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TOYOTA has developed a new automatic transmission, called the A341E. This transmission employs a unique engine and transmission integrated intelligent control system named “ECT-i”, and a high performance “Super Flow” Torque Converter. This control system is capable of total control of engine torque and clutch hydraulic pressure during shifting, which has resulted in very smooth shift without changes over the life of the transmission. The “Super Flow” Torque Converter has a modified geometry optimized by the analysis of internal flow by means of computer simulations, attaining the highest efficiecy in the world. With the use of such systems, this new automatic transmission has improved total performance of the vehicle.

Toyota has developed a new full time 4WD system, called “EC-HYMATIC” or Electronically Controlled - HYdraulic Multi-plate clutch Active Traction Intelligent Control. This system permits an automatic torque transfer, depending on driving conditions, for front and rear wheels under control of the speed difference between the two. The system developed consists of a center differential, a speed difference control clutch system employing multi-plate clutch, and a gear set for rear axle drive. The speed difference control clutch system is controlled by a unique electro-hydraulic system using a microcomputer. An extensive use of computer simulations and vehicle test and evaluation has successfully developed an appropriate control strategy for the clutch system. The new 4WD system, EC-HYMATIC, considerably improves handling characteristics, traction performance and stability of a 4WD vehicle.

A lot of countermeasures have been developed in order to reduce interior noise. For example, improvements of rubber mount characteristics and other measures have been implemented. Recently electromagnetic active engine mounts based on a hydraulic engine mount have been developed. They are significantly effective for the reduction of the booming noise which is unpleasant for passengers. Although the LMS algorithm has been generally used for the active control, it has been used only for reducing booming noise. The authors developed a new control method in order to reduce not only the booming noise but also the noise and the vibration over wide frequency band for comfortable vehicle interior space. The authors studied the method which determines the feedback gain according to various conditions by modifying LMS algorithm. In this modified LMS algorithm, only an error signal was used as an input signal.