Toyota announces new engine, transmissions and hybrid systems

Toyota has announced a new engine and a range of advanced transmissions that will be deployed in the company’s broadening model line-up starting in 2017.

The new 2.5-litre direct-injection engine is said to boast one of the world’s best thermal efficiencies ―40 percent when used in petrol-powered vehicles and 41 percent when used in hybrid vehicles.

According to the automotive giant, the new four-cylinder engine features numerous new innovations, such as technologies for minute control that make it “highly responsive and allow it to generate ample torque at all speeds”.

The new 2.5L engine will replace the 2AR series engine that powers everything from the Toyota Camry to the Lexus IS 300h hybrid.

Also making their debut next year are two new automatic transmissions―the 8-speed Direct Shift-8AT and the 10-speed Direct shift-10AT. For both, it’s claimed that various measures were taken to minimize energy loss and heighten transmission efficiency. Gear tooth surfaces were processed using a new technique for a lower coefficient of friction when the gears engage, and the configuration of the friction material used inside the clutch was optimized to reduce clutch torque loss by about 50 percent during rotation (compared to a conventional 6-speed transmission).

The new automatic transmissions are said to be more compact and lighter than comparative conventional transmissions, improving fuel economy and driving performance.

In addition, widened gears and a newly developed high-performance compact torque convertor combine for a broader gear lockup range. The result is quicker and smoother response to throttle input, creating a “as desired” direct driving feel.

The new 10-speed automatic is said to be optimised for premium application, which means it will be used exclusively in future Lexus models. It’s said to boast smooth and rapid gear changes, enhanced by close-ratio gears in the low-to-mid speed range for a “lag-free” driving feel.

Applying size-reducing, weight-reducing and loss-reducing technologies used in the fourth-generation Prius, Toyota has enhanced its hybrid system for 2.5-liter engines and developed the new, performance-focused Multistage Toyota Hybrid System (THS II) for rear-wheel-drive models.

Like the 10-speed auto, the rear-wheel drive Hybrid system will debut in Lexus models and is said to offer a more direct driving feel with quicker acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.  Intermittent use of the engine at high speeds has also been made possible, further improving high-speed fuel economy.

The system for plugin hybrid vehicles (PHVs) has also been enhanced. A new dual-motor drive system allows the electric motor, which was hitherto used only as a generator, to provide direct driving power. This is accompanied by a large-capacity lithium-ion battery that is capable extending driving range by up to 60km.

Within the five years to the end of 2021, Toyota plans to introduce 17 versions of nine engines, including the 2.5-liter engine announced today, 10 versions of four transmissions, including multi-geared automatic transmissions and a new kind of continuously variable transmission, and 10 versions of six hybrid systems.