In the 11th hour, Toyota decided to get its act together in terms of electric vehicle development. But before the first-ever production model from the newly-formed EV Business Planning Department hits dealership lots, the Japanese manufacturer found the time to improve the powertrains of its TNGA vehicle platform.
As governments clamp down automakers with ever-stringent laws regarding emissions and fuel economy, Toyota turned this downer into an opportunity. In this regard, the manufacturer developed all-new or improved engines, transmissions, and hybrid systems with a single purpose in mind: to reduce CO2 emissions by 15 percent by 2021 in markets that include the U.S.
First up, there’s a new 2.5-liter direct injection engine in the offing. The Dynamic Force Engine is, at heart, an improvement of the so-called 2AR-FXE found in the 2016 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Adapted for the TNGA architecture, the Atkinson-cycle powerplant boasts a thermal efficiency of 41 percent in hybrid vehicle applications. It’s a given, then, that the upcoming 2018 Toyota Camry is gunning for more than 40 mpg combined in Hybrid attire.
Next up, Toyota is proud to announce two automatic transmissions: the Direct Shift-8AT and Direct Shift-10AT. The one with the fewer gears is already available in the V6-powered 2017 Toyota Highlander, whereas the 10-speeder is currently employed by the 2017 Lexus LC 500h. In both cases, Toyota’s engineers took the measures to heighten efficiency and refinement. It should be noted that the 10-ratio transmission is meant for rear-wheel-drive applications, which include the fifth-generation Lexus LS sedan.
Inspired by the technologies imbued in the fourth-generation Prius, Toyota enhanced the hybrid system for 2.5-liter engines. Dubbed Multistage THS II and developed for RWD vehicles, the powertrain will find its way in future plug-in hybrid models. Joined by a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, Toyota is adamant EV mode is good for a range of “60 kilometers (37 miles) or more.”
More detailed information on these newities is available in the release found under the adjacent press briefing video. On that note, the Japanese manufacturer promises to introduce 17 versions of nine engines, 10 versions of four transmissions, and 10 versions of six hybrid systems by 2021.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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