2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 Ike Gauntlet: Are Eight Speeds Better Than Six? [Video]

2015 chevy silverado ike gauntlet extreme towing test big v8 horse trailer
2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 6.2L V8

General Motors has introduced the 8-speed automatic transmission into their higher-end trucks. It replaces the 6-speed that was there before. Naturally, TFLtruck wanted to try this 2015 Chevy Silverado LTZ 6.2L V8 with the new transmission. When we tested the 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500, the gear spacing between second and third cogs was too wide to effectively put down the power on this extreme towing test, going up I-70 to the Continental Divide and the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels. Can the new 8-speed (8L90) solve the issue and deliver a consistent run up the Ike Gauntlet?

This truck definitely has the power with 420 horses and 460 lb-ft of torque @ 4,100 rpm. It sends the power the AWD/4×4 system, although we are using 2WD mode for this and all Ike tests. This particular truck has the Max. Trailering package with the 3.42 rear axle ratio.

The lower rear-end gears also allow the truck and transmission to be more effective at “grade shifting” on the downhill. The transmission shifts down automatically to help slow down the truck when you tap on the brakes. This helps to a point, so don’t forget to always check your trailer brakes, the electrical connection to the truck, and the gain settings on your trailer-brake controller.

2015 Chevy Silverado 2014 Chevy Silverado 
Model Double Cab LTZ 4×4  Crew Cab LTZ 4×4
Estimated $ $48,655 $51,560
Engine 6.2-liter V8 6.2-liter V8
Transmission 8-speed 6-speed
Power (hp / lb-ft) 420 / 460 420 / 460
Payload (lbs) 2,110
Tow Rating (lbs) 11,900 (3.42 axle) 11,800 (3.73 axle)
Test Load (trailer + cargo + ppl) 10,500 lbs 10,810 lbs
Suspension Sag 2.5 in
Ambient Temp F 50F  41F
Relative Humidity Low (30%)  Low (30%)
Barometric Pressure (at top) 19.76 inHg 19.76 inHg
Calculated Power Loss 32% 31.5%
Up: Time 7:39 8:26
Up: MPG 3.3  3.4
Up: Interior dB 70
Up: Transmission Temp normal  normal

In the end, the 8-speed automatic equipped truck was a whole 47 seconds quicker up the hill, with the nearly the same 3.3 MPG according to the onboard computer.

Take a look at this detailed TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video, featuring the 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 4×4 with the new 8-speed transmission.

Also, check out Ike Gauntlet results for all trucks.

Andre Smirnov
Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, reporter, and software engineer. He has been writing and reporting at TFL since 2011.

Check out all the details in this TFLtruck Ike Gauntlet video.