Hyundai dual clutch transmission – DCT development 2011

03 December 2010 - Hyundai Motor Company is developing dual-clutch transmission for its future mid-size sedans, crossover vehicles and compact cars. With its new six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, Hyundai will join the likes of BMW, Volkswagen and Audi which all already have such gearboxes on sale.

Hyundai has yet to announce the official release date of its very-first dual-clutch transmission, but sources close to the automaker claim that the automated tranny is only a few months away from its serial mass production. Hyundai’s highly advanced dual-clutch transmission has been developed in conjunction with Kia Motors, which means that the gearbox will also be installed in sister vehicles from Kia Motors Corporation.

The forth-coming gearbox will first be aplied to Hyundai ix35 crossover, which is known as Hyundai Tucson in the States, and Kia’s 2011 Sportage crossover vehicle. Later, Hyundai will also introduce it in the 2011 Sonata and Kia Optima mid-size sedans, as well as in smaller models such as Hyundai i30, Elantra 2011 and next-generation Kia cee’d.

The “various tech” mentioned includes the continuously variable transmissions (CVT), which will be introduced in smaller models to boost mileage. In the US, Hyundai has announced plans to lift its corporate average fuel economy rating to 50 mpg (17.7 km/l) by 2025. Four upcoming models including the new Elantra (Avante for us) will get at least 40 mpg or 14.2 km/l on the highway. Transmissions are key, but other measures include direct-injection engines, turbochargers and hybrid tech.

Reports from Australia say that the recipients of the PSG will include the ix35 and i45, which we know as the Tucson and Sonata respectively.