Engines

All-new ‘R’ diesel and upgraded gasoline powerunit

Ultimately, Kia’s all-new Sorento will be manufactured in Korea with up to five different engines to meet the needs of motorists in the home market and in every region of the globe. Reacting to market forces and consumer trends, Kia has downsized some of the engines available for new Sorento – the gasoline V6 shrinks from 3.8 to 3.5-litres and the 2.5-litre diesel is replaced by an all-new 2.2-litre unit – while improving the efficiency of all the powertrains.

For 2009, customers in Western European markets will be offered the choice of a 2.4-litre gasoline unit, which embodies major improvements, and an all-new 2.2-litre diesel engine from the next-generation clean diesel ‘R’ family. In 2010 a new 2.0-litre version of the ‘R’ diesel engine will also be available.

174 ps Theta gasoline engine blends power with economy

Kia’s revised 2.4-litre ‘Theta II’ engine is fitted with upgraded electronics and low-friction components, while also featuring lighter construction. It delivers more power, improved durability, enhanced refinement and reduced fuel consumption and emissions. This DOHC four-cylinder 2349 cc powerunit has dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust valves), four valves per cylinder and features weight-saving all-aluminium construction with a cast aluminium block, cylinder head and sump. Maximum rpm is raised by 200 to 6000 rpm, and maximum power output is 174 ps, with 225 Nm of peak torque at a commendably low 3750 rpm.

Special Theta II features include a ‘silent’ timing chain, a single ‘serpentine’ rubber belt to run the ancillaries, a catalytic converter integrated into the exhaust system to release more power, DLC coated mechanical lash adjusters, redesigned exhaust ports that reduce exhaust gas temperature and improve fuel efficiency at high-speeds and a vibration damping balancer shaft.

Powered by the Theta engine, the new Sorento accelerates to 100 kph (62 mph) in 10.5 seconds (manual) and 11.1 seconds (automatic) and attains a top speed of 190 kph (118 mph).

New ‘R’ diesel demonstrates world-class Kia engineering skills

The all-new ‘R’ family of turbo-diesel engines proves that Kia’s engineering capabilities are indeed world-class. Ultimately, this family will include several different capacities, but the first unit to reach the European marketplace is the 2.2-litre, 197 ps engine featured in the new Sorento.

This new engine comfortably out-performs most four-cylinder and many V6 diesel units from rival brands, while complying with Euro5 emissions standards. The R2.2 engine benefits from a third generation common-rail fuel system with piezo-electric injectors that deliver diesel at high pressure (1800-bar) with an unprecedented degree of accuracy and control.

Outstanding features of the R2.2 engine include: all-aluminium construction, an electronic VGT (variable geometry turbocharger), an advanced ECU (engine control unit) with a 32-bit microprocessor, a new high-efficiency EGR (exhaust gas recirculation system) with cooler and bypass valve, a chain-driven DOHC 16-valve intake/exhaust system with needle-roller bearings and hydraulic lash adjusters, a balancer shaft and a close-coupled DPF (diesel particulate filter) installed in the engine.

Like the new Sorento’s gasoline engines, the diesel also feature numerous weight-saving plastic components such as the intake manifold with swirl control valves, cylinder head cover and oil filter housing. The R2.2 generates a maximum of 197 ps and 436 Nm of torque from just 1,800 rpm. For use with a manual transmission, the engine is re-tuned to produce 421 Nm.

When fitted with the R2.2 diesel, the new Sorento outperforms the 2.4 Theta-engined car, reaching 100 kph (62 mph) from standstill in 9.4 seconds (manual) and 9.7 seconds with the automatic transmission.