This content is not included in
your SAE MOBILUS subscription, or you are not logged in.
The Design and Development of the Hyundai Alpha Engine
Technical Paper
891185
Sector:
Language:
English
Abstract
Main design features and some of the development work carried
out on the first new engines to be produced in-house by Hyundai
Motor Co. are described. The Alpha family of multi-valve, four
cylinder engines comprises 1.3 and 1.5L naturally aspirated units
and a 1.5L turbocharged version. Modern features are incorporated
in the engines in order to provide higher performance and good fuel
economy with excellent durability at reasonable cost.
Hyundai Motor Co. (HMC) was established in 1967 and, in the
following year, commenced production of passenger cars for the
domestic market, using CKD components supplied by Ford of Europe.
In 1974 the Pony saloon car entered production; this used mainly
locally produced components but most of the major items, including
the power train - engine and gearbox - were manufactured under the
license from Mitsubishi Motors. Over the following years the range
of vehicle models expanded and updated, successful entries were
made into several important export markets, most notably Canada and
lately USA, and vehicle production numbers increased greatly. All
of this was achieved by relying on bought-in technology in the form
of licensing agreements, for major high cost vehicle components
while with little in-house activities in the areas of design,
research and development.
In early 1980's the Company decided that in order to reach
and maintain pre-eminent position within the motor industry it was
essential to be a leader in the field of new technology. To achieve
this it was decided to set up a research and development center for
engines and transmissions. Construction started in 1984 and
following some expansions, the center is well equipped with modern
facilities for design, research and development of engines and
transmission