So what’s happening in the world of Kia? We thought we would answer that question today, concentrating mostly on the Kia transmissions of course.
Did you know that Kia developed the first Korea-designed Alpha engine and transmission in 1991? Did you know that in 2004 Kia developed the first Korean export engine, known as the Theta World engine? Did you know that in 2009 Kia developed the internationally competitive, front wheel drive six-speed automatic transmission and the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for the hybrid LP vehicles?
It seems that Kia has been quite busy. Now most of their research efforts are focused on making high-performance, environmentally friendly transmissions. They plan on doing this in several ways.
First is downsizing. They are developing transmissions (and engines) that are smaller, thus reducing the size and weight of the powertrains while maintaining or improving performance. This will be accomplished using a variety of techniques which include turbochargers, direct injection technology, multi-step automatic transmission technology, idle stop & go, and using more lightweight materials that will maintain their strength.
Of course, turbochargers enhance power in small engines. Further, a 30% decrease in the size of an engine or transmission can mean a 15% improvement in fuel efficiency. Thus, using both approaches, the engine and transmission are smaller but the turbocharger increases power. It is a win-win situation.
Kia is also working on DCT’s, or dual-clutch transmissions which give the affordability of a manual transmission and the convenience of an automatic transmission. A DCT is about 12% more fuel efficient than a comparable automatic transmission, and the DCT’s began appearing in some Kia automobiles in 2011.
The stop & go technology means the engine shuts down at a stop and starts up again when the gas pedal is depressed to go. It has been tested in European markets for several years and of course in Korea where safety standards are less restrictive than in the United States. So far the tests have been favorable and encouraging.
And finally, finding lighter-weight materials that still have high tensile strength is a goal. Kia plans on lowering the weight of their transmissions by as much as 25% by 2015, and that will require increasing gears and making the transmissions smaller and yet stronger.
These are exciting times for Kia and they should be exciting times for Kia owners. Technology is moving ahead leaps and bounds, and Kia is at the forefront of these advancements.
