What is iVT or Intelligent Variable Transmission?
iVT stands for Intelligent Variable Transmission. It is Hyundai’s flagship proprietary technology. This is an advanced type of transmission and part of Hyundai cars. As the name suggests, it varies the speed more intelligently than ‘step-by-step’ as in an automatic gearbox. As a result, it makes the drive smother & more responsive as compared to other transmission types. In addition, compared to other automatic transmissions, iVT allows the engine to run in a sweet efficiency range. As a result, it helps deliver good performance and better fuel economy.
Basically, Intelligently Variable Transmission is a type of automatic transmission. It works the same way as the automatic transmission. It automatically converts the engine’s limited speed range to various ratios and sends it to the driven wheels using several different gears. The conventional automatic transmission must make several changes to the gear ratio during acceleration. To do this, it temporarily disconnects the engine from the driveline while activating a gear shift. Once completed, the engine reengages. The passengers could feel this as a slight interruption to the vehicle’s forward motion.
Driving A Car With iVT:
However, while driving a Hyundai iVT, the transmission will also change gears thru’ several ratios. The passengers would notice these changes but without feeling them. This is because there is little or no loss of momentum. That means more comfort for the passengers, especially in the down-town & during traffic, where the gear-shifts are frequent. This state-of-the-art transmission is more responsive than conventional ones. A Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission car shifts gear ratios more quickly than the conventional automatic gearbox. As a result, the engine power goes to the wheels faster with less delay &/or lag. Because the iVT keeps the engine in the optimum powerband. Thus, you are ready to get up & go when you are.
If you wish to enhance the sporty driving feel further, just select the Sports mode. It would adjust the engine, steering & transmission settings at once and deliver maximum responsiveness. Since Hyundai is focused on improving the driving experience, that’s where Intelligent Variable Transmission chips in.
How does iVT work?
Hyundai’s Smartstream iVT uses a chain-belt system drive. It is the first of its kind in the segment while retaining the benefits of the CVT. The chain belt’s main advantage is that it uses the belt tension to adjust the pulley diameter. Thus, it eliminates the occasions of slippage and also improves the economy. According to Hyundai, the cars with Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission displayed a 4.2% improvement in fuel economy and a 5-8% reduction in engine power loss.
Furthermore, CVTs normally keep the engine RPM fixed while increasing the vehicle speed. This makes the drivers feel as if the engine is running idle. To resolve this issue, the Smartstream iVT replicates the manual transmission’s shifting pattern and better considers the driver’s intention and driving conditions. Thus, making it feel more responsive. Alternatively, with no set gear speed (as in CVTs), the driver can also make the most of the virtual gear speeds generated by the iVT as needed. Thus, it resembles the fun feel of the Manual Transmission. Currently, Smartstream IVT features on the Hyundai Avante and Venue and the Kia K3.
Advantages of Intelligent Variable Transmission:
Intelligently Variable Transmissions deliver better fuel economy by allowing the engine to run at its most efficient RPM for any range of engine speed. Vehicles with iVTs drive smoothly as the passengers don’t feel any jerks from gear changes. An improved fuel economy and a smoother ride for passengers are the main benefits of it.
- iVTs are really very smooth to drive.
- Great fuel efficiency than conventional automatic gearbox in city driving and also on the highway.
- No power loss.
Hyundai makes cars with this proprietary technology in the world.
