The car maker to watch out for in the coming years and the one who’s going from strength to strength, Hyundai has released a new family of diesel engines. Labelled the ‘R’ series, the lineup right now consists of two diesel engines in 2.0 and 2.2 litre varieties.

The new engines feature advanced technologies and produce power and torque numbers which are astonishing for their relatively small cubic capacities. Among a host of new technologies applied in the ‘R’ series include an advanced engine management control unit and electrically controlled variable geometry turbocharger.

“R proves Hyundai’s diesel development capabilities really are world-class. With diesels becoming cleaner and more fuel efficient all the time, there’s a growing demand for diesel powerplants worldwide and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best Diesel technology,” said Dr Hyun-Soon Lee, president of the Corporate Research and Development Division.

The smaller 2.0 litre engine develops an impressive 184 ps and 392 nm of torque and as if it werent enough, the slightly larger 2.2 Litre engine develops 200 ps and a massive 436 nm of torque! To put it in perspective, the torque output of the larger diesel is almost the same as some high displacement V8 petrol engines… some technology this I tell ya!

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Hyundai has also put in a lot of effort to contain the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness). NVH is said to be some of the lowest thanks to innovative technologies like lower balance shaft placed in a stiff ladder frame casing, which means comfortable and refined ride for the passengers.

The ‘R’ series engines have gone through 42 months of rigourous testing to ensure longevity and economy. A total of 500 prototype engines were built, eventually leading to the design which satisfied NVH, cooling and lubrication in addition to performance, economy and emission goals. Hyundai will start manufacturing the new engines and will start putting it in its sedans and SUV’s in 2009.

Hyundai is taking rapid strides in every department of the highly competitive world car market and the Germans and the Japanese have a rightful competitor in the form of Korean major, in future.