The internal combustion engine still has life left in it – and, if in doubt, you might want to check out Hyundai’s Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology.
According to the South Korean automaker, an engine fitted with CVVD offers 4 per cent greater performance, 5 per cent better fuel efficiency and emits 12 per cent fewer emissions than one without it.
The technology works as follows: when the vehicle is driving at a constant speed and requires little power, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to the end of the compression stroke, improving efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression. When accelerating and engine output is high, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke, which maximizes the amount of air used during ignition to improve torque.
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CVVD will premiere in the Smartstram G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder which produces an impressive 180 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, and the Sonata will be the first model to use this engine. Alongside CVVD, the powertrain includes Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation and a new Integrated Thermal Management System to quickly heat and cool the engine to optimal operating temperature.
“The development of the CVVD technology is a good example how Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening our powertrain technology,” president and head of research and development division at Hyundai Motor Group, Albert Biermann, said. “We will continue our innovation efforts to bring forth paradigm shifts and ensure sustainability of our business model.”