Hyundai shows DCT on city-car concept
Korean car giant Hyundai-Kia appears to be deploying dual clutch transmissions as a key element
in its strategy to reduce CO2 emissions, even on compact and low-priced city cars.
Taking center stage in Hyundai's display at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show is the ix-Metro, a concept previewing a possible future small car with high economy, good practicality and a strong appeal to style-conscious urban consumers. Slotting in to the market in the B segment, dominated by designs such as the Renault Clio and Volkswagen Polo, the ix-Metro employs a radically downsized engine of three cylinders and just one liter in capacity. The unit has direct gasoline injection and dual variable valve timing, though its power output has not yet been released. What has been disclosed is that, in conjunction with a hybrid electric assist system and a six-speed dual clutch transmission, the vehicle is capable of CO2 emissions of just 80 grams per kilometer in the EU test cycle.
lready, the group's Kia brand has shown DCT systems at international motor shows; it has now developed two experimental hybrid derivatives of current models, one of which employs a DCT driveline. Based on the Forte LPI hybrid sedan shown earlier in the year in Seoul, the European-developed Cee'd hatchback incorporates the same 114hp 1.6 liter liquid petroleum gas engine, 15kW electric motor and CVT transmission; with engine stop-start and regenerative braking, its effective CO2 emissions are 99g/km.
Sister brand Hyundai uses a similar powertrain in its Elantra sedan, already on sale in Korea, giving just 94g/km CO2.
Breaking new ground is the hybrid concept version of Kia's larger Sorento, a mid-market crossover SUV seating either five or seven. This previews an all-new powertrain, potentially one of the first diesel hybrids on general sale. Again, dual clutch transmission is an essential part of the mix. The new 1.6 liter diesel engine, coded U2, is boosted by twin turbochargers to over 163 hp: mated to an electric motor and the group’s six-speed DCT, it drives the front wheels and helps reduce CO2 emissions to 119g/km. The DCT can operate fully automatically or as a sequential manual, says Kia.
A further notable development is an electric version of Hyundai's smallest model, the Indian-built i10 city car. With a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric claims a range of 160 km and a top speed of 130km/h. It is production-ready and will go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2010, says Hyundai.
The Korean Hyundai-Kia group was the fifth largest automaker in the world in 2007 but has increased its market share strongly in Europe in 2009 as a result of government-backed scrappage incentives favoring its small and economical models. In August Hyundai shocked the UK auto industry by finishing the month as the overall market leader, boosted by the scrappage program.
Story Filed: 9/24/2009
By Tony Lewin, managing editor DCTfacts.com