Heads up. It is not a robotic manual gearbox, nor an automatic gearbox. It's simply our old familiar manual gearbox, now with a new trick up its sleeve.
Contrary to what was usual for this type of gearbox, on this new intelligent manual gearbox (iMT) from Kia, clutch actuation does not take place via a cable. Instead, the clutch cable is replaced by an electronic servo (fly by wire).
In other words, instead of having a physical pedal/clutch connection through a cable, we now have a connection made through an electronic system.
So much electronics for what?
Was there a problem with the simple, cheap and reliable steel cable? A system used for over 100 years in the automotive industry. At first glance the answer is no.
But in an industry where every gram of CO2 is counted, every detail counts. Kia claims that with this new fly by wire clutch it is possible to increase engine efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions by around 3% in real-world conditions.
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How does the system work?
Like the latest automatic gearboxes — dual clutch or torque converter — this Kia intelligent manual gearbox (iMT) also has the 'on sail' function.
When the car's electronic system realizes that the engine does not need help to maintain speed, it uncouples the transmission via the clutch.
Result? It is possible to travel more kilometers on less fuel because mechanical inertia is reduced.
Can I feel the clutch?
Kia says yes. The electronic system is designed to simulate the sensitivity of conventional clutches — by cable or with a direct hydraulic circuit.
So, starting, braking and shifting gears in these manual gearboxes will be an experience like everything we've always known.
Electrification continues to advance into fields that we once thought were unique to 'pure and hard' mechanics. Engineers insist on antagonizing us — one more proof of that right here.
Fortunately. #savethemanuals