In today’s world, speed and efficiency help determine a car’s performance. Smooth gear shifting are also factors that enhance the car’s powertrain’s performance. To enhance power and efficiency, Hyundai came up with the Smartstream engines and transmission.
The Smartstream technology enhances the driver’s experience when shifting gears, accelerating or manoeuvring the car. Let’s learn about the Hyundai Smartstream engine features, benefits and its working.
What Is Smartstream Technology?
Hyundai’s research and development team laid the foundation for efficient yet powerful vehicles. They developed Smartstream technology in 2018 and introduced the technology in Hyundai Accent.
This technology includes a complete powertrain, i.e. engine and transmission. Besides, Kia has Smartstream engines in its latest models, such as Sportage.
The following are the Hyundai and Kia Smartstream engines benefits:
- Responsive acceleration according to the car driving modes
- Efficient engine and transmission to help manoeuvre the car easily
- Quite and functional powertrain at higher speeds
Here are more details about this technology, featured in the popular used Kia cars and Hyundai models in the UAE.
Smartstream Engine Working
With the significant shift towards hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars, Hyundai has developed the Smartstream technology to improve fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. Smart means improving fuel economy, reducing a car’s carbon footprint and better handling and acceleration. Meanwhile, Stream refers to an air-fuel mixture powering the engine and transferring the power to the wheels using the transmission.
Here are the details of the core technology used in these Smartstream engines.
Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD)
Engine valve opening and closing timing play a crucial role in the efficiency of the vehicles, with the right amount of air and fuel. CVVD technology in the Hyundai Tucson with G1.6 T-GDi and other models with G1.0 T-GDi engines works differently from the regular Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT).
CVVT has limits, such as a fixed cam shape and timing. However, Hyundai’s CVVD technology in the Smartstream engines keeps the intake valve open until the end of the compression stroke. Additionally, it minimises compression loss and maintains power.
As per Hyundai’s testing, CVVD combined with CVVT improves the power by 4% and fuel efficiency by 5%. Furthermore, it reduces the carbon emissions by 12%.
Water-cooled Intercooler
In cars with turbochargers, air-cooled intercoolers reduce heat. While it cools down the hot air, the compressed air has to travel to the cooling fan at the front of the car engine. That causes turbo lag due to a longer compressed air travel distance to the engine.
On the other hand, Water-cooled intercoolers in the Hyundai Smartstream technology use water for better cooling and minimise the distance for compressed air. This technology reduces turbo lag and allows stable acceleration irrespective of weather conditions. With higher summer temperatures in the UAE, this technology can reduce car overheating while providing a powerful acceleration.
Hyundai is one of the largest and most renowned auto manufacturers that owns Genesis. The Genesis G70 and G80 models feature Smartstream G2.5 FR T-GDi and G3.5 FR T-GDi engines with water-cooled intercoolers.
Dual-Port Fuel Injection (DPFI)
The fuel injection process allows an optimum air-fuel ratio crucial for emission reduction and fuel efficiency. Hyundai models, such as the Sonata, come with MPI engines. These engines allow fuel injection while minimising wall film on the ports and combustion chamber walls.
On the other hand, DPFI engines use two injectors for each intake port. It helps maintain a stable air-fuel ratio. Besides, it improves the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) ratio and fuel economy. Enhanced atomisation of fuel droplets reduces spray evaporation, reducing harmful particulate matter (PM) emissions.
Kia and Hyundai car models with Smartstream G1.0, G1.2 and G1.6 engines have DPFI technology. These car models include the Kia Rio, Sonet, Picanto and Hyundai Kona.
Dual Fuel Injection + Centre Injection
The GDi engines provide high power output and fuel efficiency, whereas MPI engines are quieter but generally come with lower power output and fuel economy. With Smartstream technology, Hyundai combines MPi and GDi fuel injectors in each engine cylinder.
MPi engines are used for low-to-mid-speed driving, whereas GDi allows driving in high-speed conditions. It helps optimise engine performance and efficiency.
The Centre Injection arrangement places the GDi injector at the combustion chamber’s centre for an efficient air-fuel ratio. Moreover, a spark plug allows precise injection strategies, such as injecting a small amount of fuel before ignition. It results in faster combustion, improved performance and fuel efficiency. Moreover, symmetrical injection patterns also reduce wall wetting.
High Tumble Combustion System (HTCS)
This Smartstream technology optimises the tumble ratio, vortexes like swirl or tumble in the air-fuel mixture. With the intake port and piston bowl redesign, the HTCS increases the tumble ratio, ensuring efficient mixing of air and fuel.
Hyundai models with Smartstream 1.6, 1.6 T-GDi, 2.0 GDi HEV and 2.0 T-GDi engines have this system. Hyundai models, such as Venue, Elantra and Tucson, whereas Kia models, like Sportage and K5, come with a high-tumble combustion system.
Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS)
Featuring a 3-way valve, ITMS manages engine thermal conditions and vehicle heating and cooling. This system is a control tower that monitors and regulates the coolant flow to the radiator, transmission oil warmer and heater.
All Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models with Smartstream engines come with the ITMS. Besides, the integrated thermal management system heats the engine when starting the car but dissipates it when accelerating, helping the vehicle to function at optimum conditions.
Friction-Optimized Moving System (FOMS)
With lightweight materials and all Smartstream engines with FOMS, it helps reduce the friction coefficient by 34%. It maximises the energy by reducing the friction. That said, the system also helps minimise noise, heat and vibration (NVH) in cars.
High-Ignition Energy EGR
The exhaust gases included nitrogen oxide emissions that pollute the air significantly. Smartstream’s engines feature high-ignition energy EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) to reduce nitrogen emissions.
With external EGR cooler and high-energy ignition coils, the car models with Smartstream engines reduce engine knocking, nitrogen emissions and pumping loss.
Smartstream Transmission
Alongside engines, car transmissions play a pivotal role in the vehicle’s performance. Let’s take a look at the Smartstream transmission technology:
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Hyundai Smartstream IVT is a next-generation continuously variable transmission (CVT). It addresses issues faced by earlier CVTs. With a pulley and belt system, CVT continuously varies the gear ratio, enabling precise control of engine RPM.
On the contrary, the Smartstream IVT improves upon traditional CVTs by creating virtual shifting patterns for a more engaging driving experience. IVT uses a durable chain belt instead of a metallic belt, eliminating slippage issues.
Wet 8-Speed DCT
The Smartstream Wet 8DCT, a type of Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), utilises oil cooling for clutches. Moreover, it incorporates a High-Flow Electric Oil Pump (HF-EOP) for lubrication and clutch cooling. Meanwhile, the High-Pressure Electric Oil Pump (HP-EOP) maintains hydraulic pressure.
This design enhances power transmission efficiency and fuel economy by cooling the clutches and ensuring consistent hydraulic pressure control.
FAQs
What is the meaning of TGDI in Hyundai?
T-GDi stands for Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection. This Smartstream technology makes this engine more efficient and powerful by reducing heat and emissions.
Is Hyundai Smartstream engine good?
While the Hyundai Smartstream engines are technically complex, this technology has improved the powertrain’s performance.
Which engine is better, Kappa or Smartstream?
The Kappa and Smartstream engines are two different series produced by Hyundai. Besides, the choice between the two depends upon personal preferences. Moreover, the Kappa series includes three and four-cylinder engines, whereas the Smartstream includes different types of eco-friendly and efficient engines.
These were all the details about the Smartstream technology developed by Hyundai Motors Company. You can explore the 2018 onwards pre-owned Hyundai models for sale in the UAE, equipped with Smartstream engines and transmissions. Moreover, visit Hyundai showrooms in the UAE to buy a new car model.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle Cars blog for more information on automotive technology and systems.
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