Hyundai unveils new GDI engine for hybrids, eight-speed automatic

The new Kappa 1.6-litre direct-injection four-cylinder petrol motor (above) has been engineered specifically with hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups in mind.

This is the first engine from from the Korean car maker to feature Atkinson cycle, cooled exhaust gas recirculation and a long stroke design all in one. Other engine features include a laser drilled six-hole injector, continuously variable valve timing, and a high pressure fuel supply system that maxes out at 200 bar.

In its initial applications, the hybrid friendly engine generates 77kW of power and 147Nm of torque. Hyundai says that it will make its production debut in 2016.

Earlier this year, our spy photographers managed to snap photos of Hyundai's Prius-fighting dedicated hybrid hatch undergoing testing in Europe.

Also unveiled at the Hyundai conference was a new eight-speed automatic transmission for front-wheel drive vehicles. Hyundai claims that the new eight-speed unit improves fuel economy by 7.3 percent over the company's current six-speed auto.

Despite the addition of two extra gears, the new eight-speed automatic is 3.5 kilograms lighter than the current six-speed transmission.

Hyundai says that the eight-speed auto will initially be used in "the large and luxury car segments". The transmission has been engineered to work with the Lambda V6 petrol, turbocharged 2.0-litre Theta four-cylinder GDI and turbo-diesel R engines.