Hyundai is working hard to improve its image from a bargain basement brand to a true luxury competitor, and the Korean brand plans to continue that ascent through the development of new technology. Transmissions will be Hyundai’s next focus as the brand looks to match the best in the business.
Lexus already employs an eight-speed automatic transmission, with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz currently working on their own eight-cog units. Not wanting to fall behind the leaders in the luxury segment, Hyundai has announced that it too is working on an eight-speed unit of its own.
Hyundai Powertech Company, an affiliate of Hyundai Motors, is currently developing the eight-speed transmission, according to Asia Pulse. No word on what model the transmission will first be used in, but Hyundai’s flagship ‘VI’ sedan – which has yet to hit the market – is the most likely candidate. Eventually, the eight-speed transmission will flow down to other models, such as the Genesis Sedan.
Expect to see the new unit on the market in 2010, with wide-spread use by 2012.
11/07, 11:34 AM
posted by:
DrFill
Why don’t you stick a Xerox up your a$$, sit on a Lexus, and be done with it!
DrFill
11/07, 12:02 PM
posted by:
christianboy10
Hyundai came a long way and I am proud to see what they’re doing these days
11/07, 12:08 PM
posted by:
ski2xs
“…not wanting to fall behind the leaders in the luxury segment…”. Is that supposed to suggest they’re not already behind the leaders in the luxury segment???
11/07, 12:14 PM
posted by:
DrFill
The Sarah Palin of the auto industry
Don’t look for leadership here
Just don’t do it!
DrFill
11/07, 12:31 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Soon they’ll have a 10-speed, and then they’ll go to a 21-speed, just like bicycles.
11/07, 12:56 PM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
Blithering morons.
Leave Hyundai to it.
If they want to develop their brand and their technology, LET THEM.
Their designs are already improving, as is their quality and appeal to those that want to know.
DrFill is a classic ignoramus, who should know to skip this article. If he doesn’t plan to buy the car, why comment on it adversely?
Good on Hyundai for their ambition and drive.
Side note: ski2xs - Yes, they are behind, but I assumee they don’t wish to fall further behind, but since when do you go by every word a LLN staff member writes??
11/07, 1:25 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Hey, GayBlaze
Hyundai has no brand to develop, no new technology, no market sense/strategy, and no innovation
If Toyota/Lexus didn’t make a blueprint for them, they’d still be making Excels for $5995
They’re production is as valuable as your posts
3 years ago they set a one goal: sell 525k units in the U.S for 2006
They had 7 models.
Now they have 10 models, and they can’t crack 500k!
They actually lose sales every year since!
Your sympathy for them comes from you identifying with losers.
DrFill
11/07, 3:01 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
DrFill is very afraid of Hyundai. That is clear.
I think this is cool, but at some point when the gears get to be too many, you’ll end up with something very close to a CVT, only it will be a CST (Continually Shifting Transmission).
11/07, 3:08 PM
posted by:
DrFill
I am afraid of your ignorance. That is a given
DrFill
11/07, 3:33 PM
posted by:
Borat
DrFill,
When we gonna get Aygo here? It looked very nice in Europe, and I would prefer with manual. Never mind 8 speed, it is good for times of prosperity, Toyota need to bring cheapest cars to the market now, just like Nissan does.
BTW, hows the biz going?
11/07, 3:38 PM
posted by:
DrFill
The iQ could be another mega-hit for Toyota, as a Scion, maybe by this time next year.
At less than $15k, and around 40 MPG, they can get 50k units out under the smaller marque
DrFill
11/07, 3:43 PM
posted by:
justagigilo85
DrFill-
All automakers have had slumping sales. It’s not just hyundai.
11/07, 4:05 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Hard to defend a company losing ground, over a number of years, with an all-new, and expanding model lineup, while priced below it’s competition, with a big warranty to boot.
That should tell you something about the Hyundai brand and their management of it
DrFill
11/07, 4:26 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
I wouldn’t underestimate Hyundai. You can bet the Japanese car companies are looking in their rear view mirror.
11/07, 4:33 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Half the posts here are by Dr Fill running scared.
11/07, 4:39 PM
posted by:
planet_drive
Good for Hyundai, the little engine that could and now blasting past Detriots sad 3. 8 speed seems too much, I find the 7 speed to be the magic mark. Even most 6 speeds I have driven are plenty good. 7 speed gives you that perfect top end power and a nice quiet economical highway cruise. 8 is too much, the transmission will be constantly shifting up and down to always be in that perfect gear. Makes me question the longevity of multi speed transmissions.
11/07, 4:45 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Running on ignorance is your market then huh, Ray?
Maybe you and Johnny can do an Abbott and Costello routine
DrFill
11/07, 5:02 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
DrFill, I think it would be better if you and I do a Penn and Teller show. You can be Teller. You know, the one that keeps his mouth shut?
11/07, 5:10 PM
posted by:
DrFill
Even better!
Now we can have the 3 Stooges
You can be Joe Besser, Johnny
You’re not funny enough to be Shemp
DrFill
11/07, 5:27 PM
posted by:
Mutant@DCX
do you guys even own a car?
11/08, 1:59 AM
posted by:
Mr. Piston
Wow, is this the Dr. Fill Show?
11/08, 2:35 AM
posted by:
DrFill
The Dr Fill show?
I like the sound of that!
It would never work
DrFill
11/08, 10:43 PM
posted by:
02WRXPSM
8-speed transmissions only make sense on the Autobahn. Shall we see a Hyundai try the Ring?
11/09, 11:49 AM
posted by:
JDMLover
Lexus much?
Whats next…..Genesis F ?
11/09, 2:03 PM
posted by:
DrFill
The Relentless Pursuit of Lexus?
DrFill
11/10, 12:04 PM
posted by:
JohnnyBlazE
DrFIllHisAnusWithJizzEveryday has some issues here with some valid points about them not being able to crack the sales figures they desired.
However, that does not really invaldiate what I said, which was that their designs and quality has improved, and some of their cars have been bought by unlikely individuals (I remember reading an article somewhere on it; will cite resource if I find it…).
Anyway, this just proves DrFllledAnalCavity has no grounds to stand on with regards to refuting my statement, because I did not mention anything to allude to the success of Hyundai, just that they should be left to try it.
If, indeed, they do not appeal to someone of vast superiority(!) such as DrFag, then perhaps he should steer clear from this article.
Perhaps his substance abuse has left him with a twitch in his mouse-click finger, and he ended up here by mistake. Indeed he should return the crack to his mother before her cravings get too severe and she publically sleeps with another donkey for a few bucks.
11/25, 10:31 AM
posted by:
Sal Collaziano
For anyone who doesn’t understand this - an eight speed transmission isn’t about being sporty. It’s about fuel economy.. And when it’s done right, you don’t even feel the shifts (Lexus LS) - so it’s no big deal… So I welcome an 8-speed Genesis luxury sedan…
Sal C.
http://genesisowners.com