Hyundai Genesis Will Roll an 8-Speed Automatic

8-speed transmission for a Hyundai Genesis? That's right, it looks like Hyundai is really moving up in the world. In a bid to save even more fuel, some auto makers decided that 8-speed automatic gearboxes would really spot.

The first model from the Hyundai line-up to get this upgrade is the Genesis but only after 2010, as the company's powertrain chief, Park Seong-hyun, has recently revealed. The manufacturer of the new transmission will be the company's affiliated Hyundai Powertech Company.

The fact that the Genesis will use the 8-speed gearbox was not officially announced. However, this model is the most likely to be the first, considering that the Genesis is top of the line car that's already rolling on a 6-speed model.

The math on the number of gears is rather simple: the bigger the ratio between gears the more the engine torque is put to good use. No wasted torque means better less fuel used by the engine and that gives better numbers when it comes to mileage.

Also, a greater number of gears in an automatic gearbox means that the onboard computer has more options to choose from depending on the road conditions and the driving style to get that mile per gallon ratio in your favor.

Right now, Lexus is the only automaker that offers an 8-speed gearbox, but the Europeans are working as we speak to catch up. The German's over at ZF Friedrichsafen have already completed their version and are planning to sell it to BMW. But Bavarian Motors will probably be just the first customer in a long line.