Recently, Hyundai India introduced us to a "new" technology called intelligent manual transmission or iMT. This transmission option is being offered in one of the popular models in sub-4 metre compact SUV category, i.e. Hyundai Venue.Intelligent Manual transmission actually enjoy the benefits of automatic while not losing out on the feel of the manual gearbox. It basically is a hybrid of automatic and manual transmissions.
Is it completely new? Not really. This system(a similar one) was first used in early 1950s and there has been a lot of development in this field.
How does it work?
Basically, it looks similar to a manual transmission having a stick-shifter but acts like an automatic by helping you tackle those heavy traffic jams by allowing you to keep your left foot free! But, is it really a manual? The answer is NO. Its just another automatic transmission kept in manual mode which won't change gears until you do! weird, isn't it.
Actually, few high end cars come with a 'manual mode' where the gearbox will not upshift untill you do. It will hold the revs and you can shift by using the paddle shifter mounted behind the steering wheels or using the gear knob. It's almost the same case here but, instead of paddle shifter, you get a proper stick shift and it won't even downshift for you.
Technology used?
This transmission makes use of a few sensors along with an all electric clutch. So, when the sensors sense that you're about to shift gears and detects the gear you want to shift to(by getting the position of the stick), it actually does rev-matching, i.e., it matches the engine rpm to the level of that gear and then releases the clutch. In case, you slow down suddenly and your vehicle has a higher gear engaged, the system warns you to downshift and engages the clutch so that the car won't stall. It does not release the clutch until you engage the proper gear.
Is it worth the price?
Actually yes! it does offer you the ease of driving while stuck in heavy traffic conditions. There's also one more plus point. Since the clutch is being managed by the electronics of the car and not you, the clutch life is expected to be more in case of a clutchless manual car. But, it robs away the real feel of driving a manual and using 'half clutch' in a few cases. And yes, its way much better than rubbish(i'm sorry) AMT which is used in few cars.
