Kia will unveil the new 1.0 T-GDI engine at the Geneva Motor Show

New 1.0 T-GDI three-cylinder engine

Kia will unveil its new 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder “Kappa” engine at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show. It was first shown previously at the Geneva propulsion technologies exhibition in 2013. Now it will be fitted to a production model for the first time, in the new Kia Cee’d “GT Line”.

The aim was to achieve an engine with better performance, lower consumption and lower emissions. Kia has achieved this by following the “downsizing” trend, a philosophy other brands have already adopted. Subject to homologation, the Kappa engine will produce 120 CV of power and 170 Nm of torque.

It has been developed by the propulsion systems engineering team at the R&D centre that Kia operates in Namyang, Korea. The Korean brand’s goal is to develop more efficient engines across its model range, which is why this new engine is the first of a future family of downsized engines that will debut in Europe.

A number of very effective solutions have been used to achieve such an engine. The new injectors feature six laser-drilled holes arranged in a pyramid shape. This provides a more homogeneous mixture of petrol and air in the cylinder, supported by a high-pressure pump.

The new “Kappa” engine adopts straight intake ports, unlike the current 1.6 GDI engine, where they are slightly curved. This improves the airflow into the combustion chamber to increase performance. The ports end in sharper intake valve seats, reducing air resistance at all stages of intake, and also improve the “tumble” turbulence, from top to bottom, for faster combustion and to eliminate knock.

The single-entry turbocharger is paired with an electrically actuated wastegate. It uses clean exhaust gases to improve volumetric efficiency and at the same time opens the wastegate to improve exhaust gas flow. This gives a more immediate engine response at any throttle position, in other words, higher torque at low revs.

The catalytic converter works more efficiently thanks to the integrated exhaust manifold. This slightly lowers the exhaust gas temperature, improves consumption and produces lower CO2 emissions.

Engine temperature is regulated by a new split cooling system that features two thermostats, one for the cylinder head and another for the block. The main thermostat regulates coolant flow to the cylinder head above 88°C to prevent knock, while the block thermostat disengages above 105°C to reduce friction and improve performance.

It will go on sale in Europe at the end of 2015, together with the Kia Cee’d “GT Line”. Afterwards, the new 1.0-litre T-GDI engine will be available in several models across the Kia range.

Source | Kia