Hyundai Outlines Future Powertrain Strategy

Korea's dynamic duo, Hyundai and Kia, have outlined future engine and tranmission plans at its International Powertrain Conference this week.

The theme for the twelfth annual instalment of the conference is "Convergence of Human, Environment and Powertrain."

The company says it is stepping up the development of turbocharged, direct injected (T-GDI) petrol engines for installation across a wider range of models.

In Australia, the Veloster SR Turbo carries the Gamma 1.6 litre T-GDI under its bonnet in 150kW/265Nm guise.

An extension of that plan is to provide specific markets with appropriately modified engines, such as flex-fuel for countries like Brazil.

The company also plans to increase the ratio of T-GDI powerplants in the US and China. The overall strategy is to develop "small, yet strong" engines, in line with the industry-wide downsizing trend.

Four distinct petrol engines are on show - Kappa (1.0 TCI and 1.2 T-GDI), Gamma (1.6 T-GDI), Nu (2.0 CVVL) and Theta (2.0 T-GDI), while the U2 1.1 litre and R 2.0 litre diesel engines are flying the oil-burning flag.

Of particular note is the new aluminium-block Kappa three-cylinder, a 12-valve DOHC 1.0 litre TCI (turbocharged intercooler) petrol engine producing 78kW.

The Korean giant says it is also working to expand its diesel line-up, based on its existing U, R and S engines.

This year's conference plays host to around 1000 powertrain experts and academics from companies such as Bosch, Continental, Delphi, Magna Powertrain and Denso.

News and Reviews:

• Hyundai | Kia | Small Cars | Light Cars
• Technology