Hyundai showcases fuel-efficiency technologies at Paris Motor Show 2014

Hyundai Motor has unveiled its latest fuel-efficient powertrain innovations at the Paris Motor Show 2014, as well as showcasing its leadership in Fuel Cell technology.

The company presented two new, fuel-efficient turbo petrol direct injection (T-GDI) engines - 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre -
to meet the growing demand for vehicles with smaller engine capacity. Hyundai Motor also showcased a 48-volt Hybrid version of the i40 and a New Generation i30 powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), underlining its commitment to reducing the impact of its vehicles on the environment.

"Hyundai Motor is committed to creating sustainable mobility for European consumers. Alongside our pioneering fuel cell programme, we continue to develop vehicles that use new technologies and alternative fuels to reduce vehicle emissions and improve consumer's experiences with Hyundai," said Allan Rushforth, Senior VP & COO, Hyundai Motor Europe.

The i40 48V Hybrid reduces CO2 emissions and fuel consumption significantly compared to the standard production model, yet only costs a quarter of a full hybrid solution to build. Based on a 1.7-litre diesel powertrain, the show car is fitted with a 48-volt lead-carbon battery, boosting power by 15 per cent and reducing CO2 output by up to 20 per cent.
Using a belt-driven starter generator (BSG) - replacing the conventional alternator - the engine is able to restart with almost no noise or vibration. The i40 48V Hybrid can operate in electric-only mode at low speeds and when cruising. The lead-carbon battery pack recharges itself during deceleration and through regenerative braking, with the BSG working as a generator. While accelerating, the BSG supports the engine with its additional 10kw to reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions.

In combination with a larger turbocharger, the system's performance increases to 155 ps and a maximum torque of 360 Nm.

The lead-carbon battery was chosen due to its excellent power to cost ratio, rapid charging capability and high levels of durability. It requires no active cooling system and can therefore be stored within the spare-wheel well, ensuring luggage space is not compromised. In addition, the lead-carbon battery is almost completely recyclable at the end of its lifecycle.

As the 48V Hybrid technologies are cost effective, have compact dimensions, apply a minimal weight penalty (just 46 kg), and can be easily introduced alongside existing powertrains, they could have far-reaching potential application in future Hyundai production cars.


The new-generation i30 CNG features a debut of the company's new 1.4-litre T-GDI engine, mated to a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, as well as the latest application of its CNG research and development programme.

When equipped with the new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the engine emits CO2 emissions as low as 87 g/km, a significant reduction compared to the equivalent internal combustion engine (ICE) model, and meets the strict Euro6c emission standards three years ahead of introduction in 2017. Running on CNG, the engine develops 117 ps and maximum torque of 206 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm.

The CNG is stored in an innovative rectangular tank within the floor pan, ensuring interior space remains the same as its ICE counterpart. Lined with a gas-impermeable polyamide matrix (inside) and protected by high-performance glass-fibre reinforced plastic (outside), the new system provides a high-strength, low-cost solution to gas storage, and weighs 50 per cent less than the equivalent steel tank.

Up to 15 kg of gas can be stored in the tank at 200 bar pressure. A new electrical pressure regulator lowers gas pressure to an operable state in two steps, first to 20 bar and then to 4 to 11 bar, which is fed into the engine. The bi-fuel power plant uses both petrol and compressed natural gas as fuel, with the flexibility to automatically switch to petrol once the supply of CNG has been used.


Alongside the new powertrains, Hyundai will showcase the latest vehicles from its pioneering fuel cell programme, including the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen-powered vehicle, the ix35 Fuel Cell.

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