The last two years have served to make us aware of an idea that, in some ways, is uncomfortable for America. Tesla’s enemy is not so much BYD as Toyota, which has developed a very powerful hydrogen industry. The key is in the fuel of the future, and they found it, but not everything was going to be successful: the Japanese brand has just made a historic mistake with a engine about which the experts are already warning: they have thus turned their back on EVs and FCEVs, with something that, in this case, is not better.
New engine presented by Toyota: It’s neither hydrogen nor electric (nor gas)
In recent years, Toyota has made great strides in improving its gasoline engines; the company launched a new generation of four-cylinder engines that are claimed to offer better characteristics and a better driving experience. The new range of gasoline engines was launched in May 2024 and includes 1.5 liter and 2.0 liter displacements.
These engines stand out for their reduction in size and weight compared to previous models, as well as an improved ability to deliver power and/or economy. They are part of the new generation of engines belonging to Toyota’s dynamic force engines and are characterized by high thermal efficiency and low fuel consumption.
https://srqbacklot.com/auto-moto/la-nouvelle-tesla-model-y-sera-dotee-dune-batterie-de-95-kwh-avec-une-autonomy-de-800-km/594807/
Their design integrates several innovative technologies:
- High speed combustion technology: They allow better air-fuel mixing, better combustion and, therefore, high values of the thermal coefficient of around 40% for ordinary vehicles and up to 41% in hybrid applications.
- Variable control systems: All of these systems aim to improve performance by refining engine response depending on driving conditions.
- Multi-hole direct injection: It tends to control the flow of the fuel and air mixture, which promotes high-speed combustion and increases power (this is the same trend that Toyota is developing).
- Continuously variable flow oil pump: It controls the oil flow according to operating conditions in order to reduce engine friction losses and thus improve efficiency.
It’s not just one engine, but two: Toyota has unveiled the ultimate mobility prototype
However, the new engines are still under development and Toyota has revealed that the first cars equipped with these engines will be launched on the market by the last quarter of 2026. The peculiarities of this schedule imply that Toyota will bring these engines to a series of car models, which might as well be sports cars designed for car lovers.
The new engines display impressive performance:
- 1.5 liter engine:
- Power: Producing some 130 horsepower (kW – kilowatts) of power in the naturally aspirated engine;
- Improved fuel economy: This policy is expected to improve fuel efficiency by 12% compared to current models.
- 2.0 liter engine:
- Power: It should deliver almost 150 kW, or around 205 horsepower, as well as improved torque throughout the rev range.
- Improved Fuel Consumption: Increased the company’s fuel efficiency target to 30% from what is currently achieved with a 2.4 liter engine.
These measures reflect Toyota’s ongoing efforts to transform the driving experience while keeping an eye on environmental balance.
https://srqbacklot.com/technologies/this-engine-predicted-a-century-ago-will-run-on-steam-a-prediction-that-will-put-an-end-to-ve-and-fcev/594849/
Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 Has Other Plans: These Engines Could Have Been a Failure
Developing these new engines is at the heart of Toyota’s consistent business strategy of finding ways to increase performance while respecting the earth. The company has been committed to innovations aimed at achieving what it has called the “Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050,” in which it seeks to decarbonize its engines.
Japan’s bet on the fuel of the future may have been in vain, as Toyota’s new gasoline engine is not what was expected from the Asian country. What does this mean for America? On the one hand, it makes us one of the few countries moving forward with an almost 100% ZEV (manufactured, not on the road) industry. On the other hand, we run the risk that the brand will land its new models here, which would delay our strategy for the already complicated 2030-2035 period.