for years GM and other companies have had the knowledge and materials to build an automatic trans that will handle 450 to 500 hp..... yet 2010 Camaro in stick form is 426hp/420 torque, and in autom trans form is 400hp/410 torque....... the companies Always say : well the automatic cannot handle the increased hp...... so.. build an autom trans that will..... offering both stick and autom Camaro w/ 426hp makes so much sense ......a.k.

 

The auto Camaro has the L99 - an engine different from the LS3 with cylinder deactivation.

The 6L80 automatic in the Camaro is also in the 430hp Corvette and 556hp CTS-V. It can handle the power just fine.

 

The auto is technically an L99, which also includes Active Fuel Management. It isn't a matter of the auto not being able to take the abuse, my guess is that the motor is slightly detuned because of the cylinder deactivation.

 

Just a little bit of irony....back in the 3rd Gen days....the most powerful engine (L98) could only be had with an auto.

Not really relevant to today...just a thought that came to mind.

 

^yeah boy, all the power without the duldrum of being stuck with a broken clutch/shifter/gear.

 

I wish GM stuffed a 4L80E and a 12 bolt in the 4th gens.

 

Actually the CTS-V has the 6L90 transmission, which can handle even more power and torque than the 6L80. But either one would be able to handle the LS3 without any issues, like the 6L80 does in the LS3 auto Vette.

 

I read the title to this thread and now I can't get that damn Beach Boys song out of my head!

 

Me too!

 

Correct, it's not a matter of the trans not being able to withstand the hp, it's the L99 with Active Fuel management so the vehicle can get better gas mileage ratings. Of course you can get better gas mileage with a manual, that's why the manual trans was paired with the LS3. Your not going to get as good of gas mileage out of the LS3 if it was paired with the auto trans. Say it with me everyone, CAFE (F-that)!