What is an Intelligent Manual Transmission or iMT?
Hyundai’s innovative Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) system alleviates the need to press a clutch pedal when shifting gears. Instead, this process is conducted through sensors and actuators that control the clutch while you take charge of shifting operations.
But what exactly is an iMT, and how does it differ from an AMT? Read on to discover more!
What is an iMT?
An intelligent manual transmission (iMT) is a clutchless manual gearbox with two pedals for braking and acceleration, using intelligent software and actuators to simulate clutch paddle action while driving manually. This enables drivers to enjoy fierce acceleration similar to traditional manual transmissions without continuously using their clutch pedal, saving valuable time when driving in traffic conditions. Furthermore, keeping their left foot free allows for greater freedom when making turns or changing lanes.
Hyundai and Kia recently unveiled new cars equipped with their innovative new iMT gearbox in India, such as the 2020 Hyundai Venue SUV and Kia Sonet hatchback powered by Smartstream 48-volt MHEV powertrains. iMT technology promises to revolutionize the Indian driving experience.
iMT gearboxes operate by linking drivers with vehicles through electronic instead of mechanical means, using an intention sensor on the gear lever as an electronic connection instead of a physical one. An intention sensor detects when you wish to shift up or down and relays that message directly to a hydraulic clutch actuator through a transmission control unit (TCU) for action-building hydraulic pressure which then gets transmitted via concentric slave cylinder to either engages or disengages the clutch plate accordingly.
iMTs don’t just provide convenience; they may also help increase fuel efficiency thanks to electronic clutch operations and eliminate the jerkiness found in AMTs.
iMTs differ from AMTs by not needing to generate as much pressure when shifting gears, making them more efficient in city traffic and less expensive to maintain than their counterparts, which require multiple parts for proper functioning.
However, it should be noted that iMTs may not offer as smooth or quick performance as AMTs due to a lack of automation compared to AMTs – there may be an adjustment period if drivers are used to driving manual cars.
How does it work?
Hyundai recently unveiled their innovative new iMT gearbox option for the Venue, sparking great interest among car buyers. But what exactly is an iMT gearbox and how does it function?
Essentially, an iMT is an automatic manual transmission system without a clutch pedal. While this may sound complex at first glance, its implementation is quite straightforward and user-friendly.
Your car still uses a two-pedal system with brake and accelerator pedals; however, with iMT it changes into three gears by replacing the clutch with a hydraulic actuator. Furthermore, an electronic transmission control unit (eTCU) coordinates this changeover process to change gears seamlessly.
So when it’s time to upshift or downshift, the TCU sends a signal using intention sensors to the hydraulic clutch actuator, which then generates hydraulic pressure through an internal valve and pushes against the clutch slave cylinder to engage or disengage it automatically – no pressing of the pedal is required!
Once you switch gears, the TCU will match engine RPM with your selected gear through an electronic speed sensor, ensuring optimal power output and fuel economy for your vehicle.
However, if you prefer taking control of the shifting and using the iMT in full manual mode, there’s a switch on the gear lever to do that. Or you can select to have it switch automatically depending on driving conditions.
An invaluable feature of the iMT is its creep feature. When you need to slowly back off or move forward, gently press on the brake pedal and it will slowly creep forward without pressing the accelerator pedal.
Though an iMT may offer some advantages over its conventional automatic counterpart, it does have its disadvantages as well. Maintenance costs can be more costly due to more complex hydraulics; additionally, novice drivers may find it challenging to adapt quickly when starting off driving an iMT car.
How it iMT different from an AMT?
Automated Manual transmission (AMT) and an IMT both use regular manual gearboxes, in an AMT the actuators and motors are used to change the gears and operate the clutch for you. When it’s in use the process is completely automated. The software, naturally, decides when and how changes occur.
An iMT On the contrary the actuators and software are only controlling the clutch. the user has to shift the manually gears. The result is that an iMT is a bit of a half the way between a manual gearbox as well as an AMT.
Benefits of an iMT?
You can then control the gear in which your vehicle is going and not have to depend on software. In situations such as coming down a hill or making a pass, you can have complete control of the gearbox, and the car won’t second-guess you. This is without having to worry about the clutch.
The cost is lower for an iMT because it uses fewer components than an AMT.
1. Shifting Gears Without a Clutch Pedal
Hyundai India recently unveiled their subcompact SUV Hyundai Venue equipped with an innovative manual transmission (iMT). Also available globally on Kia’s Sonet and Toyota Fortuner diesel variants, this gearbox can shift without pressing the clutch pedal – here’s how it works:
As its name implies, an iMT gearbox is a manual gearbox without a clutch pedal. All other pedals (brake and accelerator) must still be used; in cars equipped with this transmission type, gear levers feature H-patterns similar to any standard manual car; actuators and motors take over clutch operation via semi-automatic clutch operation, creating an alternative driving experience altogether.
