Powertrain | Technology | Innovation

Aiming for the world's strongest heart

: Eighteen years after we developed Korea’s first engine with independent technology, our engine development capabilities have grown to rank among the world’s top ten. Our powertrain technology aims to produce the strongest hearts for vehicles, while leading the way in responsibility with environmentally-friendly transmissions and exhaust systems.

: In response to increasingly stringent regulations on exhaust emissions in North America and Europe, our target is to achieve 15% improved fuel efficiency by 2012. Our plan is to realize high-performance, low-displacement engine downsizing by combining gasoline direct injection and turbo technologies, and to expand the application of new fuel efficiency technologies to subcompact and compact models for increased fuel economy competitiveness.

We are developing customized engines for local markets to counter rising oil prices and changing regional policies. Plans include a low-priced engine for the Indian market, new engines and technologies for China, and an ethanol-powered engine for Brazil.

We are stepping up efforts to develop new technologies that will deliver both performance and fuel efficiency to customers. Currently under development are the Continuously Variable Valve List (CVVL) and turbo-direct injection technologies for gasoline engines. For diesel engines, work is continuing on clean diesel (filters clean exhaust fumes before exiting the system) and 2-gear turbo engines to prepare for the new Euro 6 emission standards. In addition to engines, we are drawing on our powertrain capability to develop multi-speed automatic transmissions (8-speed front-wheel, 10-speed rear-wheel), double clutch transmissions and continuously variable transmissions (CVT), further raising our powertrain profile on the global stage.

As the first engine independently developed in Korea, the Alpha engine’s improved durability, driving and power performance, as well as engine quietness, have seen it reborn as the VVT engine.

Start of mass production : 1991
Outfitted models : YF Sonata / Optima
Displacement (ℓ) : 1.5
Max. power (ps) : 115
Max. torque (kg·m) : 17

* Engine specifications may vary by region.

With its aluminum engine block, intake variable valve timing device and quiet timing chain, the Theta is a world class, next-generation, midsized engine offering high performance, fuel efficiency, quietness, durability and environmental benefits.

Start of mass production : 2004
Outfitted models : YF Sonata
Displacement (ℓ) : 2.0 / 2.4
Max. power (ps) : 165 / 201
Max. torque (kg·m) : 20.2 / 25.5

* Engine specifications may vary by region.

As the first Korean engine to achieve Euro-5 emission compliancy and receive a Seoul metropolitan area low emission vehicle certification, the passenger R-diesel engine is recognized around the world for its class-leading performance. The high-power, environmentally-friendly engine is the first to secure the top fuel economy rating in an SUV application

Start of mass production : 2009
Outfitted models: Tucson(ix35)
Displacement (ℓ) : 2.0 / 2.2
Max. power (ps) : 184 / 200
Max. torque (kg·m) : 40 / 44.5

* Engine specifications may vary by region.

Honored as one of Ward’s 10 best engines in the U.S., the Tau engine is an independently developed engine high represents the culmination of Hyundai- Kia engine development knowhow and optimised tuning technology

Start of mass production : 2008
Outfitted models: Genesis / Equus
Displacement (ℓ) : 4.6
Max. power (ps) : 366
Max. torque (kg·m) : 44.8

* Engine specifications may vary by region.

: We became only the third finished carmaker in the world to succeed in developing its own 6-speed automatic transmission. Compared to the existing 4- and 5-gear transmissions, the 6-speed offers drastically enhanced levels of fuel efficiency and performance. Additionally, it boasts a dependent structure that is smaller than a 5-speed transmission.

8-speed Automatic Rear Wheel Drive Transmission

: We are the first finished carmaker in the world to develop this cutting-edge technology. Compared to the 6-speed gearbox, the 8-speed automatic RWD transmission delivers better fuel economy and power Performance while boasting a unique structure that is more compact than the 6-speed unit.