I was reading on one of my other forums that the new 2008 Malibu, which uses the 2.4L Ecotec will be offered with a 6 speed auto starting in the Spring of 2008. It currently comes with a 4 speed auto.

I'm assuming that the set up is similar if not the same as the HHR. I wonder if this 6 speed auto will make its way down into the HHR and Cobalt and other 2.4L equipped models.

I wonder how long it will take? I've been wanting a 6 speed for a long, long time.

 

I had read awhile back that the HHR was to have a complete make over for the 2009 model. Who knows, it may get the 6 spd auto

 

I hope they don't do a complete make-over, especially with production ending on the PT Cruiser. I want to order a new one and select my options but I'd also love to have a 6-speed. I may have to wait for it. I'm assuming the additional gears will help with mileage at higher speeds, right?

 

The extra gears and a new gear ratio should help with mileage and it should help with acceleration performance.

 

we'll see as other said maybe in 2009

 

It may help accel but mileage not so much. MPG is mainly a product of mass (weight), aero-dynamic efficiency (drag), and engine output. A taller final drive ratio would only tend to bog the Ecotec unless engine output is increased, but there are no free lunches because increasing engine output tends to equal putting more fuel into the combustion chambers. If you want the power you have to deliver the energy into the cylinder combustion chambers. That is all forced induction (turbocharge or supercharge) does-- stuff more air/fuel into the chambers.

Having said that, a six speed auto trans would help make power delivery to the wheels more efficient by evening out the torque spread better, so all by itself no other changes it should help MPG slightly but it would be more for acceleration.

 

I was thinking of mileage at higher speeds. I get my best mpg at about 65 mph. When I get on the interstate at 75 mph, I drop 2-3 mpg.

 

I want a 6-speed MANUAL!!!

 

The 6 speed is good for 6% increase in fuel mileage and with that little of a difference it would take a long time to recover the cost of the 6 speed option.Also I don`t like the idea of all the extra shifting and parts that go with it.Now a 6 speed manual that`s a great idea you control when it shifts.

On a personal note if GM puts the 6 speed in everything with the 2.4 I along will 1,200 other fellow employes will loose are jobs by the end of 2009.

 

I really don't see GM using a 6-speed auto in any of the delta platform cars, this will be reserved for the higher end machines, their thinking being additional content/equipment for the higher cost.