Like just about everyone else in the automotive industry today, the Japanese giant is working on engine technology towards gaining fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and increase performance all at once. Unlike most others though, Toyota isn’t planning to downsize and turbocharge its units across the board – in the United States at least, according to a report by Automotive News.
Dynamic Force is the name it has given its new and upcoming range of naturally-aspirated engines, which debuted in the 2018 Toyota Camry in 2.5 litre guise producing 205 hp, with a EPA-rated fuel consumption of 41 mpg (5.7 l/100 km). All Toyota engines will eventually receive the same technology, said Toyota Motor North America’s powertrain executive programme manager Ben Schlimme.
Key areas targeted for improvement in efficiency include friction reduction, exhaust flow, cooling and intake, and Toyota’s 2.5 litre petrol engine has managed to attain a high thermal efficiency of 40%. The engine’s intake system is a key part of the Dynamic Force engine strategy, according to Schlimme.
A swirling, tumbling flow of the air and fuel mixture improves combustion for better efficiency, resulting in greater power and reduced emissions. This is achieved by changing the angle of the intake valve, widening the angle between the intake and exhaust valve, courtesy of modified pistons and laser-cladded valve seats.
“Dynamic Force is not solely aimed at the 2.5 litre engine. We are working to bring it to other segments,” Schlimme said, adding that the Dynamic Force technology strategy for V6 and V8 engines are currently in concept form.
Toyota’s luxury sub-brand, Lexus does employ turbocharged petrol engines, however, with models such as the NX 200t, RX 200t, and the IS 200t – as their names imply, these are each powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
GALLERY: 2018 Toyota Camry XSE
