
The 6AT transmission in the Excelle is independently developed by General Motors. The transmission is an mechanism used to alter the speed and torque from the engine, capable of fixed or stepped changes in the transmission ratio between the output shaft and input shaft. Taking the 2021 Excelle as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4609mm, width 1798mm, height 1464mm, with a wheelbase of 2640mm. The 2021 Excelle is equipped with a 1.3T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 163hp, maximum power of 120kW, and maximum power speed of 5500rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

I'm really into cars, and the 6AT transmission used in the Excelle is actually developed by GM itself. Many car enthusiasts say the specific model is from the 6T series, like the 6T30 or 6T40, matched according to the engine displacement. I once drove a friend's 2015 Excelle, and it did have some jerkiness during low-speed gear shifts, but overall it's quite durable. GM manufactures this transmission in both North America and China, mainly to save costs since they don't have to pay patent fees to Aisin or ZF. Nowadays, the new Excelle models have switched to CVT, but you can still find older models with the 6AT in the market.

In repair shops, the transmissions of the Excelle are frequently seen. The 6AT is definitely GM's own product. The model number is usually marked on the transmission housing, commonly starting with 6T. Its structure is simpler than that of Japanese cars, and the parts are cheaper to repair, but the solenoid valves and valve body are prone to failure, causing gear shift jerks. It's best to change the transmission fluid every 50,000 kilometers during maintenance, otherwise it can accelerate wear. Although not as smooth as Aisin's, it has the advantage of being easy to repair, and mechanics at roadside shops are familiar with it.

GM has been working on transmissions for quite some time, and the 6AT used in the Excelle is their own in-house model. They previously collaborated with on development, and later optimized it into the 6T series. The biggest advantage of this transmission is its high compatibility, as both the engine and transmission are GM's own products, making calibration easier. However, gear shifts between 1st and 2nd gears can be jerky in city traffic, though it performs steadily at highway speeds. In the used car market, older Excelle models with the 6AT are generally reliable if they have less than 100,000 kilometers.

Last time at the 4S shop, I watched their disassembly training. The 6AT transmission in the Excelle was full of GM-labeled parts. The technician said this transmission comes in different load-bearing versions: the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine is paired with the 6T30, while turbocharged models might use the 6T45. The design philosophy was cost control—even the torque converter is made in-house. After prolonged use, remember to check the transmission mount bushings, as vibrations become very noticeable when they age. Overall, it's a middle-of-the-road unit—no major flaws, but no standout features either.

My friends who are into modifications have tested it. The Excelle's 6AT transmission model always starts with '6T', clearly a product of GM's own. Those produced in North American factories come with a black casing, while those from Shanghai factories have a silver-gray one. Although the shifting speed can't match a dual-clutch, it wins in reliability. Be aware that this transmission is particularly prone to overheating; it's best to install an additional radiator when driving on mountain roads in summer. The oil pan design is a bit user-unfriendly—if you're changing the oil yourself, you'll need to remove half of the subframe.


