This new engine from an iconic manufacturer uses a fuel that has been rejected by the world. The new KIA internal combustion engine being developed will have 290 HP and has been seen as a daring choice by KIA. The world is currently exploring every possible avenue in the alternative fuel sector. Massive investments have been made by a range of companies, startups and governments in the pursuit of the fuel of tomorrow. So we must ask if this new development out of KIA is a step backwards or simply a commitment to what works.
What is KIA’s history in the internal combustion engine manufacturing sector?
KIA’s history goes all the way back to the end of World War 2. The company was founded in 1944 and was focused on making bicycles. Their manufacturing abilities and ambitions would evolve and in 1975 they exported their first car to the Middle Eastern nation of Qatar of all places. From there they found some more success internationally, giving them the reputation that most Asian car makers had.
That reputation was one of building well made, reliable cars and motorcycles that can stand the test of time. They opened a manufacturing facility called the Sohari Plant that produced their first internal combustion engine. Which still acts as their main engine manufacturing facility. Nearly all their engines are built there, especially those for their more popular cars.
While the world is searching with all its might to find the best sustainable fuel that is less harmful than the fossil fuel industry, KIA has decided to spend their time and resources on a new four-cylinder ICE. As is the case with most companies choosing to stick to gasoline. The four-cylinder internal combustion engine has become the industry standard for those looking not to give up just yet on gasoline.
What exactly has KIA made with this new engine?
KIA has long been known for making efficient engines that last a lifetime and are cheap to maintain. The new engine that is set to feature in their next generation of cars is a step on the figurative fence of the alternative fuel sector. However, they are not alone in making this choice. Many of their compatriots and competitors have gone down the same four-cylinder rabbit hole.
KIA’s sales target is a 4.5 percent market share, or 4.19 million vehicles by 2030. And this new engine will certainly help get them there. The engine was unveiled at KIA’s annual investor day. The 2.5-liter turbocharged engine is more efficient than the previous version. The engine is so remarkable, according to KIA, that they will use it in their hybrids vehicles as well as their traditional gasoline ones.
At the annual event, which is sort of a showcase for all the company’s investors to see where their money is going, KIA’s CEO did not reveal a whole lot of information, only stating that the engine improve thermal efficiency by five percent compared with previous models and boost output by 12 percent. So we are left to speculate the rest of the details.
Can KIA lead the way into the future with this four-cylinder engine?
The automotive world is constantly evolving and changing. Huge amounts of money and resources are being used up in an attempt to find a solution to the climate and energy crisis. However, KIA has demonstrated that some people and organisations are not quite ready to give up on the ever reliable gasoline engine. Their thinking, we assume, is simply that the engine needs to be engineered in such a way that it does significantly less damage to the environment. KIA’s commitment has some questioning whether this whole EV fascination was simply a distraction. Is this the four-cylindered future?
