UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced the arrival of the Toyota GR Yaris facelift hot hatch, which is now available in an 8-speed automatic variant.
The introduction of this model complements the previously launched manual version of the Toyota GR Yaris facelift during the conclusion of the seventh season of the Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival in Malaysia.
The GR Yaris continues to feature the 1.6-liter inline 3-cylinder turbo engine, G16E-GTS, which now produces 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
With the newly paired automatic DAT transmission, the GR Yaris can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds.
This high-performance engine is also equipped with a standard cooling package, which includes a sub-radiator, intercooler spray, and a combination of air and fluid ATF coolers to ensure consistent performance, especially under Malaysia’s hot weather.
Additionally, this Automatic variant of the GR Yaris introduces new features such as Launch Control and paddle shifters, which have been fine-tuned based on motorsport experience to provide a more exciting driving experience for everyday journeys.
Finally, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes pre-collision warnings, radar cruise control, lane tracing assistance (LTA), and Expert Mode for drivers seeking a more dynamic control without completely disabling the vehicle stability system.
For the Malaysian market, the Toyota GR Yaris AT is priced at RM325,600 and is available at all GR Garage dealers nationwide.
It cannot be denied that driving a manual car provides a satisfaction that is sometimes hard to put into words. With the ability to row your own gears at any time, a manual transmission will give you a sense of control, enjoyment, and freedom.
However, with the advancement of technology and the increasingly heavier traffic conditions especially in urban areas, automatic transmission seems a more sensible option for daily use. Not only is it easier to operate, but modern AT is generally able to change gears quicker and more smoothly.
Did you know that there are several types of automatic transmissions used in modern cars? Let’s take a look:
Torque Converter
This is the most common conventional automatic transmission found in cars. The torque converter refers to the device used to transmit power from the engine to the gearbox and then to the wheels.
Unlike mechanical clutches with a physical connection, it uses a dense hydraulic fluid to ensure power (or torque) from the engine to the gearbox. It’s this fluid that allows for smooth gear changes.
In the past, this type of transmission was not very efficient in terms of power delivery, but thanks to continuous research and development from manufacturers, modern versions on the market today are much better.
Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Dual-clutch transmission, or DCT, was first introduced through the Volkswagen Golf R32 in 2003. As the name suggests, it uses two clutches, one for even gears (2,4,6, and so on) and another for odd gears (1,3,5,7, and so on).
Why? To enable faster shift times, of course. For instance, if you are accelerating in fourth gear, the gearbox will line up the other clutch in preparation to shift to fifth gear. The same goes if you’re slowing down. If you are braking in fourth gear, it will be ready to downshift to third.
This allows the DCT to shift gears quickly, whether you are accelerating or decelerating. However, it tends to be jerky, especially when the car is moving at low speeds.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Among the most talked-about transmissions today, CVT uses a pair of cone-shaped pulleys – one connected to the engine and the other to the driveshaft. The pulleys are connected to one another by a belt.
This gives the CVT an infinite gear ratio, allowing the engine to remain in the power band (the range of operating speeds under which the engine generates the most power) when you step on the accelerator pedal.
This results in powerful and smooth accelerations, but at the same time, a CVT can be rather noisy to the point that it affects the driving experience.
Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
Also known as semi-automatic or robotised manual gearbox, AMT works and has similar mechanisms to the manual transmission but the clutch is operated through electrohydraulic means using actuators, sensors, and more.
This means that AMT offers the convenience of a conventional automatic gearbox while allowing the driver to shift gears manually if they wish.
This type of transmission became popular in the 90s and early 2000s thanks to high-performance cars like the Ferrari 355 and BMW M3. However, it’s infamous for being jerky when changing gears.
TOYOTA will introduce a simulated (virtual) manual gearbox for its electric vehicles (EVs). However, it appears it will be quite fun, as it will not be limited to just six or seven speeds.
In a patent application published a few days ago, it shows that there is no limit to how many gears the transmission can have. Images published with the technical document show it could have up to 14 gears. But how does it work? Toyota has also provided an explanation.
The patent reveals many details about this system. In simple terms, drivers will be able to select how many gear ratios they want.
“The number of virtual gear stages may be six or more, or less than six,” the document states. “Drivers will be able to select the desired form according to their preferences.”
However, Toyota does not explain any electro-mechanical system that will make up the physical gear setup. Instead, there will be a fixed number of gears, possibly six, but Toyota uses four as an example. Gears are selected as with a regular manual, although the gear button will return to its original position after use.
When the driver shifts gears, the virtual pathway shape changes to the next ratio. So if there is a pattern of six gears and the sixth gear is selected, a display will change the ratio to allow the driver to shift to gear seven and beyond, or down to gear five in the same set.
Confusing? In fact, this arrangement is similar to the manual gear setup of a truck trailer, so off-road enthusiasts will likely understand easily.
In any case, there must be a reason why car makers do not offer manual gears with too many gear ratios. A 14-speed gearbox is not practical with an internal combustion engine.
But for EVs, it’s a different story. Toyota believes there’s no harm in offering more options to buyers.
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