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.
