Hyundai’s new powertrain strategy

Hyundai will produce a greater proportion of electric, fuel cell, and plug-in hybrid powertrains – alongside its new Smart Stream internal combustion engines.

Outlining the engine development strategy at its International Powertrain Conference, Hyundai Motor Group (including Kia Motors) underlined its belief the internal combustion engine will maintain a strong market presence until 2025, as plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains gain wider acceptance.

The automaker says its Smart Stream powertrain technologies will deliver increased efficiency and performance in the meantime.

More than 1200 engineers and academics from leading powertrain companies are at the two-day event in Korea, exploring the theme ‘Knock the Limit of Powertrain Technologies: To Enhance Value for Customers’.

Hyundai is displaying there the first four engines and two transmissions from its forthcoming line-up of Smart Stream powertrains. The technology, to be deployed in both Kia and Hyundai products, incorporates advanced technologies to meet long-term global emissions goals.

Smart Stream powertrains deliver improved fuel economy and reduced exhaust emissions, Hyundai says. Beginning with the introduction of 1.6-litre petrol and diesel Smart Stream engines, the technology will eventually be available for all Hyundai Motor Group vehicles.

The improvements will enhance petrol and diesel engine efficiency, alongside the development of new plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, plus the company’s next-generation fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The next FCEV will have a 800km range, a high power output and the largest hydrogen storage density of any fuel cell vehicle on the market, Hyundai says.

First introduced at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show, the Smart Stream powertrains optimise existing powertrain structure, with engine components reduced in size and weight to enhance fuel efficiency. The aim is to maximise thermal efficiency by up to 50%.

The first commercial application of continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) technology in the Smart Stream G 1.6 turbo engine has the opening and closing of the cylinder valve timed to best respond to various driving modes, such as eco-driving or dynamic driving.

Other new technology includes the Smart Stream eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT). It enables optimal shift response, with the eight-speed gearing and hydraulic system delivering both faster acceleration performance and excellent fuel economy at the same time, the company says.

By 2022, Hyundai aims to develop an all-new Smart Stream powertrain line-up comprising 10 gasoline engines, six diesel engines, and six transmissions.

It will introduce 31 “eco-friendly” models to the global market by 2020.