I can attest to that. It took several times of counting 1-2-3-4-5-6 and knowing it only has 5 gears...... It is a 5 speed, but it does "shift" 6 times.......
They are actually a 6 speed. The one gear is hardly ever used, only when really cold.
I've wondered if my CTS would pick up on it (I have one set to display gear + TCL).
Technically they are a 3 speed trans with an overdrive. 1, 1 over, 2, 2 over, 3, 3 over (whatever gear each one represents). Below a certain temp it goes 1-2-3-4-6, above that temp it goes 1-2-3-5-6. 4th is 1.096:1, 5th is 1:1 so almost identical. Apparently they just could not get the 3-5 shift to operate correctly at low temps. This is all per Mark Kovalsky, who is on several forums and was an engineer who designed and tested the 5R
"The TorqShift trans is actually two transmissions in one case.
There is a two speed in the front of the trans, with a 1:1 ratio and a 0.71:1 ratio. Then there is a three speed in the back of the trans, with 3.11:1, 1.54:1, and 1:1.
First gear is both trans in low, which is 1:1 times 3.11:1, which gives a ratio of 3.11:1.
Second is front trans in high, 0.71:1, and rear in low, 3.11:1. This gives a ratio of 2.2:1.
Third gear is front in 1:1 and rear in 1.54:1. Overall ratio is 1.54:1.
Fourth (the little used gear) is front in 0.71:1 and rear in 1.54:1. Overall ratio is 1.09:1.
Fifth is both in 1:1.
Sixth is front in 0.71:1 and rear in 1:1. Overall ratio is 0.71:1.
Clear as mud?"