Amirul
Resident Journalist
Kia Motors has revealed technical details of its new 8-speed (!) automatic transmission especially for their front-wheel-drive (FWD) cars.
The new 8AT will see its inaugural application in the 2017 Kia Cadenza before making its way into other mid- and full-size FWD vehicle.
Developed in-house by the Korean car manufacturer, this achievement follows the experience and technical expertise gained during development of 6-speed automatic for FWD cars and 8-speed automatic for RWD cars previously.
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According to Ki-Been Lim, Kia Motors’ Principal Research Engineer from Transmission Development Group, the key technologies in the new transmission is the innovative layout that translates to reduced weight and improved efficiency. The transmission also features an advanced design in order to overcome the constraints; higher number of components and compact space in front engined FWD cars.
With the new 8-speed automatic transmission, the team not only manage to improve the efficiency and overall drivability of the cars, it enables the transmission to shift smoother (due to higher capacity solenoid valve used), requires less transmission oil and is 3.5kg lighter than the previous 6-speed unit.
It is also worth noting that Kia Motors has patented 143 new technologies with the development of the eight-speeder.
Since I’m not a transmission engineer, head on to the video to listen to the in-depth details explained by Lim.
