What brand of transmission is used in the Envision?
2 Answers
The transmission brand used in the Envision is SAIC-GM. SAIC General Motors Co., Ltd., established on June 12, 1997, is a joint venture between SAIC Motor Corporation Limited and General Motors Company. It has four major production bases located in Pudong Jinqiao, Yantai Dongyue, Shenyang Beisheng, and Wuhan Branch, comprising a total of four vehicle production plants and two powertrain plants, making it one of the important enterprises in China's automotive industry. The Envision is equipped with two types of transmissions: a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 9-speed automatic transmission (9AT). The 1.5-liter turbocharged engine is paired with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is matched with the 9AT. Dual-clutch transmissions are currently very popular, favored by many automakers and consumers alike. The structure of a dual-clutch transmission is similar to that of a manual transmission, with the only difference being the addition of an extra clutch and a shift control mechanism. Dual-clutch transmissions offer fast shifting speeds and high transmission efficiency, making them particularly suitable for use with small-displacement turbocharged engines. When using the Envision's transmission in daily driving, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles come with maintenance-free transmission fluid, 'maintenance-free' does not mean 'never change.' Prolonged failure to replace the transmission fluid can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid coasting in neutral for long durations. While driving manual transmission vehicles, many experienced drivers may coast in neutral, but for automatic transmission vehicles, this can cause the transmission to overheat and may result in a noticeable jolt when shifting back into Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle has come to a complete stop. Some drivers, aiming to demonstrate 'smooth' operation, may shift into reverse while the vehicle is still moving, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and, over time, lead to gear grinding or other failures. Do not frequently climb steep slopes in Drive (D) mode. When navigating steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles can overheat due to high load or may upshift too early, resulting in insufficient power. In such cases, it is advisable to use manual mode to lock in lower gears or switch to sport mode to protect the transmission. Do not tow the vehicle over long distances. If an automatic transmission vehicle breaks down, it should be transported using a flatbed tow truck with the vehicle in Neutral (N) and placed onto the tow platform. Towing with a rope or directly dragging the vehicle should be avoided.
I've always been keen on automotive technology. When driving the Envision, I noticed it uses GM's in-house Hydra-Matic transmission, specifically the 9-speed automatic version, which delivers exceptionally smooth performance with nearly imperceptible gear shifts. This transmission design prioritizes fuel efficiency and reliability, pairing seamlessly with the 2.0T engine for linear power delivery. For long-term use, I've observed that maintenance is straightforward, though regular transmission fluid changes are recommended to prevent wear. Overall, this GM transmission is also commonly found in Chevrolet and Cadillac models, known for its stable and durable performance, making it well-suited for family vehicles by enhancing driving comfort.