In iMT cars, an “intention sensor” on the gear lever detects when you are shifting up or down and sends a signal to the transmission control unit (TCU), which then instructs its hydraulic clutch actuator to either build up or release hydraulic pressure.
So the engine doesn’t have to be shut off while switching gears, saving fuel consumption and clutch wear and tear. Furthermore, this system can even help you climb steep hills and escalations safely as it matches RPM with the appropriate gear so as not to lose speed or slip out of gear (common issues when driving uphill with manual cars). All software-controlled so reliable too.
2. Clutch Adjustment based on Driving Conditions
The Intelligent Multi-Torque system can adjust clutch pressure automatically based on driving conditions such as speed, torque, and engine RPM. When traveling at higher speeds, this system increases clutch pressure to prevent slipperiness and increase performance; conversely, at lower speeds, it decreases it for faster shift times.
Hyundai first unveiled the innovative Hyundai Manual Transmission technology on their Venue subcompact SUV powered by a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine in India, before later announcing that the Kia Sonet will also utilize this transmission system.
Through an automatic transmission, you still control an iMT like you would drive a manual car by manipulating its gear lever. The only difference is that no pedal needs to be pressed when shifting gears – only your left leg needs lifting when needed!
Maintain your focus on the road and reduce stress while driving with this strategy. Furthermore, this method reduces jerkiness from switching gears for a smoother and more pleasant driving experience.
iMT offers numerous advantages to car owners. One is its ability to optimize clutch operation to increase fuel efficiency, helping save you money at the pump while decreasing carbon emissions. Furthermore, it increases clutch lifespan and decreases maintenance costs, protecting the resale values of vehicles while saving money in the long run.
3. Fuel Efficiency
With no clutch pedal to press, the iMT optimizes gear shifts and clutch operation to maximize fuel efficiency, thus increasing power output while decreasing consumption – saving money at the pump while contributing towards a more eco-friendly future.
The system also is designed to reduce the amount of power necessary to drive, particularly on steep inclines and in hilly environments. This feature, known as the creep function, prevents your vehicle from rolling backward along incline surfaces allowing for a safer driving experience and confidence on inclined surfaces.
Hyundai assures us that their iMT has been created with drivers’ needs in mind; however, some might worry that its benefits may take away some of the joy associated with driving manual cars. Hyundai believes its solution offers both worlds; using conventional manual transmission but removing the clutch pedal and replacing it with sensors and actuators to allow shifting gears without using the clutch.
Hyundai first offered their iMT technology with their Venue subcompact SUV. Since then, other Hyundai vehicles, as well as Kia Sonet and i20 models have received this feature as well as mild hybrid variants of Kia’s Xceed and Rio vehicles as well as being included on Toyota Fortuner diesel variants.
iMT vs. Other Transmission Systems
Comparing iMT to other transmission technologies underscores its unique position in the automotive industry:
- AMT: While both iMT and AMT eliminate the need for a clutch pedal, iMT gives drivers control over gear selection, offering a more engaging experience.
- Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT): DCTs provide faster, smoother shifting by using two clutches but lack the manual gear selection feature, offering a different balance of control and convenience.
- Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and Traditional Automatic: These systems prioritize ease of use and smoothness over direct driver engagement, with gear selections managed entirely by the vehicle.
Conclusion
One of the key advantages of iMT is that it enhances fuel efficiency by optimizing engine performance and reducing friction during gear changes, creating a smoother driving experience by eliminating clutch pedal pressure.
Additionally, its features like hill start assist and creep function make driving on steep hills easier, making the iMT an excellent option for novice drivers.
iMT gearboxes operate similarly to AMT units but don’t require the use of a clutch pedal for operation. Instead, this gearbox uses an electronic Transmission Control Unit(TCU), transmission gear shift lever (TGS), intention sensor, and hydraulic clutch actuator – these components work in concert to manage a conventional manual gearbox that’s connected directly to an engine.
However, shifting is performed via the TGS in an H-pattern, similar to most manual cars. Additionally, its connection with an inbuilt clutch system controlled by actuators and software ensures a smooth shifting experience.
Simply put, iMT is a semi-automatic gearbox and works best for drivers who wish to enjoy clutchless operation but still maintain complete manual gear shifting control. It provides an economical alternative to DCT transmission.
Benefits of hybrid vehicles include increased fuel efficiency, no clutch-jerk during overtaking, and a more sustainable future. They also provide smoother drives without needing to press the clutch pedal – perfect for drivers just beginning out!
iMT also removes the need to engage a gearshift lock, making it ideal for frequent parking in public spaces or garages. Instead, its automatic parking mode can switch into place when releasing brake pressure; this feature comes in particularly handy in hilly terrain as well as city driving conditions. Hyundai Venue, Kia Sorento, and Toyota Fortuner diesel models already incorporate this technology; more models will soon follow suit.
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