| Hyundai has developed
its first V6 diesel “S-engine”, designed to comply with European
emission regulations. The engine is the latest successful example of the
firm’s approach to global product development.
The unit could be coming to Europe. If Korean media reports are accurate,
the engine could come to Europe in a version of its Veracruz seven-seater
SUV. In October Hyundai said it had no plans to sell the vehicle in Europe,
but demand from dealers could be changing this.
The vehicle is the product of a 26-month US$223 million project at the
Korean carmaker’s Californian research centre. The engine cost more,
taking $233 million and 49 months to develop at its powertrain R&D
centre in Namyang.
The powertrain features Hyundai’s first use of compacted graphite
iron (CGI) cylinder block, piezoelectric fuel injectors and a six-speed
automatic gearbox. It also uses electronically controlled semi-active
engine mounts.
The S-engine has a bore and stroke of 84mm/89mm and compression of 17.3:1.
The six cylinders displace 2,959cc and are banked at 60° to cut vibrations.
The S-engine sets new standards of refinement and performance for a diesel
with its maximum output of 177kW (240 PS) at 3,800rpm.
The engine breathes through an all-aluminium head with 24 valves in a
dual overhead configuration. This incorporates hydraulic valve lash adjusters.
The piezo injectors operate at 1600 bar.
Supplier support has played an important part in the development. Sintercast
provides the materials know-how for the CGI. Its high tensile and fatigue
strength allowed Hyundai’s engine designers to improve performance,
fuel economy and durability while reducing emissions to meet Euro IV regulations.
Turbocharging is accomplished with an electronically controlled variable
geometry system, developed in partnership with BorgWarner’s German
engineering centre and SeohanWarner, a Korean joint-venture.
Beru supplies the cold start system, which ensures starts at temperatures
as low as -25°C. It comprises a control unit and additional heating
flange that heats the intake air, lowering fuel consumption and emissions
during warm-up.
A serpentine belt and steel timing chain lowers noise while raising overall
durability and operating precision. An electronic exhaust gas recirculation
valve helps control the engine’s emission of nitrous oxides by reducing
combustion temperature.
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