Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid Gets New High-Efficiency Engine
As if the announcement that Hyundai is launching a new Ioniq and Kia Niro family of green cars wasn’t exciting enough, the automaker now says that it will introduce a brand spanking new engine for the hybrid versions of its newest two models.
The new, naturally aspirated 1.6L Kappa engine will have a new DI system and a new Atkinson-cycle combustion to help the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid achieve best-in-class efficiency and capability. The new engine will have a stellar fuel economy of 58 mpg.
“What makes this engine unique is its efficiency, in terms of brake thermal efficiency,” John Sonnichsen, engine design and testing manager for the Hyundai Kia America Technical Center in Ann Arbor, said in a recent interview. “Toyota–with the Prius’ 1.8L DOHC 4-cylinder–achieves 40 percent brake thermal efficiency. This matches that. I think this is the second [gasoline] engine in the industry that achieves that,” he continued.
To match the engine’s new high-efficiency capabilities, the 1.6L will also be able to produce more power, giving the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid a uniquely sporty feel. The new engine will get up to 104 hp and 109 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Prius 1.8L’s 95 hp and 105 lb-ft. In total, the Ioniq Hybrid has the Prius completely beat when it comes to complete system horsepower–139 vs. 121.
“This is targeted toward fun-to-drive, sport–it’s not your average grocery getter,” Sonnichsen said.
Hyundai’s gasoline 1.6L engine is paired with a 32-kW (43-hp) electric maximum-efficiency motor. The electric beast is 95 percent efficient thanks to its rectangular-section copper wire and forced-water cooling system. The new Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid is also making waves for its ground-breaking 1.56-kWh lithium-ion battery pack–it’s the first in the world to combine 240V and 12V lithium ions.
John Juriga, director of the Hyundai Kia America Technical Center has called it “the most technically advanced” out of all the engines in the Hyundai family.
To round out the Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid’s revolutionary components, the automaker has created a cooled exhaust-gas-recirculation system to boost the 1.6L engine’s efficiency even further. With the addition of this new technology, the engine is able to utilize up to 20 percent EGR.
“That’s pushing the envelope,” Juriga said. “I don’t know anybody who’s beyond 20 percent right now.”
The new Ioniq Hybrid’s high-efficiency specs are just the beginning. The vehicle is renowned for its incredible safety features (including Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning), stylish design cues and super-comfy cabin.
To test out the 2017 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid for yourself, just visit your local Hyundai dealership today. Rosen Hyundai has new Hyundai models on the lot, ready to go home with you today.
