To help meet its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions of its vehicles, Hyundai Motor Company has completed the development of an all–new 6–speed automatic transaxle that will boost fuel economy by more than 12.2 percent.

 Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transaxle puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary 6–speed automatic demonstrating Hyundai´s advanced power train engineering capabilities.  

"The strength of our design is its totally unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other 6–speed on the market today," said a senior Hyundai official. In fact, the design is so unique and so advanced, Hyundai has applied for nearly 300 patents to protect its intellectual property. 

For the customer, the new 6–speed promises a performance edge. The transaxle will first arrive in the new Hyundai Azera equipped with a 3.3 liter V6 Lambda engine. In this application, it delivers a 12.2 % gain in fuel economy (10.1km/l versus 9.0km/l) and is 2.5 % quicker in zero to 100km/h acceleration times (7.8sec versus 8.0 sec). It also delivers an 11 % improvement in 60km/h to 100km/h passing performance (4.0 sec versus 4.5 sec). 

The unit also is maintenance free: The gearbox is not equipped with a dipstick as it is filled with an automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle thereby reducing maintenance costs.

 Developed over a 4 year period, this new 6 speed automatic gearbox offers numerous technical merits. Despite the extra gear, it´s 12kg lighter than the 5 speed it replaces. It also is 41mm shorter and considerably simpler having 62 fewer parts, which is a key to increased durability and lower cost.

The new 6 speed went into production in December and will see its first application on Azera models in early 2009. A total of five variants of the 6–speed transaxle will be produced to accommodate a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines. A total of sixteen different Hyundai models will get this transmission including.

Hyundai as a brand has made significant strides on the back of sophisticated product design, leading-edge quality, safety technology and exceptional value. The last few years are of special significance for Hyundai – not only because Hyundai has become one of the top automotive brands in the world but also because it has beaten some renowned brands in quality. Hyundai’s vehicles are winning accolades and awards from around the industry because they are safe, reliable, innovative and comfortable. This gives a refined driving experience for the owners and their families. One has to test drive and discover what millions of satisfied Hyundai owners already know – Hyundai stands for uncompromising quality.

OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Hyundai’s range of vehicles in Oman. With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centers, OTE Group ensures that Hyundai customers are never far from getting a wide range of high quality after-sales service. It is this strong partnership that continues to lead more customers to join the Hyundai family.