Hyundai heading for more dual clutch gearboxes instead of CVT

Hyundai are planning to offer more dual clutch gearboxes in their cars rather than going the CVT route.

There’s an argument that somehow CVT gearboxes offer better fuel economy than an automated dual clutch ‘box, even though logic says otherwise.

Toyota insist on using a CVT ‘box on their hybrid cars when they’d feel much better to drive with an auto or dual clutch ‘box. The whole rubber-band feel (yes, we know, planetary gears) with the engine revving wildly as the ‘box hunts for the right ratio not only makes the sensation of driving unpleasant, it also feels wasteful.

But unlike Toyota, Hyundai feel the CVT ‘box is an unwelcome bedfellow for their cars (which, we hope, points towards an ever-expanding range of more powerful and interesting Hyundais), and are planning to develop dual clutch boxes for their cars beyond the current implementation in the Veloster.

Hyundai’s man in America in charge of product planning, Mike O’Brien, said:

Dual-clutch has a better future with us. It has better fuel-economy advantages. It’s better for the enthusiast driver. It matches better.

Which all sounds very promising. Especially if a DCT ‘box turns up in the new i30 Turbo.

Source: Automotive News Europe