Hyundai unveils advanced engines

THE Hyundai Motor Group unveiled a powerful new turbocharged direct petrol injection engine and a new turbodiesel that conforms to Euro 6 emission standards as part of its committed efforts to develop high-performance and eco-friendly powertrains for future vehicles.

These two innovative powertrains that were fully developed in-house, namely the Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine and Euro 6 R-2.0 turbodiesel engine, were shown to world-class powertrain experts and academics who attended the 2011 Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference at the Rolling Hills Hotel near the Hyundai-Kia Motors Research and Development Center in Korea.

The conference, held on 19 and 20 October, gave delegates the opportunity to discuss next-generation powertrain development directions and share innovative technologies in response to tougher global environmental policies.

?Due to stricter environmental regulations and policies that vary from nation to nation, competition in the development of powertrains and other core technologies is intensifying,? said Woong-Chul Yang, vice chairman of the Hyundai Motor Company, at the conference. ?Hyundai Motor will accelerate its efforts to develop future powertrains that feature high-performance and eco-friendly engines and transmissions.?

Part of these efforts was the development of the Gamma 1.6 T-GDI engine over a period of 52 months at a cost of almost N$500 million, achieving class-leading performance. This turbocharged petrol engine boasts a maximum output of 152 kW at 6 000 r/min. and torque of 265 Nm at 1 750 r/min. ? remarkable for a 1,6 litre.

Moreover, by achieving a remarkable reduction of exhaust emissions, the engine meets California?s ULEV-2 (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) standard, known as the most stringent, as well as Euro 5 standards.

The Euro 6 R-2.0 turbodiesel engine, aimed to satisfy the next-generation Euro 6 regulations by applying new technologies, such as low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, was also introduced during the conference. It delivers world-class performance with a maximum output of 110 kW and maximum torque of 382 Nm without sacrificing its eco-friendly features.

As required by new regulations, the Euro 6 reduced nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 56%, compared to Euro 5. By introducing the Euro 6 R-2.0 diesel engine, Hyundai Motor is expected to lead the eco-friendly passenger car diesel engine technology field, meeting the standards more than two years ahead of their implementation.

Some 1 000 world-class powertrain experts and academics participated in the conference, including members from Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Magna Powertrain and Denso.