Hyundai reveals high-tech diesel engines

Hyundai has announced details of its latest-generation diesel engines, which the company claims has the wood on its German counterparts.

The new 'R-Engine' will be offered in two displacements -- 2.0 and 2.2 litres -- and is touted as being more frugal than any rival, as well as being Euro-5 compliant, naturally.

The raw numbers are certainly impressive, as the 2.0-litre diesel kicks out 135kW and 392Nm, while the 2.2 unit belts out 147kW and 436Nm.

By comparison, Hyundai's existing 2.2-litre turbodiesel (offered in the Santa Fe and Grandeur) ekes out 114kW and 343Nm, while the 2.9-litre oiler that was formerly available in the defunct Terracan served up a modest 120kW and 345Nm.

"R proves Hyundai's diesel development capabilities really are world-class," said Dr Hyun-Soon Lee, president of Hyundai's R&D Division.

"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."

Hyundai says the R-Engine benefits from the third-generation common-rail system with piezo-electric injectors to deliver fuel at 1800bar for an "unprecedented degree of accuracy and control".

The new diesel also features an electronic variable geometry turbocharger (a la Porsche 911 Turbo) and an advanced engine control unit (air system-based charge control).

The 16-valve engine features dual overhead camshafts that are driven by what Hyundai claims is "an internal steel silent timing chain".

For reduced vibration and lower noise, the R gets a lower balance shaft that 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, says Hyundai.

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.

Its maker says 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 Hyundai's new SUVs and large sedans, according to the manufacturer.

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