Dubbed the 1.0 T-GDi Kappa engine, the new motor will be capable of producing 188 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque. This is thanks to a single-scroll turbo that has an electronically operated wastegate that increases efficiency. Lasers drill out injector holes that are configured to more evenly spread out the combustible mixtures in the cylinders.
Two thermostats independently monitor the temperature of the engine block and cylinder head, allowing both to be cooled separately. The engine block can run as hot as 221 degrees to keep engine oil warm while the head will top out at 190 degrees.
At the moment, there’s no timeline in place stating when we’ll see this engine in and of the cars in the company’s U.S. lineup, but it’s not stretch to surmise that it will end up as options in vehicles like the Forte or even as a component in the Optima Hybrid if they find a way to eke out a slightly higher output.
It’s starting to seem like the engine arms race is in full reverse, as carmakers become ore invested in engine downsizing. This news follows a similar announcement made by Volvo this past December stating it has a three-cylinder of its own in the works, although it won’t be in production any time soon. Kia, on the other hand, will be placing the new Kappa in the new Cee’d GT.
