Big changes in the traditional Toyota engine lineup may be one the way soon in the form of turbocharging and possibly even diesel engines in the American market.
With Ford and Hyundai pushing ahead with turbocharging and direction-injection, while Mazda rolls out its new Skyactiv light weight engine plan and even Honda announcing its new Earth Dreams Technology innovations with CVT transmissions and direct-injection, Toyota’s engine technology has fallen behind.
Don’t chalk it up to do-nothingness in the company’s engineering department, though. The unintended acceleration scandal worked as a major drain, keeping many of the minds busy that would have otherwise been dedicated to keeping up with the Joneses, so to speak. Now, with the scandal all but gone, the brand is turning its attention to reaching the head of the pack like a kid in gym class running wind sprints.
Unfortunately, that still doesn’t mean a turbocharged Scion FR-S will be around the corner anytime soon, but it does signal that the Japanese and European markets might get them.
Equally as disappointing, there doesn’t seem to be any set plans for turbocharged engines in the brand’s mid-cycle refresh plans through 2016, but that might not matter. It certainly hasn’t so far, with both the Corolla and Camry remaining among America’s favorites in terms of sales, though that might not last as the competition progresses.
Most people probably hear the word “turbo” and think of a performance car, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Recycling a car’s exhaust to force more air into the engine can improve fuel efficiency by allowing a smaller-displacement engine to create the same power as a larger one, thereby using less fuel.
Given that Toyota’s immediate goal isn’t specifically to shrink engine size while keeping power intact, something more in line with BMW’s plans, you would naturally turn attention to the other key points where cars save gas: weight and transmission gearing. That’s exactly where Toyota, much like other companies, will be banking to save fuel.
With the 2013 model year, the Corolla will get some mild changes to the exterior, extensive style updates inside, and a new transmission along with weight-saving measures to improve efficiency.
As for the possibility of a diesel engine, it won’t come in the form of a small TDI to compete with Mazda’s SkyActiv D, set to arrive in fall of next year as a tipster revealed to AutoGuide. Instead, the Toyota is said to still be talking with partner Hino about an oil burner to pair with the Tundra pickup truck.
Given how quickly Toyota’s truck is being left behind by Ford’s EcoBoost F-150 and consequent responses from RAM and GMC, a diesel would make sense. Still, such an engine is far on the horizon with a direct-injection version of the 4.0-liter V6 likely as the company’s key to reduce CAFE numbers while offering a truck with more than 300 hp.
If they dont get one soon im selling and going cummings. What is up with the R&D for toyota sleeping on the job I say. Tundra has been out for a number of years time to get with the times and offer A: a larger motor or B: DIESEL!!!
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The Following 6 Users Say Thank You to krewitup13 For This Useful Post:
There's been rumors for years over this diesel engine idea, it hasn't happened yet, I doubt it will anytime soon due to all the emissions crap that has to be on them now it doesn't make the diesel idea economical at all, and you will not get descent fuel economy out of the diesel engine with the emissions control junk that has to be put on now.
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2008 Toyota Tundra DC 5.7L 4x4, Salsa Red
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to wildbill23c For This Useful Post:
The only bad thing about getting a diesel in a couple years is all the emission regulations that would be in place by then. As of now, the new diesels have so much crap on them and removing any of it voids warranties. I'd like to see someone swap a 24 valve cummins into a tundra and see what is all involved, plus what type of mpg that conversion would get.
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to E_burns88 For This Useful Post:
I’m currently overseas deployed, and I am “re introduced” to all the familiar vehicles but with diesels installed in them...and manuals at that. I understand that the trucks are much smaller over in this market, but as for the power plants, it’s just a shame how someone regulates the option to have a diesel installed in the US market. Chances are they already have one in a different market, so the R&D has already been worked out and production obviously as well.
I remember when Toyota was talking to Cummins about the Dually concept project. I am a second time Tundra owner, and I love my truck. The fact that I bought a BIG truck should say something to what I might use it for.. A diesel engine would just add to the primary uses of our trucks in my opinion...Let’s face it, if you wanted MPG's you’re not likely to buy a gas engine truck. There’s just not enough adjustability in aftermarket performance world to make it worth worrying about, where as the diesel market has a much greater range of performance options mostly around better MPG's.. Even from a factory standpoint, a gas engine has less longevity then its diesel counterpart. Yes the upfront cost is likely to be more, but in the long run, it would pay dividends. Us Toyota owners are usually long termers when it comes to our trucks.. With all that said, a small diesel isn’t the answer, it needs to be big, and powerful and stout! Just like the Tundra is. Ford is crushing the numbers with their 6cyl, but let’s face it, it looks like any other F-150 out there. They allow the option for different power plants.. I think Toyota should step up its game as well. It’s time for a change.
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2012 CM Limited, TRD, 4X4
-LRO 3" Level/lift kit
-Volant intake
-Undercover Flex tonneau cover
-Moto Metal 951 18"X9"
-33" Nitto Terra Grapplers
-Bull Bar
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-more to come.....
2003 BMW 330I
1985 Jeep CJ-7
The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to polcat For This Useful Post:
You can thank people like Al Gore and Michael Moore for the rest of the world getting to enjoy automotive technology at its best. My step dad has a cummins and it is rock solid. Transmission sucks but the engine gets like 25mpg.....with no mods.
__________________ Silver Sky Tundra Club Member #17 Texas Tundra Group Member #25
TRD 2012 Crewmax SR5 4X4-
TRD Cold Air Intake,
TRD Rear Sway Bar,
TRD Rock Warrior Shift Knob
Bilstein 5100s, Diff Drop, Moonroof, Advent Nav-unit, JL C5-650x, JL C2-3.50, JL Stealthbox 13.5", Alpine PDX-5, LCQ-1, Osram Nightbreakers HI/LO, HID 5000k Fogs, exterior lighting 5000k LED.
2012 Camry Hybrid XLE
2005 TRD Mr2 Spyder
The Following 3 Users Say Thank You to jaymz11 For This Useful Post:
They need to beef up the frame and suspension before they throw a diesel in. Probably break the truck if some people used our trucks as is with a diesel motor.
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2011 5.7 4X4 tow/cold
A few mods.. nothing crazy...
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