Toyota Develops Next-generation Engine Valve Mechanism

TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announced today that it has developed Valvematic*, a variable valve lift mechanism created through combining VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing-intelligent), which continuously controls intake valve opening/closing timing, with a new mechanism that continuously controls the intake valve lift volume.

While conventional engines control air intake using a throttle valve, Valvematic adjusts the volume of air taken in by continuously controlling the intake valve lift volume and timing of valve opening and closing. This ensures optimal performance based on the engine's operational condition, thus helping vehicles achieve both high fuel efficiency and dynamic performance.

In the case of a new 2.0-liter engine developed by Toyota, Valvematic—which further evolves the gasoline engine—improves fuel efficiency by 5% to 10% (depending on driving conditions), reduces CO2 emissions, boosts output by at least 10% and enhances acceleration responsiveness. TMC plans to introduce Valvematic shortly, starting with a new vehicle model featuring a 2.0-liter engine.

TMC positions global environmental preservation and initiatives toward energy diversification as a priority management issue in terms of its corporate social responsibility. As a part of its efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through high fuel efficiency and to achieve cleaner exhaust emissions, TMC plans to completely revamp its gasoline engine and transmission lineup by 2010.

HeavyChevy - 6/12/2007 3:06:26 PM

+3 Boost

Interesting

EL34 - 6/12/2007 7:10:13 PM

-6 Boost

I voted for Bush without any terrorist attacks on me.

Good job Dubya.

Agent009 - 6/12/2007 3:59:55 PM

+3 Boost

Good additional links. I did not originally see them. Thanks for the update.

Will_ - 6/12/2007 3:27:38 PM

+3 Boost

Sounds really complicated. Contrary to belief, Toyota is extremely capable of making sophisticated technology geared towards better 'performance.'

Rupert - 6/12/2007 3:32:26 PM

+4 Boost

Well...good.

Willis - 6/12/2007 3:57:03 PM

-1 Boost

Didn't BMW invent this system, Sailor? Or Honda?

Sounds to me like Toyota COPIED something and is claiming an invention.

Willis - 6/12/2007 4:04:48 PM

-1 Boost

Sounds good enough for me. I know Lexus ripped Pre-Safe from Mercedes and had the nerve to call it PRO-SAFE and claim they "invented" it.

SupraNeverBack - 6/12/2007 4:11:21 PM

+6 Boost

BMW's double VANOS = Toyota's Dual VVT-i.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/12/2007 4:25:45 PM

-1 Boost

"BMW's double VANOS = Toyota's Dual VVT-i."

Nope. You're wrong.

izfuney - 6/12/2007 5:42:24 PM

+2 Boost

Well... good to see the BMW propellor heads dishing out the FUD ...

1) Toyota - have won quite a few engine awards
2) Honda invented VTEC (infact theirs is the lowest cost solution.. Acura NSX 3.0 liter engine is one of the best examples of their inital VTEC technology) , VVT/VVT-i (Toyota) is a far more complicated valve train assembly that uses a chain drive.
3) BMW "copied" Honda as far sa vanos double vanos goes.
4) Valvetronic is similar to variable iVtec as in it can use it over a broader spectrum.
5) Toyota takes it to the next level by disconnecting it to RPM based lift and using actuators (expensive).

K ..On to the second level of FUD.
1) Honda has always been into designing 4 cyclinder engines with dramatic iVtec shifts aka S2k engine.
2) BMW has focussed on performance in inline 6's. Their Magnesium / Iron casting technique is what is so amazing .
3) Toyota has predominently focussed on economical engines using VVT-i . The 2ZZ 1.8 L engine was developed with the help of Yamaha.

I think people confuse what teh core USP of Toyota is .. No its not performance, but teh best built cars for ordinary folks.
Honda by far is known for performane (especially the NA, economical type)
BMW has done an amazing job in convincing a wannabe bunch that their 4 door saloons are sports cars and actually have something called passsion... (Big Hand here for the advertising house)

jasaero - 6/12/2007 3:52:38 PM

0 Boost

Finally. BMW did this first, then Nissan, and now Toyota. Wonder how many others have such systems in the works? These are pretty complicated to make, not because they are touch to design, but tough to design without messing with a patent another player has on such a system. GM should be the first to offer something like this on an OHV engine. They could use a cam like the new viper and work something to get rid of the throttle and have some OHV that kick some DOHC ****.

