• Intelligent active All-Wheel-Drive system anticipates traction requirements
• Magna Powertrain’s system delivers additional stability with reduced emissions
Kia Motors and Magna Powertrain, an operating unit of Magna International Inc., today announced the official launch of the new Dynamax™ All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) system in the all new Kia Sportage.
“The new Dynamax AWD system represents a significant technical advance that will bring real benefits to our customers,” comments Mr. Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation. “The all new Sportage compact SUV is an exciting newcomer to our product lineup and the availability of such a responsive AWD system for the first time in a Kia, will raise this model’s appeal for many potential buyers.”
“Dynamax strategically positions both companies for global growth in the AWD segment, delivering enhanced driving performance with the additional benefit of lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions,” said Jake Hirsch, President of Magna Powertrain.
Kia’s new Sportage compact SUV is the first of several vehicles planned to feature Dynamax.
Technical Background
Dynamax is designed to continuously monitor driving conditions and anticipate AWD system requirements, compared to other AWD systems which can only react to conditions after they occur. Dynamax’s intelligent control unit continuously analyzes data from the vehicle controller, and through a multi-plate clutch, the coupling system is fully controllable via an electro-hydraulic actuation system. This Dynamax system behavior is completely transparent to the driver.
Other advantages of Dynamax include:
• Improved lateral stability while cornering.
• Removal of unintended over and under steer by reducing unwanted traction forces to
the front and rear axle.
• High thermal capacity, which helps prevent overheating and subsequent shutdown of the coupling during events such as hill climbing and trailer towing.
In addition, greater efficiency is achieved through the intelligent control electronics, providing the torque required for enhanced traction in a variety of driving situations. As a result lower fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions are achieved. Furthermore, electronic components are optimally sized for minimal energy usage.
Dynamax offers true AWD for drivers who want an exciting driving experience with enhanced safety and performance.
Editors’ Notes
Kia Motors Europe
Kia Motors Europe is the European sales, marketing, and service arm of Kia Motors Corporation. With its headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, it covers 25 markets in Europe.
About Kia Motors Corporation
Kia Motors Corporation (www.kia.com) – a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart – was founded in 1944 and is Korea’s oldest manufacturer of motor vehicles. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to become one of the world’s premier automotive brands.
Over 1.5 million vehicles a year are produced at 13 manufacturing and assembly operations in eight countries. These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 172 countries.
Kia today has more than 42,000 employees and annual revenues of almost US$14.6 billion. It is the major sponsor of the Australian Tennis Open and an official automotive partner of FIFA – the governing body of the FIFA World Cup.
Kia Motors Corporation’s brand slogan – ‘The Power to Surprise’ – represents the company’s global commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.
Press Contact
Ilona Tzudnowski
PR Manager Europe
Tel.: +49 69 850 928 357
E-mail: E-Mail
Kia Motors Europe GmbH
Theodor-Heuss-Allee 11
60486 Frankfurt, Germany
About Magna Powertrain
Magna Powertrain (www.magnapowertrain.com) is a premier supplier for the global automotive industry with full capabilities in powertrain design, development, testing and manufacturing. Complete system integration sets us apart from our competitors. Our innovations make an important contribution to the overall performance of the vehicle. They improve fuel economy, make the vehicle safer and lighter, ensure a pleasurable driving experience, and provide added value to the customer.
In line with increasing environmental pressure, many of Magna Powertrain’s innovations focus on electronically controlled technologies, supporting the quest for improved efficiency and reduced emissions. Manufacturing locations, engineering centers, and sales offices are situated close to our global customer base, stretching throughout all regions of the world.
About Magna International
Magna International (www.magna.com) is the most diversified global automotive supplier. We design, develop and manufacture technologically advanced systems, assemblies, modules and components, and engineer and assemble complete vehicles, primarily for sale to original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) of cars and light trucks. Our capabilities include the design, engineering, testing and manufacture of automotive interior systems; seating systems; closure systems; body and chassis systems; vision systems; electronic systems; exterior systems; powertrain systems; roof systems; hybrid and electric vehicles/systems as well as complete vehicle engineering and assembly.
We have approximately 74,000 employees in 240 manufacturing operations and 76 product development, engineering and sales centres in 25 countries.
Press Contacts
Tracy Fuerst
Tel: 248-729-2731
E-Mail: E-Mail