In the rapidly evolving automotive industry, where electric vehicles (EVs) often dominate headlines, Toyota stands out with its focus on innovation in internal combustion engines (ICEs). Rather than waiting for a distant future, Toyota has taken proactive steps by unveiling new ICEs that promise to be game-changers. These upcoming 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are poised to deliver significantly improved efficiency compared to current offerings.
Toyota’s Chief Technology Officer, Hiroki Nakajima, has hailed these engines as “completely different” from existing options. According to a report by Automotive News, Nakajima attributes advancements in engine heat efficiency to the development work on the hydrogen-powered Mirai. Despite hydrogen vehicles not yet gaining widespread popularity, Toyota maintains that engineering the Mirai has provided valuable insights into enhancing engine thermal efficiency.
While specific efficiency figures were not disclosed, Toyota has previously achieved a 40 percent efficiency with its engines, while competitors like Nissan boast even higher numbers with their electric-focused approaches.
What Sets Them Apart?
One of the key features of these new engines is their shorter piston stroke, enabling a more compact design. This not only results in lower front ends but also optimizes airflow, thereby enhancing overall efficiency. Although the smaller size may lead to a slight decrease in torque, Toyota is addressing this potential concern by incorporating an electric motor. The instantaneous torque response of this electric motor will compensate for any power loss, making these engines particularly suitable for hybrid applications.
Looking Ahead
According to the Toyota CTO, these engines won’t be seen in production cars until around 2027. They are being developed with versatility in mind, capable of running on gasoline, biofuels, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. Toyota believes that this flexibility will provide it with more options for these innovative powertrains.
While Toyota pursues this path of engine innovation, other manufacturers like Mazda are also following suit. However, this approach stands in contrast to Nissan’s recent decision to halt development on new ICEs, focusing solely on electric vehicles with potential range-extending gas engines as a temporary solution. Only time will tell which strategy proves more successful in navigating the evolving automotive landscape.
