Automotive powertrain systems firm Horse Powertrain has launched a gravity-casting cylinder head facility in Curitiba, Brazil, backed by a 200m reais ($40.1m) investment.
The unit provides an annual manufacturing capacity of 210,000 aluminium cylinder heads.
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These components supply the turbocharged gasoline/petrol-ethanol flex-fuel Horse H10 1.0-litre and Horse H13 1.3-litre engines built at the Curitiba site for passenger vehicles sold in Brazil and other South American markets.
According to the company, the delta shape of the cylinder heads lowers both overall engine mass and the centre of gravity, whilst optimising thermal management.
The facility represents Horse Powertrain’s first deployment globally of gravity casting for cylinder head production.
Moving away from the high- or low-pressure injection systems currently in place at the factory, the technique allows molten aluminium to fill the mould under natural gravitational pull.
Horse Powertrain – a joint venture between Geely, Renault Group and Aramco – stated that this methodology delivers a more uniform material distribution with fewer air pockets, enhancing component durability and strength.
The location has also implemented an integrated furnace-to-mould melting and transit procedure designed to curb heat and metal losses during casting, as well as prolong mould operating life.
The company stated that the new method decreases embedded CO2 emissions per cylinder head by 35% compared with its established injection processes.
Funding for the casting unit was originally disclosed in September 2024, alongside an independent 100m reais commitment to expand assembly capacity for the Horse H13 engine at Curitiba.
Horse Powertrain CEO Matias Giannini said: “Our new gravity casting facility marks an important milestone in the history of our operations in Brazil. Horse Powertrain’s Brazilian plant is recognised across South America for the quality of its products, and its leadership in delivering state-of-the-art powertrains that use gasoline-ethanol flex fuels.”
Last month, Horse Powertrain established an office in Detroit, US, marking its expansion into North America to serve as an operational hub for customers across the US.
