[oldiesradio]

I guess this thread is more for KiaTech and the Tech guys out there. Has anyone heard any reason from KIA itself on why the first year model has a 5 sp A/T and the 2011 will have a 6 sp A/T? It seems to me from the forum that the 5 sp has a lot of issues with shifting etc. So maybe that it the reason for the change. Makes me more interested in a 2011 than a 2010. Also you guys who work for KIA dealerships, have you heard a release date for the 2011 KOUP?

 

[Xray89]

It may have something to do with the 5 speed w/it's issues, but also a 6 speed is a little more modern and KIA is out to make a name for itself. And as of 2011 I heard were hitting dealers late august, if I'm not mistaken I believe my dear in York pa has an 11.

 

[jarret_g]

Pretty much every kia will have this 6-speed tranny. The new sportage has it as well as the optima. Not sure about the sorento but i bet it does.

 

[nouse4aname]

Also, less variation in models saves them money.

 

[gripphard]

Compared to the 5-speed, the 6-speed automatic transmission applied to the new Sorento in Korea, for example, has 62 fewer parts, is 41mm shorter in length and 12kg lighter in weight, making it the most compact 6-speed transmission currently available. It produces a 10% improvement in fuel economy (14.1km/ℓ), 14% faster zero to 100km/h acceleration time (10.0 sec.) and 24% quicker 60km/h to 100km/h passing performance (5.0 sec.) (based on the Sorento diesel R-2.2 2WD).

The Theta 6-speed transmission for gasoline engines delivers an impressive 10.9 sec. acceleration time, 5.9 sec. passing performance and 10.7km/ℓ fuel economy.

What’s the difference between the previous 5-speed automatic and 6-speed automatic transaxle?
The new transmission provides better ride and acceleration during high-speed driving. The extra gear provides better balanced performance during driving, thereby reducing the impact of shifting gears to deliver a more comfortable ride and quicker acceleration.

Fuel economy has been greatly enhanced. The extra gear means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard at high speeds, and thereby reducing fuel consumption.
For these reasons, the 6-speed transmission was previously only applied to premium lines like the Mohave (Borrego).

What are some of the key new technologies applied to the 6-speed automatic transmission?
The unique layout with three planetary gearsets and an ultra flat torque converter shorten the unit’s overall length by 12mm. Four pinion differentials improve durability while the hydraulic deviation adjustment valve body enhances shift quality. The low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and torque converter slip lock-up raise fuel efficiency.

In particular, the application of ATF and elimination of ATF level gauge (dipstick) reduces the need for maintenance and leads to further savings for customers. (KIA did mention that they may use ZF-LifeGuard. Not positive if they did for sure).

What is the future application plan of the 6-speed automatic transmission?
The front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission that was developed with 100% proprietary technology will be also applied to other Kia models, including the Opirus (Amanti) and Grand Carnival (Sedona).

 

[wbw]

I've got the 5 spd with the problem. Given a choice, I'd opt for the new 6 spd.

 

[ForteGT2]

Compared to the 5-speed, the 6-speed automatic transmission applied to the new Sorento in Korea, for example, has 62 fewer parts, is 41mm shorter in length and 12kg lighter in weight, making it the most compact 6-speed transmission currently available. It produces a 10% improvement in fuel economy (14.1km/ℓ), 14% faster zero to 100km/h acceleration time (10.0 sec.) and 24% quicker 60km/h to 100km/h passing performance (5.0 sec.) (based on the Sorento diesel R-2.2 2WD).

The Theta 6-speed transmission for gasoline engines delivers an impressive 10.9 sec. acceleration time, 5.9 sec. passing performance and 10.7km/ℓ fuel economy.

What’s the difference between the previous 5-speed automatic and 6-speed automatic transaxle?
The new transmission provides better ride and acceleration during high-speed driving. The extra gear provides better balanced performance during driving, thereby reducing the impact of shifting gears to deliver a more comfortable ride and quicker acceleration.

Fuel economy has been greatly enhanced. The extra gear means the engine doesn’t have to work as hard at high speeds, and thereby reducing fuel consumption.
For these reasons, the 6-speed transmission was previously only applied to premium lines like the Mohave (Borrego).

