Hyundai has launched its first direct-injection petrol engine in Korea.
The 2.4 Theta II GDI engine is set to be used initially in the firm’s new Sonata in 2010 (likely to be called i40 in Europe), before being applied to other models.
The 46-month R&D period has cost the firm 170 billion Korean won (£97.8 million). The firm claims the engine raises power output and improves fuel economy, while also lower emissions at the same time.
“The Theta II GDI convincingly demonstrates Hyundai’s advanced powertrain engineering capabilities,” said Lee Hyun-Soon, the firm’s chief technology officer.
In its Korean state of tune, the engine produces 198bhp at 6300rpm and it has a compression ratio of 11:3:1. The split-injection system used allows the catalytic convertor to reach its optimum working temperature faster, thus reducing emissions from cold starts by 25 per cent.
Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (DCVVT) also features to further boost power and lower emissions.
There's no word yet from Hyundai on when the engine will be available in the UK. No one from Hyundai was immediately available for comment.
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