Hyundai to Introduce Eight-Speed Transmission

Hyundai announced plans to introduce a fuel-smart eight-speed automatic transmission for a yet-to-be-determined 2010 model. The new transmission will serve as a way to improve fuel economy, according to the Korean automaker.

The only automaker already offering an eight-speed is Lexus, but BMW will likely introduce a vehicle with that many gears in the next two years. Hyundai sees a clear advantage in improving overall mileage numbers as new government fuel economy rules come into play.

More gears allow vehicles to save fuel by increasing torque and allowing more efficient power-band modulation. A likely candidate for the improved transmission is Hyundai's well-received new flagship sedan, the Genesis (read the Genesis review here). This type of transmission would probably be too expensive to be teamed to an inexpensive economy car like the Elantra, but perhaps one day it could make its way to the Sonata.

Hyundai to Debut Fuel-Savvy 8-Speed Gearbox (AutoblogGreen)

Comments

Right now, Lexus is SH*Ting their pants! lmao

Eventually when you get that high on gearing there isn't much difference between CVS trans and 8-speed to me. But others might feel different. I personally think an 8-speed can be as cheap as current tranys if you made it standard, just depends what you want to make standard. But all automakers play this game.

Hyundai Equus first, Genesis sedan & Kia Borrego second, Genesis coupe third?

Hopefully this transmission will have the most ratio spread of any on the market. 7.5:1 is a very nice target.

and you don't have to use it as an 8 speed automatic.
If Kia keeps the V8 in the Borrego, you could operate in 1-7 in a tow & haul mode, otherwise you would operate via 2-8th gears.