Hyundai North America’s current small engine: the 1.6 liter gasoline direct injection (GDI) Gamma four cylinder, is quality if not fairly run-of-the mill. Producing 138 horsepower, it finds work currently in two U.S.-spec cars: the Accent and Veloster. In both of those, 40 mpg is achievable and the engine’s revvy nature allows for an entertaining drive but there is always room for improvement. The company has been jumping on the forced induction bandwagon by introducing turbocharged four cylinders in their Genesis Coupe and Sonata sedan. Soon to be released will be one more turbo block: the 1.6 T-GDI Gamma. There is just one question left unanswered: under what car’s hood will it find work?
At Hyundai-Kia’s recent International Powertrain Conference in Korea, the company showcased two upcoming engines: the turbo Gamma and an all-new 2.0 liter Euro-spec diesel. When boosted, the 1.6 produces a stout 204 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Even more impressive is where the torque is produced: peaking below 2,000 rpms. A manifold-integrated twin scroll turbocharger aids the variable valve timing and direct injected Gamma, but official word on how much boost pressure has yet to be said.
The 2.0 liter diesel is more likely to make it to outer space than the United States, but the 1.6 has a serious chance. According to Hyundai themselves, it meets both Euro 5 emission standards and California’s ULEV-2 standards. That means that it can find duty very well anywhere: perhaps even under the hood of the all new 2012 Veloster. After sampling the new three door coupe, the chassis is more than capable of handling the extra scoot, but the possibility of a turbo model might just die at rumors. In a recent tweet by Hyundai North American CEO, John Krafcik, the possibility of the 1.6 T-GDI making its way to the states was made to seem somewhat unlikely. “But America, we already have Genesis Coupe 2.0T. And that T stands for Turbo.”
Source: Hyundai
