Hyundai, now a world-class engine manufacturer, may lend engine technology to Mercedes-Benz for a future four-cylinder powerplant. It was just a few short years ago that DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai banded together in the Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance (GEMA) to build the so-called World Engine (pictured at right). The GEMA engine, with displacements ranging from 1.8-liters up to 2.4-liters, is found under the hood of more than a handful of Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai products.
While word isn't official, Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, President of the R&D and Corporate Product Planning and Strategy Divisions of Hyundai-Kia Motors, told Automobile Magazine that he had been approached by Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG, at the Beijing Auto Show about partnering on a four-cylinder powerplant. Dr. Lee didn't disclose the rest of the conversation, but he did add, "I am not sure we want to share our technology." With the hot Genesis Coupe and luxurious Genesis Sedan ready to roll, and distinguished Mercedes-Benz knocking on the front door, it appears Hyundai's hard work is paying off.
[Source: Automobile Magazine]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
iSpec @ May 9th 2008 3:40PM
Whoda thunk it except those of us who've owned Hyundai's, drove them snot out of 'em and told everyone 'these are great cars.
I kinda told ya but you weren't listening. Now maybe you will. Still, people see and believe what they want.
sanimalp @ May 9th 2008 5:55PM
eww, SICK! Look, it has a plastic intake..
Kevin @ May 9th 2008 6:49PM
sanimalp:
That's hardly uncommon. Most BMWs have since the early 90s if not earlier, Subaru, GM, some Mercedes... Nothing wrong with a properly engineered plastic intake in NA applications.
Thomas Mysser @ May 9th 2008 3:44PM
They've got technology... now it's marketing to boost themselves up on the track.
Steve in TN @ May 9th 2008 3:45PM
For those that downgrade Hyundai as being a substandard brand, MBenz desiring some of their engine technology seems to dispute their arguments. Like it or not, Hyundai is on the move.
achoi02 @ May 9th 2008 4:02PM
=.= hyundai needs help from bmw
Egon @ May 9th 2008 4:05PM
I'll believe it when I see the Mercedes-Benz "Big Duh Sales Event" commercials.
But seriously, hasn't the aforementioned World Engine been derided in many reviews as being harsh and unrefined? I seem to remember this particularly in the Avenger/Sebring reviews. I'm not saying Hyundai isn't making progress, but it sounds as though they still have some work to do.
Brad @ May 9th 2008 4:34PM
That's how I would describe it, unrefined. I have one in my Dodge Journey company car and it is very loud for what is supposedly a "world class engine".
joe97 @ May 9th 2008 5:14PM
Hyundai's "World Engine", Theta, is neither unrefined, nor harsh. Go drive a Sonata I4 and find out yourself.
Remember, Hyundai is actually the company that designed/developed the basic blocks of the Theta engine (aka world engine); Mitsu and Chrysler has modified them somewhat, and they are paying royalties for the rights of the engine.
Interesting tidbit to see how the Theta is different than the GEMA world engine: the fuel economy in Hyundai Sonata I4 is vast superior than the Chrysler Sebring/Dodge Avenger.
tanooki2003 @ May 9th 2008 4:11PM
Even though I know there are and will always be disgruntled 1st gen Hyundai buyers and just plain haters of the company, like it or not Hyundai is growing faster than any other automotive company on the market. Also believe it or not the Chinese automotive companies will soon follow, now that they have learned from their mistakes. Hyundai has already became one of my top favorite companies.
My main reason for favoring Hyundai, aside from rapidly expanding technology knowledge to improving quality measures, they actually listen to consumers like you and I unlike ANY of the domestics. Also they have a good niche market since their cars are less costly over the other foreign competition.
ai3xskc @ May 10th 2008 1:56PM
Totally agree with you.
The 2009 Sonata is evidence of this. Although the 2006 Sonata was a good car, the interior was substandard and many complained about the seat cushions, both of which were addressed in the refresh.
I know there are still many who balk at the idea of owning a Hyundai because of its image. All I say is: go and test drive one. I've owned 2 Hyundais so far and the quality strides that this company has made over the years is unbelievable. However, I do have one gripe: MANUAL. Hyundai, PLEASE put have manuals available for your V6! Hopefully, the manual developed for the Genesis coupe will be widely available.
adrian @ May 10th 2008 5:02PM
Once they are at the top, they won't listen any more.
Jim @ May 9th 2008 4:12PM
"But seriously, hasn't the aforementioned World Engine been derided in many reviews as being harsh and unrefined? I seem to remember this particularly in the Avenger/Sebring reviews. I'm not saying Hyundai isn't making progress, but it sounds as though they still have some work to do."
yeah, it's also been groused about in Mitsu Evo reviews.
Brian W @ May 9th 2008 9:01PM
Very True! They don't run the heck out of auto Sonata's like the other cars they test. The difference between the engines is small.
When you red line them they get loud and harsh. It's just the normal Hyundai-good
Others -bad review giving Hyundai credit for being from a cheap country. Go China!
Richard Warren @ May 9th 2008 4:15PM
Key word: MAY
Jacob @ May 9th 2008 4:45PM
I always thought that Hyundai's 4-cylinder engines were noisy underpowered gas guzzlers. Maybe that has changed.
joe97 @ May 9th 2008 5:20PM
Maybe the Elantra I-4, which uses the Beta engine...
GEMA "World Engine", Hyundai's Theta engine, is currently only used in the Sonata I4.
The engine is not underpowered, 175hp in the Sonata; it is not noisy, tied for best in db level IIRC; it is not a gas guzzler, tied for tops in MPG in Sonata's class, IIRC.
I can't vouch for Mitsu and Chrysler engines, since both companies have took Hyundai designed/developed engines and modified them. Mitsu and Chrysler and paying royalties for the application.
Parkerman @ May 9th 2008 5:03PM
Heh, Better watch out though... Somehow Daimler will suck money out of you... *cough Chrysler cough*.. lol.
300Kid @ May 9th 2008 5:34PM
This has to be my favorite Autoblog posting this week.
TAKE A TEST DRIVE @ May 9th 2008 8:55PM
Has anyonedriven 2007- 2009 hyundai no lie they have to have some of the quietest cars period sonata, elantra, azera, sante fe, verzcruz
FACT: motertrend magazine said that ( veracruz vs. the lexus rx330 comparison) the hyundai is quieter thaan the lexus YES A HYUNDAI QUIETER THAN A LEXUS BELIEVE IT
HATERS