New Corvette first to get new 8-speed GM transmission built in Toledo

The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 debuts at media previews during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

DETROIT — The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 will be the first vehicle to get the eight-speed automatic transmission designed by General Motors and built in Toledo.

Company officials unveiled the high-performance Corvette model today at the North American International Auto Show, a year to the day after showing the redesigned 2014 Corvette Stingray for the first time.

GM announced in 2011 that the Toledo Transmission plant would build the eight-speed gearbox, but had been coy about when production would start and what vehicles would receive it. (The Toledo Transmission plant on Alexis Road is also known as the Powertrain plant.)

PHOTO GALLERY: 2014 North American International Auto Show 

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It had been expected that the transmission would eventually be installed in the Corvette, but today’s announcement is the first official word from the company. Other rear-wheel drive GM models are likely to get the transmission later.

The Z06, introduced in 2001, has evolved into a legitimate supercar. For the 2015 model, the package boosts the Corvette’s standard 455 horsepower to an estimated 625 horsepower.

The Z06 will be available with a traditional seven-speed manual transmission or the eight-speed Toledo-built automatic.

GM says the quick-shifting eight-speed transmission plays an important role in squeezing the most performance possible out of the Corvette.

“The new eight-speed automatic offers drivers the comfort and drivability of a true automatic transmission, as well as lightning-fast shifts and manual control for track driving,” Tadge Juechter, Corvette chief engineer, said in a statement.

The new Corvette Z06 will arrive in early 2015. Pricing hasn't yet been announced.