Kia Successfully Tests Aluminum Engine Blocks

09/25/96

Comline has reported that Kia's test-production of the first Korean aluminum cylinder block was successful. A Kia spokesperson said that it joined forces with Britain's Rover to successfully produce aluminum cylinder blocks for six valve KR engines on September 18.

The aluminum cylinder block weighs less than half of existing cast iron ones, reducing the total weight of Kia's KR engine to 155 Kg--about 50 Kg lighter than conventional six valve engines. Use of the aluminum engine will reduce the total weight of a passenger car by 4 percent.

Kia also says that the aluminum cylinder block produces less noise and vibration than cast iron cylinder blocks. Kia will use the newly developed cylinder blocks, for 2.0 liter and 2.5 liter engines in its its mid-sized Credos car and new full-sized T-3 car. The T-3 will hit the market this November.

Kia and Rover used lower pressure sandcasting technology to develop the aluminum blocks. The technique guarantees high cast product yield with improved precision.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel