Kia Details Clutch-By-Wire Manual Gearbox For Mild Hybrids

Kia has revealed all the juicy details about its innovative new clutch-by-wire manual transmission to be used by a range of mild-hybrid models, starting with the recently announced 2021 Rio EcoDynamics+.

The South Korean automaker’s new manual gearbox doesn’t use a mechanical linkage, with the clutch operated purely electronically and integrated with a 48V powertrain.

This means the intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) works with the mild-hybrid starter-generator to switch off the engine earlier than Kia’s Idle Stop& Go start-stop system. As a result, it improves overall fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by around 3 per cent in real-world driving conditions.

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The gearbox is particularly helpful when coasting. As the driver leaves the car in-gear while coasting, the iMT sends an electronic signal to the gearbox to seamlessly switch off the engine and open the clutch. As the engine is switched off, the car continues to coast and the open clutch limits deceleration.

When the driver pushes the accelerator or engages the clutch to change gear, the system restarts the engine in the driver’s selected gear. Electric power provided by the mild-hybrid starter generator and 48V battery instantly brings the engine and transmission up to the correct speed. The development of the transmission was completed at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center in Offenbach, Germany.

“We are always looking at new ways to improve powertrain efficiency and performance, and the iMT is one such innovation,” Kia’s head of powertrain Dr Michael Winkler said. “An automatic or a double-clutch transmission suits a lot of drivers, but European drivers in particular still love changing gear for themselves. Alongside the increasing demand for electrified models, the iMT is a result of us exploring ways to electrify the ‘classic’ manual transmission.”