| Re: GM's new ATF, available yet?
GM Introduces New ATF For 2006 Cars, Trucks
April 4, 2005
General Motors Corp., Petro-Canada and Afton Chemical Corp. developed a new, improved automatic transmission fluid for all 2006 model year Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions. Developed for factory-fill as RDL-3434 and registered for service fill as DEXRON-VI, the new fluid represents a significant improvement in automatic transmission fluids.
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is used to transfer power in the torque converter and provide the pressure to apply the transmission's various clutches and bands. It also is used to clean, lubricate and cool the components of the transmission. GM's new transmission fluid, DEXRON-VI, was developed to have a more consistent viscosity profile, a more consistent shift performance in extreme conditions, and less degradation over time.
Beginning with the design and development of GM's new Hydra-Matic 6-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions, GM Powertrain engineers determined the need for a new transmission fluid to withstand the complexity of the clutch-to-clutch transmission operation. Additionally, GM engineers identified opportunities to improve viscosity, durability and impact on fuel economy with a new fluid.
"The development of DEXRON-VI is the first time an automotive company has worked so closely with petroleum and additive companies to develop a new fluid," said Roy Fewkes, driveline fluids group leader, GM Powertrain. "The result is a new fluid that significantly outperforms existing fluids in every aspect. In fact, we have had to significantly extend the length of our durability tests to fully test the fluid's capability."
Internal GM tests have demonstrated DEXRON-VI to deliver more than twice the durability and stability in friction tests compared to existing fluids. It also has demonstrated superior performance in pitting, foaming, oxidation and shear stability tests.
GM began factory-fill of the new transmission fluid on April 4, starting with the new Hydra-Matic 6L80, produced at the Willow Run transmission facility in Ypsilanti, Mich.
DEXRON-VI will be available through GM Vehicle Care products at GM authorized dealerships and service centers in summer 2005.
Source: IHS Automotive
Source: General Motors Corp.
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