Back in January it was reported that it wouldn't be until 2016 that Chevrolet would equip the Corvette Stingray with a faster shifting and more modern eight-speed automatic. This would effectively replace the current six-speed auto 'box, but the seven-speed manual is set to remain. Today, however, comes word directly from General Motors that that new eight-speed slushbox will arrive one model year earlier.

The 2015 Corvette Stingray's all-new eight-speed will "contribute up to 5-percent greater efficiency, when compared to the six-speed auto." Official EPA test results aren't available just yet. What's more is that this new gearbox is based on the same eight-speed auto found in the new Z06, only now it'll offer unique clutch and torque converter specifications that are properly matched to the Stingray's LT1 6.2-liter V8. And take note: this isn't a dual-clutch gearbox. Chevy promises that its wide-open throttle upshifts are executed up to eight-hundredths of a second quicker than those of the dual-clutch found in the Porsche 911. It's too bad for anyone who bought the six-speed auto.