Hyundai's CVVD valve tech increases performance, fuel efficiency

The Smartstream G1.6-GDi engine will make its debut in the Sonata Turbo.

Hyundai has detailed an innovative valve-timing technology that improves performance and reduces fuel consumption for the new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine.

Claimed to be a world-first, the Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) system is capable of adjusting the duration of valve opening and closing cycles. The resulting optimizations are said to provide four percent more power, a five percent improvement in fuel efficiency, and 12 percent emissions reduction.

Traditional variable valve control technologies can vary the timing of the valve's opening and closing, however the duration of the open and closed cycles are typically fixed.

Capable of delivering 180 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, the new 1.6-liter engine will make its debut in the Sonata Turbo in the second half of the year. Both Hyundai and Kia plan to use the engine for additional models going forward.