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Hyundai Technology - Powertrains

Power and innovation

The Powertrain R&D Center develops the heart of all motor vehicles, from compact cars to luxury sedans and commercial vehicles.
The Center researches and develops engines, transmissions and ecofriendly exhaust systems. With our full line-up of proprietary technologies, we are creating industry-leading powertrains recognized the world over.

Power and innovation - Image
  • Alpha Engine
    Alpha Engine - Image
    The Alpha marked the first engine to be designed in Korea. By improving the engine's durability, as well as driving and power performance and engine quietness, the Alpha is being reborn as the VVT engine.
    - Start of mass production : 1991
    - Outfitted models : Scoupe
    - Displacement (liters) : 1.5
    - Max. power (PS) : 110
  • Theta Engine
    Theta Engine - Image
    With its aluminum engine block, intake variable valve timing device and quiet timing chain, the Theta is a next-generation new engine for midsized sedans that offers high performance, fuel efficiency, quietness, durability and green benefits.
    - Start of mass production : 2004
    - Outfitted models : Sonata / Lotze
    (Magentis or Optima in overseas markets)
    - Displacement (liters) : 2.0 / 2.4
    - Max. power (PS) : 163 / 179
    - Max. torque (kg.m) : 20.1 / 23.5
  • S-Engine
    S-Engine - Image
    The globally competitive V6 Spassenger diesel engine independently developed by Hyundai Motor offers class-topping 250 maximum horsepower, fuel grade 1 rating and economic value.
    - Start of mass production : 2006
    - Outfitted models : Veracruz / Mohave (Borrego)
    - Displacement (liters) : 3.0
    - Max. power (PS) : 240 / 250
    - Max. torque (kg.m) : 46 / 55
  • Lambda FR Engine
    Lambda FR Engine - Image
    Korea's first rear-wheel drive engine was independently designed for application in mid- to large-sized sedans, which form the main group of models at Hyundai·Kia. It is a high performance, highly efficient engine showing superior results in all aspects including quietness and durability.
    - Start of mass production : 2008
    - Outfitted models : Genesis
    - Displacement (liters) : 3.3 / 3.8
    - Max. power (PS) : 262 / 290
    - Max. torque (kg.m) : 32.2 / 36.5
∂(Theta) ⅡGDI Engine
∂(Theta) ⅡGDI Engine - Image
Representing a progressive advance in fuel injec-tion by positioning injector in the most optimal location, the Theta ⅡGDI Engine offers lower emi-ssions, better fuel economy, superior power out put, and more dynamic performance.
- Start of mass production: 2010
- Outfitted model: Sonata
- Displacement (liters): 2.0
- Max. power (PS): 201

Class-best powertrains

Hyundai Motor realized automotive independence by developing the first Korea-designed Alpha engine and transmission in 1991.
In 2004, it achieved another milestone by developing Korea’s first export engine, the Theta World engine.
In 2006, we developed the 3.0-liter V6 S-passenger diesel engine for our Veracruz model and in 2007, introduced a full line-up of engines for commercial vehicles with the F (3.9 liter), G (5.9 liter) and H (10 liter) engines.
In 2008, with the rear-wheel drive Lambda 3.3/3.8 liter and Tau 4.6-liter engines outfitted in the Genesis, Hyundai·Kia is showcasing its leading engine technology to the world.

Green engines

Ever since the Powertrain Center designed Korea's first engine, it has continued to be at the forefront of commercializing technology breakthroughs. Its green engine offers innovative fuel savings and lower exhaust emissions.
The Center is now pursuing the development of a clean diesel engine that runs on ethanol E85 (containing 85% ethanol) to secure CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy - North American fuel regulation) credits. Our engineers are hard at work developing region-specific engines for Europe, South America, China and India as an answer to soaring oil prices and changing environmental policies.

Environmentally-friendly exhaust systems

In response to increasingly stringent regulations on exhaust emissions, the Powertrain Center is stepping up its efforts to develop technologies that raise fuel efficiency, lighten vehicle weight, lower friction and improve driving power. Additionally, the Center is working on development of powertrains for hybrid electric vehicles.

Passive safety - Image

Powertrain Center, Integrating Strong Engines and Sensitive Transmissions

Powertrain Center is where the development of engines featured in all Hyundai vehicles takes place, from passenger to commercial cars. By researching and developing environment-friendly exhaust systems and establishing a full lineup of independent engine models, Hyundai Motor Company is developing first-class powertrains and transmissions that are globally recognized as the most powerful in their categories.

Highest Performing Powertrains

Having realized technological autonomy for the domestic automobile industry in 1991 through the independent development of the Alpha engine for the first time in Korea, Hyundai Motor Company won glowing praise from around the world for the development of the Theta World engine in 2004, Korea’s first engine for export. In 2006, the Company developed a 3.0 liter V6 S-engine for diesel passenger cars, the most powerful engine in its category, which is available in the Veracruz. Having finalized the gasoline and diesel engines for passenger cars, Hyundai completed its full lineup of engines for commercial vehicles in 2007 with the development of 3.9 liter/5.9 liter/10 liter diesel engines. In 2009, Hyundai developed the R-engine for passenger diesel cars that meet the Euro-5 Environmental Regulation standards and received certification for “low-pollution emitting vehicle in the metropolitan area.” Furthermore, its TAU engine received the honor of being named as the Ward’s 10 Best Engines for the past two consecutive years, known as the “Academy Awards” in engine development. In 2010, Hyundai will be proving its advanced technological prowess in engines with the development of the Theta GDI engine.

TAU 4.6 V8 Engine, R 2.2 CRDi Engine, Theta II 2.4 GDI Engine

Developing Next Generation High-Performance Eco-Friendly Transmissions

In its quest to become a global leader in the transmissions market, Hyundai Motor Company has poured exhaustive efforts into the development of high-performance eco-friendly transmissions that reflect the needs of diverse customers based on its independent technical know-how accumulated over the years. In 2009, the Company secured the latest technology to lead the international market by developing a front-wheel drive 6-speed automatic transmission and CVT (continuously variable transmission) for LPI vehicles.

Environment-Friendly Exhaust Systems

In response to the ever more stringent regulations regarding exhaust emissions, the Powertrain Center is accelerating its development in areas of combustion efficiency and weight reduction, low-friction technology, improvement in power efficiency technology, and powertrain for hybrid vehicles.

Powertrain Technology Timeline

Powertrain Technology Timeline - Image