Toyota Lays Out Powertrain Catchup Plan - Turbos Still Not On The Table

After trailing many of its competitors in the recent engine- and transmission-technology wars, Toyota Motor Corp. will launch a swath of powertrains in the next several years, a top powertrain r&d executive said.

Koei Saga, senior managing officer in charge of drivetrain r&d, said that Toyota is investing heavily in turbocharged engines, larger displacement Atkinson cycle engines, continuously variable and fixed-gear automatic transmissions, and new hybrid and fuel cell technologies.

Here's an update on Toyota's efforts:

Read Article

Agent009 - 10/11/2013 11:24:41 AM

-2 Boost

yep...always wondered why the Corolla still had a 4 speed automatic and the rest of the segment has 6. That's what happens when you milk the profits with low tech.

thetruth01 - 10/11/2013 2:48:23 PM

+7 Boost

only the rental special Corolla L has the 4 speed, and that is for low cost and reliability.
turbos are not showing the real world advantages that they show on the EPA cycle. Toyota has been forced to go to the 2.0T just to comply with Euro displacement laws, not because a turbo is inherently better than a good normally aspirated engine.
powertrain development does not go in 4-5 year cycles like new car models. example, even the 3 series is using the same turbo 3 litre as the last generation. buyers respond to new cars even when the engines are carryovers. this allows mfrs to make an upgrade engine for the mid-cycle change.

Agent009 - 10/14/2013 10:58:03 AM

-2 Boost

Toyota has no plans to Turbo, so there is no plan to refresh with new powerplants.

They are sticking with old school technology rather than push the leading edge as other benchmark companies do. Not the acts of a world class automaker in IMHO.

7msynthetic - 10/11/2013 3:52:55 PM

+5 Boost

As much as turbocharging is the big thing right now I cant wait to see when all those turbo engines reach 100K. They are not more reliable in the long run and they are down right pigs on gas when given the gas. Yes they can run leaner which results in less fuel and more power but if maintenance hasn't been kept up (and it's not just oil changes boyz) they are way more likely to fail later. I feel sorry for anyone who buys a turbo car now. After that warranty expires we will surely hear a few kabooms.

Agent009 - 10/14/2013 11:00:26 AM

-2 Boost

I have had several turbo motors go beyond 100k with no turbo related issues. The last Audi went to 250,000 mile before being sold. Last time I looked it was approaching 300,000 miles and still on the same turbo.

You take care of them and they are not an issue.

knowitall1985 - 10/11/2013 8:16:44 PM

+2 Boost

Refreshing to hear from people who know their stuff. You guys ROCK!!!