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Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are not ready to abandon internal combustion engines yet. These prominent Japanese automakers are actively developing new internal combustion engines, which they argue are essential for reducing emissions while allowing customers to continue using familiar technology.
Toyota is focused on creating smaller, cleaner inline-four cylinder engines that surpass the power of their current models. Meanwhile, Mazda is working on a rotary electric vehicle concept, and Subaru is developing an advanced hybrid system that builds upon its existing boxer engine.
This initiative marks a collaborative effort among Japanese manufacturers, distinguishing them from western automakers who have recently shifted towards fully electric vehicles after previously planning to phase out gasoline engines. According to Kyodo News, the slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales has led to renewed interest in internal combustion engines, attributed to early adopters owning EVs while many potential buyers remain hesitant. Moreover, Kyodo News notes that Japanese automakers and the country’s gasoline-centric supply chain have faced difficulties transitioning to electric alternatives.
Japan stands to lose significantly if it fully abandons internal combustion. Consequently, Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are seeking ways to make these engines compatible with global emission reduction goals. The trio is proposing solutions that align the development of new internal combustion engines with lower CO2 emissions by creating more effective engines that utilize carbon-neutral fuels. These fuels include synthetic fuels derived from hydrogen and carbon dioxide, as well as biofuels generated from organic materials like plants, according to Toyota.
Toyota is focused on new inline-four engine designs potentially for future models like the Toyota Prius. The automaker has presented compact 1.5- and 2.0-liter inline-four engines that offer improved power density. Toyota claims that the design of these innovative engines will enable more aerodynamic and efficient vehicle configurations by allowing for a lower hood, while their reduced size will facilitate better integration with electric motors.
Toyota argues that the true challenge lies in addressing carbon emissions rather than eliminating internal combustion altogether. While the company is exploring various solutions including standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, and fuel cell electric vehicles, it views plug-in hybrids as the most promising option for mitigating emissions. The new engines being developed will primarily still use gasoline in the near term, but Toyota is collaborating with Idemitsu Kosan, ENEOS, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries to advance carbon-neutral fuels in the near future. The intent is to ensure that internal combustion engines can also be environmentally friendly once these fuels become widely accessible.
The feasibility of this approach remains uncertain, but Toyota regards it as a continuation of its long-standing efforts to cut carbon emissions dating back to the introduction of the original Prius in the 1990s and flex-fuel vehicles in Brazil in the late 2000s, as highlighted by Toyota Times.
Mazda and Subaru, who are also developing eco-friendly internal combustion engines alongside Toyota, fully support this multifaceted approach. Mazda is showcasing new internal combustion designs, asserting that its rotary engines are ideal companions for electric motors due to their compact size and lightweight attributes.
Mazda asserts that its rotary engines were pioneers in hydrogen technology, claiming they are adaptable to various fuels such as Toyota’s carbon-neutral options, should they reach the market. Similarly, Subaru is developing a new hybrid system that will utilize carbon-neutral fuels while retaining its established boxer engine and symmetrical all-wheel drive, catering to its dedicated fan base.
The advancements in these new engines can also be traced to Japan’s competitive motorsport scene. Elements of these engines—and the technology behind them—have been honed through racing, as the collaborating companies compete with vehicles that run on liquid hydrogen and other carbon-neutral fuels. A notable example is a hydrogen-fueled Corolla that produces a sound as thrilling as its gasoline-powered counterparts.
The message from Japan’s automotive leaders is unmistakable: internal combustion engines are here to stay. Executives including Toyota President Koji Sato, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro, and Subaru President Atsushi Osaki are determined that producing eco-friendly internal combustion engines is not only feasible but an achievable objective. Given the central role of the combustion engine in Japan’s industrial success, the commitment to preserving this technology is understandable.
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