Toyota is to overhaul its entire gasoline engine and transmission lines, develop new hybrid technologies and look to diversify energy sources for the future by 2010.
The company says it will “completely revamp” its line-up, with a new 1.8-litre gasoline engine and continuously variable transmission developed for use as the main powertrain for compact and midsize passenger vehicles. These will be introduced to new-model cars from late this year.
The powertrain is intended to reduce CO2 emissions through improved fuel efficiency and resultant cleaner exhaust emissions.
The improvement in fuel efficiency will be achieved through the use of dual variable valve technology (VVT-i) and ultra-light pistons. Measures reduce friction loss among parts will include using roller bearings in the rocker arm valve train.
The group says it aims to achieve at least 5 per cent greater fuel efficiency in conventional engines and exhaust emissions equivalent to 75 per cent lower than the maximum allowed by 2005 emissions standards.
Toyota said it was also aiming to double the number of hybrid models it has available by the early 2010s, and continue to research and develop plug-in hybrid vehicles that can be charged from an external power source. It is presently working on a next-generation vehicle capable of extending the range of the electric motor, with resultant emission benefits.
The company has also developed technology necessary to enable all Toyota gasoline engines to run with 10 per cent bioethanol content. There are plans to introduce “flex-fuel” vehicles to the bioethanol-embracing Brazilian market that can run on 100 per cent ethanol in 2007 and consideration is being given to introducing flex-fuel vehicles into the US.
Further development is planned for fuel cell passenger vehicles, and progress so far has reduced the time required for sub-zero fuel-cell system start-ups, which can now be done at -30ºC.
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