Chevrolet Corvette C8: Tremec launches compatible 6-speed manual transmission

Tremec is developing a six-speed manual transaxle that is similar in size and shares mounting points with the TR‑9080 DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission in the Chevrolet Corvette C8. The new transmission is said to deliver an estimated 1,000 hp, 800 lb-ft of torque, and a maximum input shaft speed of 8,600 rpm. Pricing, availability, and software solutions to enable the Corvette to “cooperate” with the three-pedal configuration have not yet been announced.

Manual solution for the mid-engine Corvette C8

Starting with the 2020 model year, Corvettes are limited to the TR‑9080 DCT dual-clutch automatic. Tremec’s new six-speed manual opens up the possibility of a manual swap for the C8, sharing mounting points and similar dimensions to the existing DCT. Mechanically, this is the biggest kink in the equation of moving to three pedals on a mid-engine architecture.

However, many integration items are still open: control software to make the car “forget” the original automatic transmission, the arrangement of the gear lever in the cabin and interventions on the related electronic systems. Information about costs and timelines has not been given.

Black Chevrolet Corvette Z06 rear with large spoiler running on the track

Load capacity and mechanical structure

Tremec says the new six-speed manual is rated for an estimated 1,000 hp and 800 lb-ft (1,085 Nm), with an 8,600 rpm redline at the input shaft. Those numbers point to a high-end load range, consistent with the performance characteristics of the more powerful Corvette configurations. According to Car and Driver, the load rating “sounds” like it was built for ZR1 spec; it’s unclear when finalized whether the numbers will adjust to cover the rumored 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft (1,123 Nm).

The aluminum transmission housing optimizes weight and heat dissipation. A gerotor-type oil pump, driven directly from the input shaft, ensures oil circulation and cooling under heavy load, high-revving conditions—important with the transaxle located close to the rear axle.

Mechanical differential, transmission ratio and operating effects

The transaxle reportedly uses a mechanical limited-slip differential instead of the current Corvette's electronically controlled one. Additionally, the reduction in gears from 8 (DCT) to 6 (manual) could make acceleration/running at the optimal rpm range less flexible in some situations. In return, the manual shifting experience with a clutch pedal and a 6-speed shifter is something the Corvette C8 lacks.

The challenge of integrating electronics on the C8

The core issue beyond the mechanical is the control layer. The C8 currently “defaults” to an automatic transmission; to operate the manual, the car would need to be reprogrammed to not seek signals from the original DCT. There is no information yet on who will develop this software and integration package. In addition, the position of the gear lever and pedal mechanism are also questions that need to be answered when it comes to actual swapping.

Not just for Corvette: wide application potential

According to Car and Driver, because of the same TR‑9080 DCT transmission system, the Ford Mustang GTD is also a potential candidate for a new 6-speed manual transmission. The transaxle nature of the product opens the door to many high-performance mid-engined models, not just Corvettes.

“This opens the floodgates,” said Dave Smith, president of Factory Five Racing. “We have a new mid-engine car coming out that we’ve been planning, and this is a huge boost.”

Official spec sheet released

Category	Parameter
Type	6-speed manual transaxle
Installation compatibility	Shares mounting points, similar dimensions to the TR‑9080 DCT on the Corvette C8
Capacity load (estimated)	1,000 hp
Moment load capacity (estimated)	1,085 Nm (800 lb-ft)
Maximum input shaft speed	8,600 rpm
Gearbox housing	Aluminum
Oil pump	Gerotor driven from input shaft
Differential	Mechanical anti-slip
Information status	No price or release date yet; integrated software solution not yet announced

Conclusion: more experience options, still waiting for software solution

The Tremec 6-speed manual solves the biggest mechanical bottleneck to bringing manuals back to the Corvette C8: compatibility with the TR‑9080 DCT. The load numbers show significant performance headroom, while the aluminum housing and gerotor pump construction aim for operational durability. The way forward lies in the electronics and cabin packaging. When these pieces come together, the market could see another rare configuration—a mid-engine manual—that’s not exclusive to Corvettes.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/chevrolet-corvette-c8-tremec-ra-hop-so-tay-6-cap-tuong-thich-10310588.html