General Motors has unveiled its new Hydra-Matic five-speed automatic transmission, which
incorporates several features formerly only found individually on certain high-performance
vehicles. The new transmission includes these features:
- Driver Shift Control, which allows the driver to switch from a fully automatic mode
to a clutchless five-speed manual transmission; - Performance Algorithm Liftfoot, which prevents upshifts while maintaining engine
braking following continuous performance driving; - Performance Algorithm Shifting, which modifies gear selection and performs
synchronous matched shifts at optimum engine speeds. The new transmission will
initially appear in the 2004 Cadillac XLR and SRX equipped with a new Northstar
4.6-liter V-8. It may also appear in other GM vehicles after that.
