Which Brand is the Cadillac 8AT Transmission?

[OHector]

Cadillac uses an 8AT transmission developed in-house by General Motors Company (GM). General Motors Company (GM) was founded on September 16, 1908. Since its establishment by William Durant, GM has been producing and selling a range of brand vehicles globally, including Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC, and Holden, among others, along with related services. In 2014, GM's various brands saw their full range of models selling well in over 120 countries and regions worldwide, including electric vehicles, microcars, heavy-duty full-size trucks, compact cars, and convertibles. Cadillac employs an 8-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, commonly referred to as an 8AT transmission. The AT transmission is a widely used automatic transmission type, known for its relatively complex structure, which includes numerous planetary gears and clutch plates inside. When using the Cadillac 8AT transmission in daily driving, the following points should be noted: Do not delay transmission fluid changes for extended periods. Although many modern vehicles feature maintenance-free transmission fluid, 'maintenance-free' does not mean it never needs replacement. Prolonged failure to change the transmission fluid can lead to damage to internal components such as bearings and the housing. Avoid prolonged coasting in neutral. 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 to Drive (D). Never shift into Drive (D) or Reverse (R) before the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Some drivers, aiming to demonstrate smooth operation, may shift into reverse gear before the vehicle has fully stopped, which can cause significant damage to the transmission gears and, over time, lead to issues like gear grinding. Avoid frequently climbing steep slopes in Drive (D). When facing steep inclines, automatic transmission vehicles may overheat due to high load or may upshift too early, resulting in insufficient power for climbing. In such cases, using manual mode to lock in lower gears or switching to sport mode can help 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 transmission in Neutral (N). Towing with a rope or similar method, where the vehicle is dragged directly, should be avoided.

[MaxDella]

Most of those 8AT transmissions in Cadillacs are developed in-house by General Motors, belonging to their classic Hydra-Matic series, such as the 8L45 or 8L90 models. This thing is widely used in models like the CT6 or ATS-V, and I think it responds quickly, shifts smoothly, and controls fuel consumption well. Why does GM develop their own instead of frequently using other brands? It's because they've been deeply involved in transmission technology since last century, and now they can fully control the matching of hardware and software, avoiding many compatibility issues. Of course, this doesn't mean it's flawless; sometimes there's a bit of jerkiness under high-load driving, but overall it's quite reliable. As a car enthusiast, I've always been interested in such technical details, which make Cadillac's luxury feel more prominent. I've also learned that GM uses similar designs in some off-road models, proving that the 8AT is a durable product tested over a long period.

[McBentley]

I've driven my friend's Cadillac XTS, which uses GM's own 8AT transmission from the Hydra-Matic series. The power delivery feels incredibly smooth during driving, with no noticeable jerks during acceleration, giving it a premium feel. The advantage of GM producing it in-house is cost savings, better compatibility, and easier maintenance. I know some owners mention being cautious about oil change intervals over time, and regular maintenance can extend its lifespan. Personally, I think this transmission has no major flaws and is suitable for daily commutes and long trips. Let's talk about other aspects, like why Cadillac insists on using an 8-speed instead of a 6-speed or 9-speed—it's to strike a balance between performance and efficiency. Overall, as an owner, I find it to be a trustworthy configuration.

[OLilah]

In the workshop, I've worked on quite a few Cadillacs, and the 8AT transmissions are mostly brands manufactured by General Motors, commonly seen in models like the 8L90. This transmission has a well-designed shift logic, but occasionally encounters shift hesitation cases, mostly caused by aging control modules or clogged oil circuits. I recommend owners change the fluid every 40,000 kilometers to avoid overheating issues. GM focused on reliability and cost control when developing this type of transmission, unlike some brands that rely on outsourcing. To expand a bit, Cadillac's 8AT pairs exceptionally well with large-displacement engines, delivering continuous power output; however, the downside is that it requires careful maintenance, otherwise, repair costs can be high in the long run. In summary, from a professional standpoint, this is a solid brand.