Horse HR12 LPG: 1.2-Litre Hybrid Engine With Direct Injection
Horse Technologies, a division of Horse Powertrain and a leader in innovative, low-emission powertrain systems, has started production of its 1.2-litre, three-cylinder HR12 LPG engine at Mioveni, Romania.
The HR12 LPG features 48V mild-hybrid technology with a belt-integrated starter-generator and a DC/DC converter. This set-up provides transient torque assistance, reduces fuel consumption and cuts CO2 emissions by enabling start-stop operation and electric boost during acceleration. It is the world’s first volume-production engine to combine direct injection for Liquefied Petroleum Gas and petrol.
The powertrain delivers a peak output of 140 PS (103 kW) at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 230 Nm from 2,100 rpm. Running on LPG, it emits 9% less CO2 than when using petrol. Developed for EU and global markets, the HR12 LPG meets Euro 6e requirements and is designed for forthcoming Euro 7 compliance.
Engineers created a bespoke direct-injection system specifically for LPG use, added an electronic vapouriser that provides more accurate compression control, and reinforced valve-train components. The LPG tank is situated below the boot floor in the spare-wheel well, ensuring that interior space and practicality remain uncompromised.
Patrice Haettel, CEO of Horse Technologies, said: “The arrival of the HR12 LPG demonstrates our commitment to delivering genuinely innovative powertrain solutions across all fuel types. Direct-injection technology for LPG fuel makes it a true world-first for Horse Technologies and is further evidence of our global technology leadership as alternative fuels experts”.
Developed by engineers at Bucuresti, Titu and Mioveni, the HR12 LPG is the seventh powertrain generation produced at the Horse plant in Mioveni, which has the capacity to build 450,000 engines per annum.
