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Magna Expands All-Wheel-Drive Leadership by Supplying Dynamax on New Kia Sorento


kia sorento (select to view enlarged photo)
2016 Kia Sorento

Optimized handling, increased safety, improved fuel efficiency

AURORA, ON -- May 18, 2015: Magna International Inc., the largest independent 4WD/AWD supplier globally, announced today the company is supplying its intelligent Dynamax™ all-wheel drive coupling on a global basis to power the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system of the all-new Kia Sorento. With Dynamax, the Sorento provides drivers with optimized handling, increased safety and improved fuel efficiency.

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"We are excited to expand our successful partnership with Kia Motors by supplying our Dynamax system to the third-generation Sorento, and we are proud to support Kia globally with this innovative product," said Jake Hirsch, president of Magna Powertrain.

Magna's Dynamax system is the first continuous and fully active AWD system that exchanges information with the control electronics of the car, allowing it to anticipate events and adjust early-on rather than react to changing conditions like previous AWD systems. By ensuring that Dynamax is one step ahead of the car, ideal torque and traction can significantly improve stability, performance and fuel efficiency.

The multi-plate coupling of the Dynamax system and its energy-efficient electronic components boost the track stability of the front axle, effectively preventing unwanted under- and over-steering, and thus improving both safety and driving enjoyment. The system's high-thermal stress tolerance also protects the AWD system from overheating, even during long and/or steep climbs.

The Dynamax all-wheel-drive coupling is manufactured by the WIA-Magna Powertrain joint venture in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, and shipped to Kia's Sorento assembly locations in South Korea and the United States. The Dynamax system was first introduced in 2010 on the Kia Sportage.