Is the GM 10-speed transmission an Allison?
No, the GM 10-speed transmission is not an Allison transmission. The 10-speed transmission used in various GM vehicles, including the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, was developed by GM in partnership with Ford, and is not manufactured by Allison Transmission.
Explaining the GM 10-Speed Transmission
The GM 10-speed transmission is an automatic transmission that was first introduced in 2017. It was developed by GM and Ford as part of a joint venture to create a new high-performance transmission for their full-size trucks and SUVs. The 10-speed transmission is designed to provide improved fuel efficiency, acceleration, and towing capacity compared to previous GM and Ford transmission offerings.
Differences Between GM 10-Speed and Allison Transmissions
The key differences between the GM 10-speed transmission and Allison transmissions are:
- Manufacturer: The GM 10-speed is manufactured by GM, while Allison transmissions are produced by the Allison Transmission company, a separate entity from GM.
- Application: Allison transmissions are commonly used in heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles, while the GM 10-speed is primarily found in light-duty and medium-duty GM trucks and SUVs.
- Number of Gears: The GM 10-speed has 10 forward gears, while Allison transmissions typically have 6 or fewer gears.
- Design: The GM 10-speed uses a more complex design with a wider gear ratio spread to improve efficiency and performance, while Allison transmissions are known for their rugged, reliable, and durable design.
In summary, while both are high-performance automatic transmissions, the GM 10-speed and Allison transmissions are distinct products manufactured by different companies for different applications.
Who makes the GM 10-speed transmission?
The GM 10-speed transmission is a co-developed product with Ford, but it is designed and manufactured by GM. Specifically, GM manufactures a version called the Hydra-Matic 10LXX, with the 10L80 model produced at the GM Powertrain facility in Romulus, Michigan. It's important to note that despite being used in some GM and Allison-branded applications, this transmission is not made by Allison, but is instead a GM/Ford collaborative effort.
- Co-developer: Ford Motor Company
- Manufacturer: General Motors
- Production: GM's Powertrain facility in Romulus, Michigan
- Product Line: Hydra-Matic 10LXX transmission family
- Clarification: While some GM vehicles use the transmission and it may have an "Allison-validated" label, it is a GM/Ford collaboration and is not engineered or built by Allison.
Which GM trucks have an Allison Transmission?
GM trucks that have an Allison transmission are the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD (when paired with the Duramax diesel engine) and the GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 models (also when equipped with the Duramax diesel). Additionally, the Chevy Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD medium-duty trucks will continue to use genuine Allison transmissions.
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and 3500HD: These heavy-duty trucks have had Allison transmissions paired with the Duramax diesel engine since around 2007. Note that for the 2026 model year and beyond, these pickups will use a 10-speed automatic transmission built by GM, which will continue to be marketed under the Allison name for a transition period before the badge is removed.
- GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500: Similar to the Silverado, these GMC heavy-duty models have also featured Allison transmissions with the Duramax diesel engine. As with the Chevrolet models, the 10-speed automatic transmission in these trucks is now built by GM and will lose the Allison badging.
- Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD, 5500HD, and 6500HD: These medium-duty trucks, which are classified as chassis cab trucks, will continue to use genuine six-speed Allison transmissions even after GM's partnership with Allison for the HD pickup line ends.
When did GM stop using Allison Transmission?
GM is stopping its licensing agreement for the Allison Transmission badge on its heavy-duty pickups at the end of 2025, though the actual transmissions in these trucks will not change. The partnership ended because GM and Allison Transmission could not reach an agreement to extend their licensing deal.
- Licensing ends December 31, 2025: GM will stop using the Allison brand name on its Silverado HD and Sierra HD trucks after this date.
- No change to internal components: The transmissions in the Silverado HD and Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 trucks will remain the same 10-speed automatics that GM already builds.
- Dealer inventory will be re-badged: After December 2025, any remaining Allison-badged trucks will have their badges removed and replaced by June 29, 2026.
- Exception for medium-duty trucks: GM's medium-duty trucks (Silverado 4500, 5500, and 6500 HD) will continue to use genuine Allison transmissions and badges after the licensing agreement expires.
Is the Chevy 10-speed an Allison Transmission?
And actually the medium duty segment does still use that six-speed automatic transmission. Because it's purely for like payload.
