Under the skin: can Hyundai’s N DCT convert manual die-hards? Car News

Lately there has been a tremendous amount of love for manual transmissions, perhaps because we’ve reached a point where some sort of automatic is the norm. Suddenly the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), which promised so much driving satisfaction, has become demonized because avid drivers always desire a shifter for the most engaging driving experience.

However, manufacturers haven’t given up (they can’t because cars use less fuel than human drivers), and one of the latest to arrive is Hyundai’s “wet” eight-speed N DCT. This semi-automatic transmission first appeared on the Veloster N in foreign markets, and then on the i30 N, and now it is the exclusive equipment of the new Kona N. With this, Hyundai hopes to keep enthusiasts of side.

The N DCT is produced by Hyundai’s own parts company, Hyundai Transys. It’s codenamed D8F48W and, specifically aimed at high-performance applications, it’s quite a kit. It can handle an engine’s 354 lb-ft of input torque, has several sophisticated drive modes (with slightly silly names, such as N Grin Shift), and is quick and cost-free.

Like all DCT units, this one is based on a manual transmission, the ultimate expression of an automated manual but with two clutches, doing away with the unpopular torque interruption of its single-clutch ancestors. Like most DCTs, the main gear sets are split between two shafts, with one clutch per shaft and forward gears arranged with odd numbers on one clutch and even the other. Thus, the first, third, fifth and seventh are controlled by one clutch and second, fourth, sixth and eighth by the other.

Smaller DCTs for less meaty applications, like Hyundai’s seven-speed, have dry clutches for simplicity, weight, and reduced drag; but to handle wear and heat generation in the higher torque variety the clutches are wet which means they run in oil like a motorcycle clutch block or torque vector axle .

While smaller dry DCTs may have electric actuators to switch gears, this one has a hydraulic system and two oil pumps. One is a high flow pump used to lubricate the gears and cool the clutches and the other builds pressure for the gear selection system. Both are electric, so draw no mechanical power from the engine and maintain pressures independent of the engine and final drive.

The transmission arguably has a higher level of integration with the powertrain as a whole by the way it integrates with the engine. For example, the N Power Shift mode engages when the driver accelerates with more than 90% of the throttle to give a more aggressive upper shift, while a brief cut of the cylinder causes a pop in the exhaust, probably like a nod to the far more extreme anti. -Shift system used in rally cars. In N Grin Shift mode, it allows an overboost for 20 seconds to give maximum acceleration, but there is a forced rest of 40 seconds before the driver can use it again.

These modes are toys and there are more of them, but the real test will be whether paddling enthusiasts can be tempted to move away from old-fashioned DIY.

CVT reborn for the EV era