New Variable Cam Timing Technology Aims to Improve Engine Performance

Rendering of BorgWarner’s new VCT technology for the Hyundai Lambda II gasoline engine. (Image courtesy of BorgWarner.)

Vehicle technology manufacturer BorgWarner has put forth a new combination of variable cam timing (VCT) technologies for Hyundai’s Lambda II V6 gasoline engines. The VCT technology includes cam torque actuated (CTA) phasers with mid-position lock and an integrated center bolt, which contributes to the Lambda II’s 1.7 percent increase in fuel economy, according to BorgWarner.

The company’s CTA phasers are designed to actuate faster and have a wider range of operating conditions than conventional VCT systems by taking advantage of existing torsional energy in the valve train.

The CTA phasers also require less engine oil than conventional VCT systems as a result of using BorgWarner’s variable force solenoid.

The company has also stated that its mid-position lock technology increases the range of camshaft positioning, and ensures failsafe return to the mid-park position. This allows for reliable engine starts under any operating condition.

BorgWarner believes this new technology will respond faster than traditional VCT systems and allow for easier engine design. The integrated center bolt is intended to allow for simplified assembly line production and the system potentially offers new calibration strategies to improve engine performance.

The Hyundai Lambda II 3.8 L gasoline engine. (Image courtesy of Hyundai.)

"No other supplier offers this combination of high-performance VCT technologies,” said BorgWarner’s Joe Fadool. “As more automakers recognize the ease of integration and opportunities in engine calibration, we expect demand to escalate.”

The 3 to 3.8-liter Lambda II engine made its debut in the 2016 Hyundai Genesis EQ900, G90, G80 and Aslan, as well as the Kia K7.

“We are pleased to launch the first combination of our latest VCT technologies on Hyundai's improved Lambda II engine, along with localized manufacturing and engineering support," said Fadool.

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