As the world races towards developing more efficient vehicles, carmakers like Toyota are doing its share to make its own offerings as clean and green while still retaining that fun to drive sensation. While Toyotas haven’t exactly been known for the latter trait, it hopes to change this by fielding more vehicles with a New Global Architecture that puts an emphasis on these very characteristics.
First seen on the fourth-generation Prius that was unveiled in 2015, the Toyota NGA (TNGA) employs new methods like lowering the hood height and center of gravity, a lighter engine and transmission, and modular construction of various components such as the engine. The result is a car that instantly responds to driver commands while still being energy efficient.
At the heart of the TNGA platform is the new 2.5-liter Dynamic Force Engine—another form of Toyota-speak for an all-new type of mill. This lump, displacing 2.5-liters, uses tech like variable control system, high-speed combustion, as well as exhibiting greater thermal efficiency. While no output figures were given, Toyota did emphasize that the new motor will be extremely responsive yet still very fuel efficient.
Complementing the engines are the latest eight-speed and ten-speed Direct Shift automatic transmissions. The 8AT and 10AT gearboxes are more compact and lightweight, thus lowering the center of gravity. They both employ low-friction design and materials to reduce energy loss—which is a major downside of most automatics of the past. And in the case of the 10AT, the close gear ratios mean that despite having more gears, it still acts as quickly, if not even faster, especially in the low- to mid-range ranges.
To further demonstrate its engineering prowess, Toyota has unveiled the Toyota Hybrid System II (THS II) for 2.5-liter engines and rear-wheel drive configurations. It takes its cue from the lower weight, reduced friction, and reduced size hallmarks of the TNGA platform of cars like the new Prius and takes it to the next level. This is done with tech like start from stop acceleration, and a more direct feel, especially at high speeds. It also employs intermittent use of the engine at the top end—again in the hopes of reducing fuel consumption.
The Plug-in Hybrid (PHV) has also been updated with a new dual-motor system that now utilizes the electric motor as a power source, as opposed to just being a generator. This means more powerful performance, while at the same time, having a longer driving range on pure electric power, thanks to the larger capacity lithium-ion battery.
After the Prius, the next step is to field 17 new versions of the engine presented earlier. This will come in tandem with 10 new gearboxes, including a new Continuously Variable Transmission. All this will take place up until 2021.
