Hyundai adds 1.0-liter engine to Smartstream family

Hyundai-Kia will launch a new three-cylinder 1.0-liter Smartstream turbocharged engine for compact vehicles.

Even as most automakers are rushing to introduce highly electrified powertrains to achieve lower emissions, the Korean automaker noted in a presentation at the annual Vienna Motor Symposium that electrification costs remain high and the breakeven point will be difficult to reach in the near future.

Thus, Hyundai says, "improving the efficiency of conventional powertrains is still essential and should be required to go parallel with expansion of the electric technologies in the future." 
 
Nonetheless, the new Smartstream engine is compatible with 12- or 48-volt mild hybrid systems.
 
The engine achieves fuel-efficiency improvements through the combination of three core technologies: continuously variable valve duration (CVVD), low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation, (LP-EGR) and integrated thermal management (ITM) systems.

Hyundai-Kia says the Smartstream engine family will be the first step toward the automaker's sustainable future powertrain strategy.