Hyundai Motor Group has introduced its ground-breaking continuously variable valve duration (CVVD) technology. The system, which was unveiled alongside the Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine, will feature in future Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Developed to improve both engine performance and fuel efficiency, CVVD regulates the duration of valve opening and closing according to driving conditions. This is claimed by the OEM to achieve a 4% boost in performance, a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency, and a 12% emissions reduction.
“The development of the CVVD technology is a good example of how Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening our powertrain technology,” said Albert Biermann, president and head of R&D at Hyundai. “We will continue our innovation efforts to bring forth paradigm shifts and ensure sustainability of our business model.”
While previous variable valve control technologies can not regulate valve duration, CVVD looks to adjust how long a valve is open for. When the vehicle is maintaining a constant speed and requires low engine output, the technology opens the intake valve from the middle to end of the compression stroke. This helps to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the resistance caused by compression.
When engine output is high, such as when the car is driving at a high speed, the intake valve is closed at the beginning of the compression stroke to maximize the amount of air used for the explosion, enhancing torque to improve acceleration.
The new Smartstream G1.6 T-GDi engine, which will debut the CVVD system, will be applied in the Hyundai Sonata Turbo, which is set for introduction later this year.