 6 speed

RE: Are transmissions reaching their peak potiential?
 

Yes, but what is the point if it is not going to improve anything significantly?