Published

Toyota Claims 13% Fuel Economy Gain with Atkinson/Otto Engine

Toyota Motor Corp. has introduced a 2.0-liter gasoline for its Corolla sedan in Europe that runs on an Atkinson cycle at low speed and automatically switches to conventional Otto cycle operation at higher speeds.
#economics

Share

Toyota Motor Corp. has introduced a 2.0-liter gasoline for its Corolla sedan in Europe that runs on an Atkinson cycle at low speed and automatically switches to conventional Otto cycle operation at higher speeds.

The system, coupled with a 6-speed automatic that replaces the previous 4-speed gearbox, is 13% more fuel efficient than the outgoing powertrain, according to the company.

The new engine features a variable valve timing "intelligent wide" system that uses a camshaft lock mechanism to retard the powerplant's otherwise continuously variable valve timing. The effect is to reduce the compression ratio but retain the expansion ratio, something a traditional Atkinson cycle engine does with an articulated piston connecting rod.

To improve fuel efficiency, the Toyota engine uses roller rocker arms, a low-friction timing chain and a fuel system that employs direct fuel injection alone or in combination with port injection, depending on engine speed.

Revised combustion chamber architecture improves cylinder block and head cooling, enhances anti-knock performance and enables a 12.8:1 compression ratio, Toyota says.

RELATED CONTENT

  • On Quantum Navigation, EVs, Auto Industry Sales and more

    Sandia’s quantum navi, three things about EVs, transporting iron ore in an EV during the winter, going underwater in an EV (OK, it is a sub), state of the UK auto industry (sad), why the Big Three likes Big Vehicles, and the future of logistics.

  • Global Car Market to Shrink for 2-3 Years

    Global sales of light vehicles will decline year on year through at least 2021, predicts LMC Automotive at its annual outlook conference outside Detroit, Mich.

  • On Global EV Sales, Lean and the Supply Chain & Dealing With Snow

    The distribution of EVs and potential implications, why lean still matters even with supply chain issues, where there are the most industrial robots, a potential coming shortage that isn’t a microprocessor, mapping tech and obscured signs, and a look at the future

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions