The Design and Development of the Hyundai Alpha Engine 891185

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