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Hyundai’s next Elantra, due in mid 2011, will produce 168 horsepower and 145 pound-feet from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that features continuously variable valve lift (CVVL). We’ve already seen a preview of the next Elantra with last year’s debut of the international variant named Avante (pictured above). In global markets, though, that car uses a 138-hp 1.6-liter engine.
A Hyundai technical paper claims that CVVL delivers a 3 percent improvement in power output over the same engine without variable valve lift. While 168 hp will put the Hyundai in the thick of the competition, CVVL will also aid the Elantra’s fuel economy. At this time, we have no indication of what number Hyundai is shooting for, but 40 mpg on the highway is quickly becoming the benchmark among compact cars. It’s likely that Hyundai will sell Elantras with both the 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter engines to offer both fuel-efficient and higher output choices.
Hyundai’s continuously variable valve lift operates similarly to BMW’s Valvetronic system. Using an electric motor, Hyundai can adjust the pivot point of the rocker arms to affect the lift. The amount of lift is varied with engine rpm to reduce flow losses and improve engine efficiency.
Stay with us for more information prior to the new Elantra’s U.S. debut.
-Eric Tingwall
Wow!