Looking for ways to cut gasoline PMs

Present-day gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines in passenger cars can emit more hazardous fine particulate matter (PM) than a port fuel-injected engine (PFI), or even the latest heavy-duty diesels equipped with a particulate filter.

Kia unveils hybrid at Geneva

Kia’s Prova concept car launched at the Geneva Motor Show this week opens up new possibilities for the future. It contains the company’s first seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) gearbox.

The 3.88m-long vehicle also uses an ingenious Smart 4WD power train. The four cylinder turbocharged 1.6-litre GDI (gasoline direct injection) engine develops 204PS or the equivalent of 127.5PS/litre.

Engine also benefits from a regenerative-powered electric motor driving the rear wheels either automatically when required (during cornering or rapid acceleration) to give a power boost of 45PS, or in a button-activated ‘creep’ mode at low speeds to avoid generating emissions in city traffic or when ‘stealth’ is required.