Hyundai has just introduced a pair of new four-cylinder diesel engines in Korea that would probably be ideally suited to its U.S. market Sonata and Santa Fe, if only they were offered here. Unfortunately, the new R-engine, as Hyundai is calling it, will likely never see our shores. The new engine will come in 2.0L and 2.2L flavors using a common rail fuel injection system with 26,000 psi piezo-electric injectors. A variable geometry turbocharger helps the responsiveness across the rpm range. Unlike many diesels, Hyundai has chosen to go with an aluminum block and head design for its twin-cam unit. The aluminum design is matched up with plastic intake manifold and valve covers all to reduce the mass of the engine. A balance shaft is mounted in a ladder frame at the bottom of the block that helps stiffen the whole structure. The 2.0L version is rated at 182 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. The extra displacement of the 2.2L unit brings those numbers to 198 hp and 322 lb-ft. Both figures are among the best in class for single turbo diesel four cylinders. The only diesel fours that have greater output are the dual turbo units from BMW and Mercedes Benz. In its current form, the R-Engine is equipped with a particulate filter and meets EURO-V requirements but not U.S. Tier 2 Bin 5. The engines go into production in 2009 for use in Hyundai sedans and SUVs.
[Source: Hyundai]
NEW HIGH-PERFORMANCE, LOW EMISSION DIESEL REVEALED BY HYUNDAI
a.. World-beating new 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesels
b.. Best fuel economy in 2.0-litre class
c.. Euro-5 compliant with 184 and 200PS
Hyundai has unveiled details of its newest diesel powerplant, the R-Engine. Available in two sizes, 2.0 and 2.2-litre, the new engines can comfortably beat the power outputs of all comparable German and French competitors with outputs of 184PS/392Nm and 200PS/436Nm - more than most rivals' V6s.
"R proves Hyundai's diesel development capabilities really are world-class. With diesels becoming cleaner and more fuel efficient all the time, there's a growing demand for diesel powerplants worldwide and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best diesel technology," said Dr Hyun-Soon Lee, president of the Corporate Research and Development Division.
The R-Engine benefits from the third generation common rail system with piezo-electric injectors to deliver fuel at 1800-bar for an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control. It also features an electronic variable geometry turbocharger and an advanced engine control unit (air system-based charge control).
The all-aluminium R-Engine is fitted with a 16-valve dual overhead camshaft which is driven by an internal steel silent timing chain. For reduced vibration and lower noise, the R gets a lower balance shaft which has been encased in a stiffened ladder frame housing for increased rigidity. Weight saving features include serpentine belt with isolation pulley, a plastic head cover, plastic intake manifold and plastic oil filter housing.
To achieve Euro-5 emission compliancy, the R is fitted with a close-coupled diesel particulate filter plus highly efficient exhaust gas recirculation with by-pass valve.
Over 500 prototype engines were built during the 42 month-long development period which encompassed a wide variety performance and emissions tests, endurance as well as NVH, cooling and lubrication studies. Finally, the engine was installed in vehicles and subjected to exhaustive testing under all imaginable environmental conditions.
The R-Engine will enter production next year and will see its first application in new SUV vehicles and large saloons.
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