HYBRID TRANSAXLE SYSTEM


  1. FUNCTION


    1. The sequential shiftmatic system enables the driver to select an appropriate shift range among 6 stages of engine braking force by operating the shift lever or shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)*. By controlling the engine, generator (MG1) and motor (MG2), this system improves the generation response of the engine braking force. In addition, the engine speed is controlled to maintain high speeds, enhancing acceleration response when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal.

      *: Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)

    2. By moving the shift lever to S, the automatic shifting mode will be switched to shift range selecting mode. By operating the shift lever and shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)*, driving in the shift range selected by the driver is possible, and the accelerator pedal characteristics and acceleration response can be selected.

      *: Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)

    3. Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly), performing a "-" (downshift) operation with the shift paddle changes the system to a temporary shift range selecting mode when the shift lever is in D. By operating the shift paddle in the same way as when in S, shift range selection is possible even in D. As a result, the level of engine braking force can be selected by operating the shift paddle without the need to remove hands from the steering wheel while driving.

    4. In shift range selecting mode, when low shift range is selected, the engine braking force becomes greater during deceleration and the motive force between the accelerator intermediate and fully open range becomes greater during acceleration.

      Acceleration Characteristics when in Sequential Shiftmatic Mode
      Shift Range Characteristics
      Low Shift Range Change in the driving force output between when the accelerator pedal is intermediately depressed and the fully depressed position is increased, improving the vehicle response to the driver's pedal operation.
      High Shift Range Change in the driving force output in accordance with changes in the accelerator pedal depression amount is decreased more than normal, thus enhancing accelerator control making it easy to maintain the vehicle speed during constant-speed cruising.

      Tech Tips

      The sequential shiftmatic system does not indicate that maximum vehicle speed and maximum motion performance have been improved. Also, when the shift lever is moved to S, accelerator characteristics in drive mode (SPORT*1, SPORT S/S+*2 and ECO) are disabled.

      *1: Models without adaptive variable suspension system

      *2: Models with adaptive variable suspension system

    5. An S mode position signal is output from the transmission control switch to the hybrid vehicle control ECU assembly when the shift lever is moved from D to S. Then, the system switches to shift range selecting mode in order to enable shift range switching operation using the shift lever and shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)*.

      *: Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)

    6. Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly), by performing a "-" (downshift) operation with the shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly) when driving with the shift lever in D, a shift-down signal is output from the shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly) to the hybrid vehicle control ECU assembly the sequential shiftmatic system switches to the temporary shift range selecting mode, which makes it possible to perform shift range selection even with the shift paddle in D.

    7. In shift range selecting mode, by performing a "+" (upshift) or "-" (downshift) operation using the shift lever and shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)*, a shift-up signal or shift-down signal is output from the transmission control switch or shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)* to the hybrid vehicle control ECU assembly, and the shift range is changed. While using the selected shift range as the upper limit, an optimal shift point is automatically selected in accordance with driving conditions.

      *: Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)

      B0055MJE02

    8. Holding the shift lever to "+" (upshift) in S will change the shift range to the S6 range regardless of the current shift range (S1 to S5).

    9. When downshifting at a low speed, the system may change the shift range by 2 stages or more.

    10. In order to protect the transaxle, when accelerating while any range between the S1 range and the S4 range is selected in shift range selecting mode, sequential upshifts are automatically performed up to the S5 range by exceeding a predetermined vehicle speed in each shift range.

    11. Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly), the temporary shift range selecting mode with the shift lever in D is canceled in the following conditions:


      • The "+" (upshift) side shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly) has been operated for a certain period of time.

      • The accelerator pedal has been depressed and held for a certain period of time in the same shift range.

      • The vehicle has stopped.

      • The shift lever is moved to any position other than D.*

        Tech Tips

        *: When the shift lever is moved to S, the system changes to the S position shift range selecting mode.

    12. Limitations Regarding The Sequential Shiftmatic System


      1. Upon receiving a downshifting request issued by the driver through the operation of the shift lever or shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)*, this system limits the changing of the shift range if the vehicle speed exceeds the limit speed, and informs the driver by sounding the buzzer in the combination meter assembly.

        *: Models with shift paddle switch (transmission shift switch assembly)

        Limit Speed for Downshifting
        Downshift Request Limit Speed (Reference Value)*1 Limit Speed (Reference Value)*2, *3
        6 → 5 - -
        5 → 4 172km/h (107mph) 152km/h (94mph)
        4 → 3 150km/h (93mph) 133km/h (83mph)
        3 → 2 93km/h (58mph) 83km/h (52mph)
        2 → 1 50km/h (31mph) 44km/h (27mph)

        *1: Except destination package for South Korea (models without rear No. 2 seat)

        *2: Except destination package for South Korea (models with rear No. 2 seat)

        *3: Destination package for South Korea