AMGC55 - 6/12/2007 3:55:03 PM

+2 Boost

very erotic

AMGC55 - 6/12/2007 3:55:04 PM

0 Boost

very erotic

Agent009 - 6/12/2007 4:00:50 PM

+2 Boost

Valeo is developing those I believe.

SupraNeverBack - 6/12/2007 4:05:52 PM

+3 Boost

Sorry, competitions. Toyota will put this new advanced engine in the coming Corolla/Matrix.

SupraNeverBack - 6/12/2007 4:13:28 PM

+5 Boost

Honda's iVtech is being killed by Toyota's Dual VVT-i.

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 6/12/2007 4:28:31 PM

0 Boost

How is this next-generation?

rg12345 - 6/12/2007 5:00:53 PM

0 Boost

It is NOT.

bobus - 6/12/2007 5:01:09 PM

-2 Boost

Toyota is still living in last generation, what's next generation for Toyota is actually current generation for everyone else. What? No?

chewy - 6/12/2007 5:49:02 PM

0 Boost

Sounds exactly what BMW already has, and Nissan.

fuzion - 6/12/2007 11:19:49 PM

+3 Boost

I just have a quick question, bimmermike, is Toyota being sued? You mention they steal, etc. - but if they were stealing technology and branding it as their own don't you think BMW or someone else would sue over it? There was a lawsuit over the use of the "M" moniker; surely there would be one over the theft of cutting edge engine components and components that greatly improve performance and overall gas mileage.


Waiting for a witty response. :)

fuzion - 6/13/2007 1:38:42 AM

+4 Boost

"Following a long, drawn out process, two former Scuderia Ferrari engineers, who stood accused of stealing secrets from Maranello and giving them to rivals at Toyota F1, have been convicted."

That translates to "Toyota corporate hired them to steal information from Ferrari" ...? The employees did it; not Toyota.

fuzion - 6/12/2007 11:28:48 PM

+5 Boost

Also just to throw this in the mix.. If you read the article it's not stating is ground breaking new technology never before seen; it's only an announcement that Toyota has developed it's own version for their engines and will begin deploying it. Maybe they already know BMW has a similar system.

So by stating "toyota develops next-generation engine valve mechanism" they may simply be saying, "WE have developed our own version and plan in implementing it to further enhance the output and efficiency of our motors". I don't see this as a "look what we invented" thing.

kpaxx - 6/13/2007 8:57:20 AM

+1 Boost

To date Rover has developed the best system. They had this system since 1995.

Rover introduced its own system calls VVC (Variable Valve Control) in MGF in 1995. Many experts regard it as the best VVT considering its all-round ability - unlike cam-changing VVT, it provides continuously variable timing, thus improve low to medium rev torque delivery; and unlike cam-phasing VVT, it can lengthen the duration of valves opening (and continuously), thus boost power.

Basically, VVC employs an eccentric rotating disc to drive the inlet valves of every two cylinder. Since eccentric shape creates non-linear rotation, valves opening period can be varied. Still don't understand ? well, any clever mechanism must be difficult to understand. Otherwise, Rover won't be the only car maker using it.

kpaxx - 6/13/2007 9:06:28 AM

0 Boost

Now this is innovation...

http://paultan.org/archives/2005/07/14/camless-solenoid-valve-engines/

Why am I talking about camless engines of all the sudden? Because we are going to see it in road cars soon. The 2007 W204 Mercedes Benz C-Class will be the first car from German marque to use a camless engine.

Mercedes calls it the technology KDI EVT. The KDI EVT is supercharged, with direct injection and uses an electronically controlled cam-less valvetrain. KDI EVT is likely to stand for “Kompressor Direct Injection Electronic Valve Train”. Just a wild guess.

autosparesindia - 3/3/2009 6:55:04 AM

+1 Boost

Omkar Motors manufacturer & exporter of Engine Valve from India.

http://www.autosparesindia.com/engine-valve-automobiles.html