With increasingly strict CO2 emission standards (certain cities have already agreed to ban diesel vehicles) and the focus on fuel economy, Toyota and Lexus will be introducing new revised hybrid powertrains across its range from 2017. In addition to the hybrid system, there will also be a new 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, and two new transmissions.
Toyota announced yesterday that it plans to expand its hybrid technology workforce by about 30 per cent over the next five years and the company expects to have hybrid powertrains propelling 60 percent of its models sold globally by 2021, reducing total CO2 emissions by at least 15 per cent.
Toyota could be described as the leader in hybrid technology and will take what the company has learnt in the development of the current Prius by updating the hybrid systems to be more fuel efficient, refined and responsive.
Each model based on the new TNGA modular platform will feature updated hybrid tech. There will be six new hybrid powertrains, plus new traditional automatic and CVT transmissions that will roll out across the Toyota and Lexus model ranges by 2021.
The Japenese automaker has developed the new Toyota Hybrid System II, or THS-II, for rear-wheel drive applications and a new system for plug-in hybrid vehicles, whereby the electric motor directly powers the car rather than being used as a generator.
The first new engine revealed is a completely overhauled version of the 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol, found in the Toyota Rav4 Hybrid and the Lexus NX. Improved thermal efficiency and combustion speed will increase fuel economy by about 20 percent, while a new multi-stage hybrid system improves acceleration. Toyota says efficiency, especially at high speeds has been improved. The power is expected to increase by 10 percent.
A total of 17 powertrain combinations is expected over the next five years as well as a new type of CVT gearbox.