New Toyota 1.5L 4-Cylinder Hybrid Engine Announced – 15% More Mileage

Toyota’s next-generation hybrid system will support a common platform for battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles, with smaller components and greater manufacturing flexibility.

Toyota has revealed their next-generation hybrid powertrain built around an entirely new 1.5-litre, four-cylinder engine family. The system is being developed for future multi-pathway vehicle platforms, with a fuel economy improvement of more than 15% targeted.

New 1.5L Engine To Cover Existing Hybrid Applications

Toyota says it has developed the engine, hybrid system and power electronics together as an integrated powertrain, rather than adapting an existing engine for electrified use. The naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine is designed to cover the hybrid-system performance range currently served by Toyota’s 1.8-litre engine and its existing 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit.

Interestingly, the 1.5 liter 3 cylinder hybrid engine powers Toyota Hyryder SUV along with Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara in India. This existing setup is rated to deliver 115 PS and 141 Nm. The newer 1.5 liter 4 cylinder setup will not only deliver more power and torque, but will also be more fuel efficient. This will make their future cars be competitive against the likes of new Renault Duster hybrid which was recently launched in India.

More Than 15% Better Fuel Economy Targeted

Toyota is targeting a fuel economy improvement exceeding 15% through several measures. These include reduced mechanical friction, improved thermal management and lower electrical losses. Vehicle aerodynamics will also contribute. The smaller, lower-profile powertrain allows a more compact engine compartment and lower bonnet height, giving designers greater freedom to reduce aerodynamic drag.

One Architecture For EVs, Hybrids And Plug-In Hybrids

The new hybrid system is being developed alongside Toyota’s future multi-pathway platform. A common architecture will allow Toyota to spread engineering and production investment across the combined volumes of EV, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models. Manufacturing operations are also intended to adjust their powertrain mix more easily as demand changes. This could help Toyota respond to differing rates of electrification across markets while retaining common vehicle foundations.

The company has also outlined plans to increase external sales of its new engine and hybrid technologies in the coming years. Compatibility with renewable and carbon-neutral fuels is another development objective.

India Applications Yet To Be Announced

The announcement is relevant to markets such as India, where Toyota already offers strong-hybrid vehicles and shares technology with partner manufacturers. However, Toyota has not confirmed an India launch, local production plans or applications in specific Toyota or Maruti Suzuki models.

In an earlier development, Toyota’s partner Suzuki has outlined their plans for new 1.5 liter turbo petrol, new 1.2 liter hybrid and plug-in hybrid engine. Some of these new engines are specifically being developed by Suzuki keeping the Indian market as focus. It remains to be seen how the India portfolio benefits in the coming years.