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| 5L40-E/5L50 | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | General Motors |
| Production | 1998[1]–2009 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | 5-speed longitudinal automatic transmission |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | 4L30-E 4L60-E/4L65-E |
| Successor | 6L 45 · 6L 50 |
The 5L40-E (and similar 5L50) are a series of automatic transmissions made by General Motors. Designed for longitudinal engine configurations, the series includes 5 forward gears and is used in the GM Sigma platform vehicles from Cadillac, the Pontiac Solstice, BMW, and Holden Commodore.
The electronically controlled transmission is designed around a fully articulated Ravigneaux planetary gearset that is controlled by electronically timed application of several range-specific hydraulic clutches, in combination with mechanical one-way sprag clutches. The 5L40E unit's centerpiece is an automatic overdrive which supersedes the French-made 4L30E four-speed automatic light-duty gearboxes, and like them features a torque converter clutch to eliminate slipping losses in select forward ranges. It is assembled in Strasbourg, France.
The 5L40/50 series was replaced in 2007 with the 6L50 six-speed.