Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Hyundai says dual-clutch gearboxes fit brand's character better than CVTs

Hyundai officials are not afraid to make their views known on prevailing technologies, standing by their choices and criticizing the alternatives. Previously, the Korean automaker's fuel cell boss told reporters that EV makers "jumped the gun." Now comes word that Hyundai is sticking by dual-clutch transmissions, citing the shortcomings of continuously variable transmissions.

A report from Automotive News points to words from Hyundai Motor America VP of product planning, Mike O'Brien, backing the dual-clutch technology. "Dual-clutch has a better future with us. It has better fuel economy advantages. It's better for the enthusiast driver. It matches [our product philosophy] better," said O'Brien, speaking at SEMA on Monday.

While it is noted that shifts with the dual-clutch units are not the smoothest available, O'Brien says that characteristic is outweighed by the parasitic losses experienced by CVTs resulting in poorer performance and fuel economy. According to the report, the "rubber band" effect experienced is also a setback, as is the limitation of engine size. CVTs are optimal only for smaller-displacement engines so application becomes an issue.

Hyundai currently offers the Veloster with a dual-clutch gearbox, though O'Brien has suggested that the application of such a transmission could expand in Hyundai's future.

http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/02/h...racter-better/

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

That Veloster sure is fugly.... Looks like a turd driving on the roads. Sorry just had to get that off my chest.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

its things like this though that you'd have to give them props, even the PT Cruiser or HHR. If I were head of any of the design departments that released these cars, I would have thrown the design back into my designers faces and said make it again. These automakers had ***** to release these. At least initially they sold well. Over the years they got stale and more terrible lol

97-SC300

iTrader: (17)

It's not even a matter of having ***** or not. I am just saying the car looks like complete chit. It's hideous any way you look at it.

I'd rather look at a Pontiac Randevoo on the street...at least the owner of that car doesn't drive around pretending he is hip or driving some cool looking car...they know it's a piece of turd. The Hyundai driver actually (probably) thinks it's a cool looking whip which is the sad part.

SCary400

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder"

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

You don't like it, a lot of people do. To each their own.

On transmissions, I agree with Hyundai. I'm not a fan of CVTs at all. Nissan's CVT sucks big time.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

meanwhile, Honda enjoys the 5-speed auto. "If it a'int broke, don't fix it!"

Blackraven

Forgive me for saying this.......but I respectfully disagree.

You should check out the CVT of the Murano and especially the newer ones like the in Altima or Maxima.

CVTs are great =)

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

meanwhile, a new corolla still has a FOUR speed auto. what's your point?
http://www.toyota.com/corolla/specs.html

LexFather

meanwhile "Acura' a supposed "luxury brand" offers this

http://www.freep.com/article/2012102...-is-off-target

5 speed auto or a CVT with less hp than a Corolla, 111hp to be exact.

mmarshall

I disagree. Just because Ford put some vibration-prone dual-clutch units in their smaller vehicles (and BMW's old SMT shifted like a sledge-hammer) does not mean that other manufacturers also have. The dual-clutch VW/Audi DSG/S-Tronic, for example, shifts as smoothly as any recent torque-converter automatic I've tried.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Your forgetting the Rav4 too

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

the "111hp to be exact" you refer to is the hybrid setup i believe. the engine most will likely get is the 2.0 good for 150HP.

but i don't disagree that the ILX is pretty weak overall and should have at least 6 speeds.

perhaps you agree though that the prestigious auto maker's corolla (and apparently rav4 also) having a 4 speed auto at this point is pretty pathetic.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

amen to that. in fact i'd go further to say the vw dsg is the smoothest non-cvt auto i've ever driven.

T0ked

iTrader: (2)

To each their own. The CVT in the previous Altima was crap. The rubberbanding effect was very apparent. Test drove the newer Altima and while it is improved, it is still apparent. CVTs are getting better but I prefer a DCT or a regular slushbox to it. And the reliability...