South Korea's Hyundai today (28 October) unveiled new-generation powertrains for its future hybrid-electric-vehicle (HEV) line-up, according to a company statement sent to IHS Automotive. At the company-organised annual International Powertrain Conference held at Namyang (South Korea), Hyundai introduced an all-new six-speed automatic transmission. It integrates the electric motor, and does away with mechanical oil pumps, and opts for a high voltage electric power pump for torque control. This arrangement is expected to improve fuel economy and results in better gear shifts, thanks to better response and shift times, according to Hyundai. The new transmission weighs 130 kg, claimed to be lighter than its previous version, delivering 280 Nm of torque. The new transmission will be fitted into Hyundai's future HEVs, including the upcoming all-new Sonata hybrid, scheduled for launch in 2015. As well as this, Hyundai also displayed the new Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI engine, which was first unveiled at this year's Paris Motor Show (France) held earlier in the month. Besides these two, Hyundai displayed its Gamma 1.60-litre turbo GDI, the R2.2 diesel and a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Significance: Following in the footsteps of a number of other automakers, Hyundai is starting to pursue a strategy of engine downsizing, to help reduce emissions as well as increasing fuel efficiency, while Hyundai is also looking at offering improved driving dynamics on its future models.
