It’s more fuel-efficient and refined than the existing six-speed auto
Kia has introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission, designed for front-wheel drive vehicles.
Developed in-house by the Korean manufacturer, the new transmission (FWD 8AT) has been engineered to offer "a high level of mechanical efficiency and smooth gearshifts," according to the automaker. Furthermore, the new ‘box occupies the same space as a conventional six-speed automatic transmission while weighing 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) less.
It is not Kia's first eight-speed automatic, as the automaker already offers longitudinally-mounted eight-speed autos for rear-wheel drive vehicles. However, developing similar transmissions for front-wheel drive cars is more challenging, due to the need to mount the transmissions transversely and to the fact that the gearbox competes for space with the engine, suspension, and auxiliary components.
According to Kia, the new gearbox enables smooth acceleration from standstill, greater fuel efficiency, improved NVH characteristics, and more decisive acceleration at high speeds than an automatic transmission with fewer gears.
The new FWD 8AT will debut in the 2017 Kia Cadenza and will be available as standard on models powered by the 3.3-liter V6 GDI engine. Later on, the new transmission will arrive on other mid-sized and larger front-wheel drive models.
You can learn more about the new transmission from the following video.