No hybrid powertrain plans were released…
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Oct. 28, 2012
2012 Australian Hyundai i40 Sedan -- 54.7 mpgUS highway on the AUS test cycle when equipped with the 1.7L CRDi turbo diesel and 6-speed MT. With its 18.5 gallon fuel tank (possibly as much as 22 gallons topped off), just imagine the possibilities
Anyone remember the
Toyota Places Competition on Notice with Next Gen Powertrains story? Not to be outdone, Hyundai discussed some of their own plans at the recent ‘2012 Hyundai-Kia International Powertrain Conference’ in Korea last week.
Hyundai’s latest powertrain technologies and future plans are based on a theme called ‘Convergence of Human, Environment and Powertrain.’
At the annual conference, held near the Hyundai Motor Group R&D Center in Korea, Executives, Engineers and Scientists from across the company detailed the current state of development from within its core powertrain technologies and announced future development directions.
While no electrification details were released, Hyundai is heading in the same direction albeit a bit ahead of most in an attempt to not only stay ahead of regulatory and competitive pressures but to provide what it believes the Worldwide automobile consumer really wants. That is low total cost of ownership (read fuel economy) while still providing enough fun to drive performance to keep the performance types at bay.
And how is Hyundai going to do it? Downsizing, direct injecting and boosting with Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (T-GDI) engines. The T-GDI engine is a next-generation engine boasting even greater fuel economy and higher performance.
While its compact and mid-size models are already equipped with such engines (Accents 1.6L GDI and Sonata’s 2.0L T-GDI), Hyundai will continue its efforts to improve T-GDI technology.
The Turbo Diesel
Hyundai stated it will continue to expanding its diesel line-up based on the advanced technology of the existing U-II (1.6L VGT in the i30, 1.7L CRDi in the i40 and 1.1L CRDi in the i20), R and S engines to respond to the diversified demands of global customers more effectively.
Transmissions
Hyundai also aims to become the leader in transmission technology by developing light-weight and highly fuel-efficient transmission. As the first automaker to develop 8-speed auto transmission for the rear wheel drive vehicle in-house, Hyundai is focusing on developing transmissions for premium models as well.
Markets
Hyundai plans to increase the ratio of T-GDI engine-equipped models in its major markets including the U.S. and China. Expect to see a new T-GDI in the Elantra GT in the near future… The company also plans to introduce flex-fuel engines for countries (Brazil) better suited to their particular fuel infrastructures.
Hyundai displayed the Kappa 1.0L TCI (Turbocharger Intercooler) engine, Kappa 1.2L T-GDI engine, Gamma 1.6L T-GDI engine, Nu 2.0L CVVL engine, Theta 2.0L T-GDI engine, U2 1.1L WGT diesel engine, Euro 6 R 2.0L diesel engine and the Kappa CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) to showcase its advanced powertrain technology.
The Kappa 1.0L TCI engine delivers a maximum 105 HP and maximum torque of 101 lb-ft.
A variety of technologies were adopted to maximize fuel economy and performance of the Kappa 1.0L TCI engine including 12-valve DOHC, integrated turbocharger and offset crankshaft. In addition, aluminum cylinder block, plastic intake manifold and head cover reduced the total weight while the ladder frame decreased NVH.
The conference was designed to offer industry experts an opportunity to discuss next-generation powertrain development directions and share innovative technologies in response to tougher environmental policies worldwide. Around a 1,000 world-class powertrain experts and academics participated in the conference, including members from Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Magna Powertrain and Denso.
Throughout the two-day conference, 44 theses are to be presented in six sessions. Thesis topics include next-generation gasoline technology, exhaust and after-treatment technology, diesel innovation technology, exhaust reducing technology, high efficiency transmission and improving driving experiences.
Oh how that would have been the conference to attend
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