The IONIQ packs a dedicated 1.6-liter Atkinson-cycle engine which Hyundai claims has a thermal efficiency of 40 percent thanks to its long stroke, the improved cooling with a split cylinder head and block, plus the direct injection working at 2,900 psi (200 bar) through a six-hole injector.
The new gas engine delivers 105 horsepower and 108 foot pounds of torque, while the permanent magnetic electric motor is a 43.5 horsepower unit sending 125 pound-feet of torque to the wheels from zero rpm.
All that goes through a six-speed dual clutch transmission, also designed to be as efficient in a hybrid drivetrain as a gearbox can be.
Here’s the numbers buyers will care about most: fuel economy. While official figures aren’t out yet, a leaked brochure at Hyundai Blog reports the skinny-tire model will get up to 53 MPG in the U.S. Official EPA-certified figures should be coming later.
