Hyundai working on a ten-speed automatic transmission
By Andrew, 22 Jan, 2012. 0 Comments
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Replacing the batteries in hybrid vehicles isn’t a serious issue but for those who are still worried, Hyundai CEO John Krafcik wants you to know that the 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid’s lithium-polymer pack comes with a lifetime warranty. Krafcik said that the program is easy to afford since the failure rate is so low. Hyundai asserts that it has to test the Sonata hybrid’s drivetrain for over 300,000 miles with “minimal degradation of its output or duration of operation.” Hyundai has yet to confirm the extent covered of the signal chain.
It’s uncertain if just the battery cells are covered or if the highly integrated hardware and control units are also covered. And instead of just eight-speed automatics in its transmission portfolio, Hyundai said that a ten-speed autobox is being developed in-house. This leads to the question on what point the complexity and packaging of gears would be redundant as compared to a CVT.
It’s possible that we won’t ever know the answer to this due to the massive ratio-envy in the industry. Hyundai representatives would only confirm that the ten-speed is a ‘go project’ for development but they declined to say when they would be introduced and on what vehicles they’ll be installed in. In addition, they’re not saying if the transmission would be for transverse or longitudinal applications. Many believe that the transverse type is more likely because of the need for its small cars such as the Elantra and Accent to meet EPA figures. [source: Caranddriver]
Latest Auto Shows
