Kia Introduces 7-Speed Gearbox, 3-Cylinder Engine

Kia Motors Corp. is debuting its new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with its sporty cee'd GT Line to be unveiled at the Geneva auto show in March. The car will go on sale late this year.

Kia's cee'd GT Line 5-door hatch

Kia will pair the new gearbox with the company's upgraded 1.6-liter diesel engine, whose output has been raised to 131 hp and 210 lb-ft (285 Nm) of torque. The transmission is expected to simultaneously improve acceleration 3%-5% while lowering emissions and increasing fuel efficiency 5%-7%.

The gearbox is Kia's first dual-clutch unit. It employs two dry clutches, each fitted with electric motor-driven actuators and a hollow double-gear input shaft. The DCT system is built to handle torque loads as great as 300 Nm (221 lb-ft).

Separately, Kia is introducing its new 1.0-lter, 3-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine in the cee'd GT Line. The little powerplant, which is rated at 201 hp and 127 lb-ft of torque, will delver lower emissions than Kia's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, according to the company. The three-banger won't be offered with the 7-speed DCT.