Korea's largest car maker confirmed the arrival of a thrifty new transmission yesterday, announcing plans to equip Hyundai's select 2010 models with its first ever eight-speed automatic.

According to Edmunds Green Car Advisor, Hyundai has yet to name the recipient of the new tranny. However, given its stated objective to save fuel, the automaker's premium Genesis sports sedan is the most likely candidate. In principle, a higher number of gear rations save fuel through increased torque and more efficient power band modulation. The report notes that "Lexus is the only automaker now offering an eight-speed transmission, but Germany's ZF Friedrichshafen is about to introduce one with BMW as its first announced customer."

Read the full review of the 2009 Hyundai Genesis here.