Engine Performance and Fuel Efficiency Improved

Hyundai Motor Group researcher Ha Kyung-pyo outlines the world’s first CVVD engine control technology during a media briefing at Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang on July 3.

Hyundai Motor Group has developed a state-of-the-art power train technology that can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency while reducing exhaust gas at the same time.

The group announced on July 3 that it has become the first company in the world to develop a technology called continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) which has dramatically improved the comprehensive function of the engine. It has recently succeeded in volume production of the new engine after four years of research by more than 200 researchers.

Hyundai Motor Group held a media briefing at Hyundai Motor Studio Goyang on July 3 and unveiled the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine using the CVVD engine control technology.

Engine performance and fuel efficiency depend on the duration of valve opening and closing. Existing engines draw a proper compromise in performance and fuel efficiency by fixing the duration of valve so there is a limit to improve both engine performance and fuel efficiency at the same time.

On the other hand, the CVVD technology enhances the function of the engine and the fuel efficiency at the same time by optimizing the timing of the opening and closing of the valve. This makes it possible to adjust the timing and duration of valve opening and closing when a vehicle is driving at a constant speed and requires low engine output, in order to increase fuel efficiency. For instance, when the car speeds up and engine output is high, the intake valve is closed faster so the amount of air needed for combustion is at the maximum level, enhancing torque to improve acceleration.

In addition, the CVVD technology raises the fuel burn rate and effectively reduces gas emissions by optimizing the timing of the opening and closing of the valve. Hyundai Group believes that the new technology will increase engine performance by over 4 percent and fuel efficiency by 5 percent, while reducing gas emissions by 12 percent compared with existing technologies. This is why it is considered an innovative engine technology.

The engine’s variable valve technology is designed to improve both performance and fuel efficiency and there are various types, such as CVVT and CVVL, with advances over the past 30 years. Toyota and BMW are applying the CVVL technology to their premium car models with their own patents. Hyundai Motor Group’s CVVD technology is a next-generation powertrain technology which excels the CVVL technology, enhancing engine performance and fuel efficiency and reducing gas emissions. Therefore, it has set a new milestone in the 133 years of history of internal combustion engine. 

As the CVVD technology is suitable for Turbo cars, the group will begin applying the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine to its new models, including the Sonana Turbo which will hit the market in the latter half of this year. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline-powered turbo GDi engine is also South Korea's first engine mounted with the Low Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP EGR) system that recycles exhaust gas into the engine to improve fuel efficiency.

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