Technology has become the pinnacle of making cars faster, stronger, safer and more efficient. There is no denying how the automobile has advanced just in the past decade mostly due to major advancements in technology. We have state-of-the-art stability control systems, magnetic suspension dampers, dual-clutch transmissions, new hybrid technologies, direct fuel injection and the list goes on.
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General Motors, recapturing the title for the largest automaker in the world, has been at the forefront of adopting and innovating many of these new technological advancements. To further emphasize new technological advancements in the automotive industry, Chevrolet is offering new Camaro ZL1 with an optional TapShift automatic transmission. The TapShift function takes the optional six-speed automatic transmission in the ZL1 to new heights by improving tap-shifting response times to as much as 60%.
The TapShift innovation in the new Camaro ZL1, thanks to new software algorithms, will essentially stage hydraulic pressure in the clutch for the next gear change. This will help reduce shifting delays for 1-2, 2-3, 3-4 and 4-5 shifts accordingly by 200 to 300 milliseconds. This will ultimately make the Camaro ZL1 automatic transmission version about a tenth of a second faster than the 6-speed manual. That means getting the most out of the 580 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 engine and laying down a solid and consistent 0-60mph time of 3.9 seconds.
With today’s automotive enthusiasts, every millisecond means the world to someone who wants to carry around the title for having baddest, and supposedly the fastest, sports car on the road amongst his or her peers. Some enthusiasts will argue that you can’t beat a manual transmission and others will back the case that you simply cannot outrun a computer. Either way, it seems Chevrolet will have something to contribute for both ends of the spectrum by offering an advanced TapShift automatic transmission and capable 6-speed manual in the new ZL1. In my opinion, Chevrolet could have joined the dual-clutch bandwagon and equipped the new ZL1 with a transmission that rivals Nissan’s Godzilla (GT-R) as an option.
The new 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will start arriving at dealerships this spring with a price starting at $54,095. The TapShift transmission will be available as a $1,185 option on the ZL1. Other vehicles receiving the improved TapShift automatic feature will be the new Cadillac CTS-V and Corvette automatics.
The video below demonstrates the improved TapShift transmission from Gabe Gibson, a Performance Car Calibration Engineer at GM.
