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Kia Introduces Eight-Speed Automatic Gearbox For FWD Models

Kia has developed an eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel-drive models.
Kia Cadenza with 8 speed FWD automatic transmission 4 photos
Photo: Kia
Kia's 8 speed FWD automatic transmission in 2017 CadenzaKia's 8 speed FWD automatic transmission in 2017 CadenzaKia's 8 speed FWD automatic transmission
The unit is named FWD 8AT, and has been developed in-house by the automaker. Among the priorities in its design were to provide a high level of efficiency from a mechanical point of view, as well as smooth gearshifts.

The automaker also says that the new eight-speed unit is 3.5 kilograms (7.7 pounds) lighter than the six-speed it displaces, and that it occupies the same space as a conventional unit.

Kia has worked on developing this transmission since 2012, and the automaker registered 143 new patents regarding the aggregate. The first car that will get the new transmission will be the 2017 Kia Cadenza, which will have it as standard for the 3.3-liter V6 GDI engines.

The South Korean brand plans to offer it in multiple models in the future, especially if we are referring to those of the mid-size and large segments, but only for front-wheel-drive applications, which was its primary goal.

Kia says it made the eight-speed as good as it claims to be thanks to reducing the size of the gearbox’s oil pump, which brings significant losses of power in conventional automatics.

Furthermore, the structure of the valve body was simplified. The element in question is essential for a standard automatic transmission, and Kia managed to cut the number of valves from 20 to just 12, while also providing faster gear shifts.

When compared to the existing six-speed automatic for current Kia cars with front-wheel-drive, the unit is lighter, but takes up just as much space even if it has an additional clutch and gear.

The biggest change is the ratio between the top gear and the lowest gear, which has been increased by 34% when compared to the six-speed, thus providing a boost to fuel economy, as well as reducing noise, vibration, and harshness in various driving scenarios.

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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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