South Korean automaker Kia will be rolling out an 8-speed automatic transmission for in its next-generation Cadenza sedan when the car premieres in 2017. Perhaps more importantly, at least right now, is that the all-new transmission is designed and developed in-house.
The torque converter gearbox has been engineered for use in its front-wheel drive cars and marks the first time that any Kia will be offered with this many forward ratios. They are rightfully bullish about the transmissions origin story but for its high level of mechanical efficiency and clever packaging, and resulting gains in fuel economy.
As an example, where previously the Cadenza used a six-speed automatic, the all-new transmission weights 3.5kg less and occupies the same amount of space despite having two extra gears. Its the fruition of a project that started all the way back in 2012 and over its gestation, Kia has picked up 143 new technology patents that contributed to the new gearbox.
Kia has reduced the oil pump size significantly, a major contributor for the often slower shift times and power loss during transference attributed to torque converter automatic gearboxes. In fact, they claim that its the small oil pump of any transmission in its class, needing less hydraulic fluid to operate which thereby saves weight.
This new 8-speeder also incorporates a direct control valve body to allow direct solenoid control of the clutch. Conventional setups use several control valves to achieve the same effect, which add up to slower gear shifts, more frictional power loss, and increased fuel consumption.
The new transmission will make its debut in the 2017 Kia Cadenza, as was mentioned, where it will be mated to a 3.3-litre V6 GDI engine that had produced 219kW in the outgoing generation. No doubt it will be trickling to other models with Kia using its newfound expertise to fashion more advanced shifters for its smaller cars as well.
For more on Kia vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
