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Kia shows off clutch-by-wire technology for mild-hybrid cars

The tech allows the use of cutting-edge fuel-savers with a conventional manual transmissions.


Kia has revealed details of its new clutch-by-wire technology that allows use of a conventional manual transmission with mild-hybrid and start-stop systems.

Modifying the traditional hydraulic system used to actuate clutches in manual cars – which is connected directly to the vehicle’s clutch pedal – Kia’s ‘intelligent manual transmission’ (iMT) places a module between the pedal and the hydraulics.

This lets the iMT control clutch engagement irrespective of driver input – much like electronic drive-by-wire systems that allows the vehicle computer to control the throttle.

Kia’s system can open or close the clutch depending on conditions, allowing use of mild-hybrid and start-stop technologies that would not normally be compatible with a manually-operated clutch.

Despite the actuation being computer-controlled, Kia says the pedal “retains the same operation and driver engagement as a conventional manual”. The brand also claims reduced CO2 emissions of approximately 3 per cent with the technology.

The iMT technology debuts on the mild-hybrid face-lifted European Kia Rio due later this year, however Australia misses out on the powertrain option.

Kia says the transmission will “be adopted across a number of future Kia models”.


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