Hyundai continues to showcase their commitment to the N performance range of vehicles by introducing the newly-developed high-performance dual-clutch automatic transmission simply known as ‘N DCT’ into the upcoming Hyundai Kona N.
Key data for the N DCT include eight forward ratios, wet-type clutch and various control mapping for transferring maximum performance as well as fun-to-drive attributes. The wet-type DCT uses two electrical oil pumps to reduce the amount of friction between the moving parts and for better cooling of the clutch, thus allowing a higher amount of torque to transfer through the gearbox.
The N DCT enables exclusive high-performance functions that are sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face: N Power Shift, N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift. These features are enhancing the car capabilities by using a dedicated shift logic management.
First, the N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90% of throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque during upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This enhances fun to drive by giving a “push feel” when upshifting. The accompanying ‘bang’ sound coming from the partial cylinder cut of the exhaust underlines the sporty performance.
N Grin Shift (NGS), activated by a push of a button, maximises all 280 hp from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and DCT performance for 20 seconds, useful at the circuit when chasing for the best lap time. A step further in exploiting full performance at the circuit is the N Track Sense Shift (NTS).
This clever artificial intelligence mode goes to automatic shifting programme to enable the driver to focus on steering and braking the vehicle at the racing circuit. It recognises when the conditions are optimal for dynamic driving on a racetrack and activates automatically. Based on motorsport data combined with the driver’s behaviour, the car selects the right gear and shift timing.
Takes away the fun of driving don’t you think? Could be a great tool for training and coaching nonetheless.
Manual control will return to the driver under manual mode, with gear ratios are held at the redline, no upshifting just like operating a manual transmission.
Hyundai has also performed durability test and development work at the legendary Nurburgring-Nordschleife for approximately 1,350 laps (over 28,000 km). The wet-type DCT was optimised for endurance in order to handle the specific demands of the targeted owners and drivers of the N line of vehicles.
Hyundai first mated their in-housed developed N DCT to their turbocharged four-cylinder engines in the Veloster N variant, followed by the recently updated i30 N. All upcoming Hyundai Kona N models will only be offered in the N DCT automatic transmission, which is set to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
GALLERY
