2012 Hyundai Equus
It’s only been a few months since Hyundai unveiled its new eight-speed automatic transmission in the updated Genesis sedan. Now the automaker is wasting no time in improving on that gearbox by two cogs.
According to our insider sources at Bloomberg, Hyundai and Kia are working together to develop a new 10-speed automatic transmission, which could be ready by 2014. Hyundai Motor Group president Park Seong Hyon said the new gearbox will likely be used in the Genesis and Equus sedans.
Earlier this year Hyundai introduced a new, eight-speed transmission that was developed in-house. The gearbox was installed in the updated 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan, which also received a tweaked 3.8-liter, direct-injected V-6-engine. The combination is good for 333 hp, 291 lb-ft of torque, and improved fuel efficiency: 19 mpg in the city and 29 mpg compared to 18/27 in the outgoing V-6 and six-speed automatic powertrain. The ten-speed gearbox should improve numbers all around.
It will also be interesting how Hyundai and Kia’s competitors will follow. Lexus was the first automaker to offer an eight-speed automatic, which debuted in its flagship LS sedan. Audi also offers an eight-speed automatic (sourced from ZF) in a number of its vehicles including the A7 and A8. Will Hyundai and Kia be the first in the world with a 10-speed? Stay tuned to find out.
