2009 Hyundai Sonata 3.3l V6 5spd Auto Trans on 2040-cars

Auto blog

Hyundai CVVD engine brings another dimension to valve timing

A new technology from Hyundai Motor Group places another marker on the march to more efficient internal combustion engines. Called Continuously Variable Valve Duration, the innovation permits two options for how long the intake valves remain open during the combustion cycle. The feature adds a third take on valve chicanery, atop variable valve timing that changes when valves open, and variable valve lift that changes how far valves open. Hyundai says the feature returns a 4% improvement in performance, a 5% increase in fuel economy, and lowers emissions by 12%. Hyundai applied for two patents on the valvetrain process in South Korea in 2011 and again in 2015. The altered valve duration in this latest iteration is made possible by two movable arms inside the camshaft. Each arm is anchored at its base to a pin at the center of the camshaft, while the end of each arm extends toward the edge of the camshaft. Changing the position of the pin in the center of the camshaft changes the angle of the arms relative to one another, which moves the camshaft along its mounting rod. Voila, a new intake cam profile that either lengthens or shortens valve overlap.   During low-speed spells at low load, CVVD opens the intake valve from the middle to the end of compression stroke. The weaker detonation isn't a factor at low load, and the reduced friction during compression improves fuel economy. During heavy engine loads, the intake valve closes at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air mixed for detonation, boosting torque. Four additional features enhance the benefits of CVVD. A more powerful direct injection system increases fuel spray pressure from 250 bar to 350 bar. Hyundai doesn't go into details on its Integrated Thermal Management System, but says the ITMS "quickly heats or cools the engine to the optimal temperature." Low-friction components lower overall engine friction by 34 percent. And a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation layout diverts low-pressure exhaust gas from the traditional EGR route to the turbocharger compressor under high load for better fuel efficiency.   The first engine to boast the new tech is the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi four-cylinder, which produces 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. It will appear in the 2020 Hyundai Sonata Turbo going on sale in South Korea later this year.

First hydrogen Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs arrive in California

These crossovers are not available in showroom quite yet, but the first batch of Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell vehicles has made it to California. Hyundai is promising retail availability, "within the next several weeks," which means early June or so for the $499/month CUVs. We previously heard in January that these hydrogen-powered Tucsons were supposed to be in US customers' hands by the end of March, so things are running behind schedule. Still, the delivery at a port near Los Angeles marks the "first delivery of a mass-produced fuel cell vehicle for the US market," Hyundai says, which could be a big deal when we look back at the evolution of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the US (though we're guessing at least one other manufacturer might object to the Korean automaker's claim). Mike O'Brien, vice president, corporate and product planning for Hyundai Motor America, is certainly upbeat, saying in a statement that Hyundai is "proud of our leadership role in this important segment of the alternative fuel vehicle market." So far, that's a segment that the company has almost all to itself. There are a very small number of hydrogen vehicles around today, including the Honda FCX Clarity and a few test vehicles from other automakers, but the numbers are set to grow next year when Toyota and Honda introduce new hydrogen sedans. For now, though, Hyundai can make a splash simply by bringing these vehicles to our shores. Hyundai's First Mass-Produced Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs Arrive In Southern California Tucson Fuel Cell, the Next-Generation Electric Vehicle, Arrives at Port Hueneme With Retail Availability Soon PORT HUENEME, Calif., May 20, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at a port near Los Angeles, Hyundai's Tucson Fuel Cell CUVs began rolling onto U.S. soil, marking the first delivery of a mass-produced fuel cell vehicle for the U.S. market. The first retail sale of the Tucson Fuel Cell is expected within the next several weeks in Southern California. Under the Hyundai leasing program, approved lessees can drive Hyundai's next-generation Tucson Fuel Cell for just $499 per month, including unlimited free hydrogen refueling and "At Your Service" valet maintenance at no extra cost. For the first time, retail consumers can now put a mass-produced, federally-certified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in their driveways, with availability at three select southern California Hyundai dealers: Tustin Hyundai, Win Hyundai in Carson, and Hardin Hyundai in Anaheim.

Hyundai plots a Nissan Juke fighter

A few years ago, Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski suggested interest in taking on the Nissan Juke with a subcompact crossover. It looks like that project is coming together, as we caught Hyundai testing a small, curiously-styled SUV in Germany recently. The SUV is expected to share a lot of the same chassis components as the i20, a hatchback that's sold in other parts of the world, with the same engine lineup as the new i30, another hatchback that Hyundai doesn't sell in the America. In the United Kingdom, the i30 is available with engines including a 1.4-liter gasoline and a 1.6-liter diesel unit. Front-wheel drive would be standard with all-wheel drive an option. The heavily-camouflaged prototype doesn't give away a lot of the SUV's design. The front of the vehicle is hidden away, but what we can see the grille features hexagonal shapes instead of the horizontal bars that we've become accustomed to seeing in Hyundais. The headlights mimic the Jeep Cherokee's design with thin slits on top and larger, round units toward the bottom. At the back, camouflage hides the majority of the prototype, but the taillights appear to be different than the rest of Hyundai's offerings. The outline of the taillights resembles the same units found on the Intrado Concept, indicating the vehicle will get some design cues from the hydrogen-powered prototype. A single exhaust outlet protrudes underneath the rear end. The overall profile of the SUV appears to be smaller than the Tucson, which is currently Hyundai's smallest crossover in the US. Related Video: Featured Gallery Hyundai SUV Spy Shots View 10 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos Hyundai Nissan Crossover SUV Future Vehicles