On May 28, 2024, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), Subaru Corporation, and Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda) jointly declared that they would develop new engines compatible with electrification in order to achieve carbon neutrality through multiple pathways.
The new engine aims to be optimally combined with electric units such as motors and batteries. In addition to innovating vehicle packaging through engine downsizing, the company will also achieve carbon neutrality with internal combustion engines by supporting a variety of carbon-neutral fuels (CN fuels). To date, the three companies have helped realize the diverse lifestyles of customers through the development of unique engines that symbolize each brand.
Subaru, Toyota, and Mazda have each declared that they will develop new engines suitable for electrification in order to achieve carbon neutrality.
New Engine Features
- Optimal combination with motor and battery
- Innovating vehicle packaging through engine downsizing
- Support for a variety of carbon-neutral fuels (CN fuels)
- High efficiency and high output
- Compliance with strict emission regulations
Toyota’s highly efficient engine
The new engines unveiled include a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. The smaller engine is said to revolutionize the car’s packaging, while improving fuel efficiency while providing high efficiency and power output.
Furthermore, the new engine is a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine, and compared to the conventional 2.5L engine and 1.5L turbo engine, the engine output is almost the same, and it is said to be able to meet strict emission regulations.
The new 2.0L 4-cylinder engine will have almost the same engine output as the current 2.4L engine, which is also smaller, and will be able to meet strict emissions regulations.
In the electrification era, rather than the engine assisting the motor, the motor will take the lead role and the engine will play a supporting role. This will allow the engine output to be reduced and the engine stroke to be shortened. As a result, the height of the engine itself can be lowered.
Mazda’s two-rotor rotary
It is compact and lightweight, yet achieves high output. It is currently used as a generator. It is compatible with a variety of carbon-neutral fuels (CN fuels).
A new-generation electrified unit, the “ROTARY-EV SYSTEM CONCEPT (ONE ROTOR)” combines a horizontally mounted single rotor for power generation with a new electric drive unit. It is more compact than the MX-30 Rotary-EV.
“ROTARY-EV SYSTEM CONCEPT (TOW ROTOR)” is a combination of two rotors for generating electricity and a new electric drive unit, mounted vertically. This unit achieves a low center of gravity. It is being considered for use in sports cars and other vehicles.
Subaru’s new hybrid system
Subaru’s new hybrid system uses the series hybrid system “THS (TOYOTA Hybrid System).” Subaru says it will continue to retain the horizontally opposed engine as its identity.
Purpose of the new engine
- Optimal performance is achieved by linking the engine with the electric unit, rather than by the engine alone
- Improved design, aerodynamic performance, and fuel economy through a more compact engine hood
- Compatible with a variety of CN fuels, including e-fuel, biofuel, and liquid hydrogen, achieving carbon neutrality
Responding to strict exhaust gas regulations What is the European exhaust gas regulation Euro 7?
Euro 7 is a hot topic as a response to stricter exhaust regulations. Euro 7 is a new automobile exhaust gas regulation proposed by the European Commission. This regulation aims to reduce air pollution and environmental impact in Europe, and sets even stricter standards than the previous Euro 6.
In November 2022, the European Commission proposed that Euro 7 would be applied to passenger cars and light commercial vehicles from July 1, 2025, and to heavy vehicles from July 1, 2027. However, the implementation date was postponed from the 2025 date proposed by the European Commission, and passenger cars and vans will now be introduced from January 2028. Furthermore, it was suggested that NOx restrictions for trucks should be relaxed further than proposed.
Comments from the CEOs of the three companies
The CEOs of each company expressed their determination to develop a new engine that will achieve carbon neutrality, and stated that they will continue to work together to hone their technologies and boost Japan’s automotive industry. The three companies will continue to balance “competition” and “co-creation” as they aim to achieve carbon neutrality and build the future of Japan’s automotive industry.
Toyota President and CEO Koji Sato
In order to provide customers with a variety of options that contribute to carbon neutrality, we will take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in line with the energy environment of the future. The three companies share the same aspirations and will continue to hone their technologies through friendly competition.
Atsushi Osaki, President and CEO of SUBARU
Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that Japanese industry and society as a whole must address. As we continue to hone our vehicle electrification technology, we will also further refine the boxer engine itself in order to utilize carbon-neutral fuels. Our three like-minded companies will continue to invigorate Japanese car manufacturing.
Mazda Representative Director, President and CEO, Masahiro Moro
We will continue to refine internal combustion engines for the electrified era, expand the feasibility of carbon neutrality through multiple pathways, and provide cars that excite our customers. We will take on the challenge of co-creation and competition to develop the rotary engine, which is well-suited to electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, into a technology that can make a wide-ranging contribution to society.
A word from the editorial department
It was announced that each manufacturer will continue to develop its own “signature” powertrain, such as Subaru’s boxer engine, Toyota’s inline 4-cylinder engine, and Mazda’s rotary engine. This will allow each manufacturer to use unique engines in the right places, and it is expected that new models will be created through collaboration between the three companies.
In particular, we are very excited about the Crosstrek, which will be released in the fall of 2024, as it will be the first model to use one of the engines announced this time.
Toyota News Release
https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/corporate/40850076.html
Mazda news release
https://newsroom.mazda.com/ja/publicity/release/2024/202405/240528a.pdf
Subaru news release