What are some of the key new technologies applied to the 6-speed automatic transmission?
The unique layout with three planetary gearsets and an ultra flat torque converter shorten the unit’s overall length by 12mm. Four pinion differentials improve durability while the hydraulic deviation adjustment valve body enhances shift quality. The low-viscosity automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and torque converter slip lock-up raise fuel efficiency.

In particular, the application of ATF and elimination of ATF level gauge (dipstick) reduces the need for maintenance and leads to further savings for customers. (KIA did mention that they may use ZF-LifeGuard. Not positive if they did for sure).

What is the future application plan of the 6-speed automatic transmission?
The front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission that was developed with 100% proprietary technology will be also applied to other Kia models, including the Opirus (Amanti) and Grand Carnival (Sedona).

This is a negative for me...seriously I hate GM autotrannys because they do not have a dipstick and fluid changes are a PAIN. I like to check the tarnny's fluid color, condition and smell when I change the engine oil! Makes no sense -- why not get rid of the engine's oil dipstick too?

 

[my forte koup]

My wifes new sorento has the 6 speed trans and my forte koup has the 5 speed and i think i like to 6 speed alot better and it is the same engine mine has a few mods and i think that hers seems to be quicker to accelerate from a stop!!

 

[ForteGT2]

My wifes new sorento has the 6 speed trans and my forte koup has the 5 speed and i think i like to 6 speed alot better and it is the same engine mine has a few mods and i think that hers seems to be quicker to accelerate from a stop!!

Sorento -- six banger have anything to do with the difference, or is it the 4 banger?

Does your Sorento have a tranny fluid dipstick or not?

 

[my forte koup]

2.4l exactly the same engine but is rated one more hp than mine was stock !!!

 

[ForteGT2]

2.4l exactly the same engine but is rated one more hp than mine was stock !!!

Have you seen the specs on the Sorento's 6 speed?

Sorento 6 speed auto
1st gear ratio 4.212:1
Final Drive 3.913:1 <<<this explains the 22 MPG highway rating and the quick acceleration

Forte 5 speed auto
1st Gear ratio 3.939:1
Final Drive 3.099 <<<this helps the 31 MPG highway rating and explains the not-so-great accelleration

I hope the 6 speed in the Forte SX gets the 3.913:1 final drive too...it will make the Forte an "SI" killer!

 

[my forte koup]

I agree but i am still waiting for to 2.o turbo that i keep hearing about !!!!

 

[Xray89]

^^^I hear you there with the turbo, I just seriously hope that it doesn't come out with 6speed paddle shift only, I would not buy it then and just save up for the genesis coupe (which is gettin AWD!!!)

 

[nouse4aname]

I hope the 6 speed in the Forte SX gets the 3.913:1 final drive too...it will make the Forte an "SI" killer!

Eh...no. Maybe if they offered an automatic...but they don't.

 

[Jon-Michael]

Is it possible to buy a 6speed transmission that is for the 2011 forte koup and swap it into a 2010 koup and eliminate the 5speed?

 

[AutoItKing]

Is it possible to buy a 6speed transmission that is for the 2011 forte koup and swap it into a 2010 koup and eliminate the 5speed?

Probably, you'd have to swap ECU's. I don't know if there's any more differences. But if you're going to attempt a transmission swap, just trade in on a newer car, it'll be cheaper and less headache.

 

[Tuner]

I haven't experienced any problems with my 5speed :/ didn't even know people were having problems. Mine shifts perfectly at any throttle.


Sent from my iPhone w/Wifi using Autoguide

 

[Jon-Michael]

I actually talked to a dealer about a month ago, and i could have traded my 5speed for a 2011 6speed and 7grand more. As bad as i wanted to i was thinking that i could probably find the transmission and ecu and other parts and hopefully installation for less than 7 grand. I have just noticed that there are a good few more after market parts for the 6speed vice the 5speed. IE turbo kits.

 

[Aluus]

If tk's turbo is your concern, you can have your 5speed auto beefed up for less than $7k...

 

[Jon-Michael]

Really? This is something that interest me, of course i am not sure exactly what "beefing" it up would consist of. But yes i would rather have the cheaper option and not have to trade my car in. Now if this is a redundant question i apologize, but what all would need to be 'beefed' and how would one go about beefing these items up?