With the world still focused on the electric vehicles’ agenda, Toyota’s secret engine is looking back at internal combustion but in a whole new way. This Japanese automaker is still rather tight lipped about their turbocharged 2,0-liter hybrid engine created specifically for its Gazoo Racing (GR) sports lineup. However, the cat is out of the bag, and what is on offer is an estimated 400 horsepower promising that this new engine will be powerful. Although regulations surrounding internal combustion engines seem to be tightening in many markets, Toyota seeks to keep combustion alive by electrifying combustion and this hybrid secret engine is meant to allow drivers to relive the core essence of driving.
The secret engine with huge impact
Toyota’s secret 2,0-liter engine, while still not fully talked about, is already making waves. This engine is believed to replace the 1,6-liter three-cylinder system and sees four turbocharged cylinders being paired with a hybrid system. Toyota is choosing to take the flexible approach with the engines being created for plug-in and mild hybrid applications.
The 400 horsepower from the 2,0-liter block is amazing, but power is not what makes this engine shine. The engineering and craftsmanship behind the secret engine are most noteworthy. Toyota has achieved a short-stroke piston design creating a far lighter and compact engine whilst still managing to add the electric components that are necessary for hybridization.
According to Toyota’s GR engineer, Hiroyuki Yamada, the hybrid element is right up the green alley but also an aspect ensuring peak performance. Toyota drivers can be excited as a whole new driving experience is on offer too.
The internal combustion powertrain making a comeback
The new engine is said to be the main aspect providing power to all of Toyota’s latest sports cars. As per reports, Toyota has given the go ahead for several new GR-branded models powered by this exciting hybrid setup. On the line-up is:
- A third-generation GR86
- A revived Celica
- The mid-engine MR2 (which seems to be returning)
- A sixth-generation Supra’A possible flagship GR GT3-based sports car
The revival of the MR2 mid-engine is no longer just a dream. Toyota is showing preference for gas-powered hybrids and that is made quite clear as the company is still threading more carefully when it comes to EVs.
Drivers who are in it for engine sounds and manual gearboxes will be delighter, but drivers who are in it for high performance vehicles can rest assured that Toyota is not deviating away from that route too. Toyota will still be able to sell performing vehicles in markets more restricted due to emission rules like that of Europe and U.K. However, Toyota’s GR models will face allocation limitations because of such regulatory rules.
It is still clear that the world surely is not ready for Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru,and Toyota’s secret project reveals just this.
Looking at Toyota’s hybrid sports cars
Whenever a secret project of Toyota gets unveiled, it’s nothing short of amazing and serves as proof that Toyota has no limitations on what is possible. This secret project extends beyond road cars. Toyota is keeping motorsports in mind with this hybrid offering and is looking to utilize the same hybrid offering for motor cars and sports cars.
Toyota is not just focused on reducing emissions with its hybrid systems but hoping to enhance the performance of vehicles too. The good news is that Toyota is looking at hybrid sports cars that do not need a whole new platform. The 2,0-liter engine, by the company, will work well with existing production lines minimizing the costs in terms of creating hybrid performance cars for a larger market.
Toyota is redefining the limits of the sports vehicle market by looking at a combination of combustion and electrification.
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