SEOUL, South Korea — Hyundai has confirmed that its new R-Engine diesel will start production in 2009 and will be used first in new SUVs and large sedans, according to a statement by the company. Those vehicles are expected to be the next-generation Santa Fe and for the Europe market.The new diesel is not expected to be used in Hyundai vehicles in the U.S.The R-Engine comes in two sizes: a 2.0-liter making 181 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque and a 2.2-liter making 197 hp and 321 lb-ft.'There's a growing demand for diesel power plants worldwide, and Hyundai is well positioned to supply the market with the very best diesel technology,' said Hyun-Soon Lee, president of Hyundai's corporate research and development division, in a statement.Inside Line says: Hyundai takes aim at Europe with its Euro-5-compliant clean diesel. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent