Amid more and more stringent emissions rules and better taxes on automobiles with large-displacement engines, the longer term does not look good for combustion-powered efficiency automobiles. Hyundai just killed the i20 N and i30 N in Europe the place automakers face the hardest laws anyplace. However, not all hope is misplaced for a enjoyable automotive with an inside combustion engine.
Speaking with Australian journal Drive, Hyundai’s present Executive Technical Advisor and former R&D boss mentioned a hybrid powertrain is a chance value exploring. Albert Biermann—who was one of many driving forces behind the creation of the N division—confirmed stronger hybrid setups are being developed. Not only for the Hyundai model, but in addition for the luxury-oriented Genesis marque. As a reminder, the Hyundai Motor Group additionally owns a couple of third of Kia.
Biermann mentioned the Elantra N (aka i30 Sedan N) “could be an option—technically it’s in there.” He avoided confirming whether or not the efficiency sedan might be electrified however admitted it is technically potential. Let’s understand that Hyundai has already confirmed a next-generation mannequin with a gasoline engine, suggesting it would even get an even bigger ICE. The turbocharged 2.5-liter unit can be a pleasant bump over the present 2.0-liter engine.
In its present type, the Elantra N has 276 horsepower whereas the bigger engine is rated at 290 hp within the Sonata N Line and as a lot as 300 hp within the Genesis G70. Of course, including an electrical motor would enhance the output much more. If authorised, it won’t be the one hybrid N automotive from Hyundai as Biermann says he’s making an attempt to persuade the higher-ups to green-light a smaller electrified N. However, the mission continues to be in its infancy.
Hyundai is already wanting forward, having simply launched the absolutely electrical Ioniq 5 N crossover. There are additionally experiences of an Ioniq 6 N sedan, probably with extra energy. Biermann defined the Korean automaker needs to cowl all of the bases by catering to totally different tastes whereas assembly ever-changing rules. The ex-BMW M boss argued {that a} hybrid powertrain would bridge the hole between efficiency automobiles with pure combustion engine automobiles and full EVs.
Toyota has one other thought of how sports activities automobiles with combustion engines could be saved. It’s toying round with the concept of making ICE run on hydrogen instead of gasoline. To that finish, it has already constructed and examined prototypes of GR Yaris and GR Corolla sizzling hatches on the observe.
On the identical be aware, Austrian firm AVL Racetech has engineered a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that runs on hydrogen. It makes a wholesome 405 horsepower and 375 pound-feet (508 Newton-meters) of torque.
Porsche has a special method because it believes artificial gas may very well be an answer. It’s been producing nearly carbon-neutral e-fuel at its manufacturing facility in Chile since late 2022 when it celebrated the milestone by submitting up a 911. Although Porsche is a part of the Volkswagen Group, VW model boss Thomas Schäfer claims all this discuss prolonging the lifetime of combustion engines is thrashing a lifeless horse. He claims discussions about e-fuels are “unnecessary noise” since combustion engines symbolize “old technology.”