The Toyota GR Corolla is already equipped with an impressive engine. Its 1.6-liter G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine can produce over 700 horsepower with its standard internal components, and even more power is expected once modified by aftermarket professionals. Recently, HKS, a prominent player in the tuning industry, announced plans to create crate engines for the GR Corolla. These will not only be larger, stroked engines but will also incorporate advanced ignition technology akin to that used in Formula 1.
HKS shared details about this initiative on its website. The company revealed it has modified a prototype for the upcoming “complete engine” to be offered for sale. Initially, HKS plans to use a custom-designed crankshaft that eliminates the engine’s balance shaft. Additionally, the stroke of the engine will be extended from 89.7 millimeters to 95.7 millimeters, enhancing torque across the entire RPM range. The cylinder bores will also be increased by 0.5 mm, raising the total displacement to 1,746cc. This modification is expected to allow the turbocharger to spool more rapidly while lowering the compression ratio from 10.5:1 to 10:1, thereby improving its ability to handle higher boost levels.
In addition, HKS is improving the engine’s internal components by using crowned, molybdenum- and nickel-plated pistons featuring swirl patterns to enhance combustion efficiency. It will also incorporate valve guides and seats made from a highly conductive phosphor bronze alloy, while smoothing the combustion chamber to eliminate potential hot spots. However, these are not the most dramatic changes being made to the HKS GR Corolla engines.
The standout modification is the new pre-chamber ignition system, a technology utilized in Formula 1 engines (as well as some Maseratis). Known as turbulent jet ignition, according to Race Analysis, this method employs a small chamber next to the cylinder that ignites a rich air-fuel mixture before it enters the cylinder (where a leaner mixture is present) at multiple points. This innovative approach allows for quicker and more complete combustion, resulting in increased power output without requiring additional fuel, which also enhances overall efficiency.
Ultimately, the main attraction is, of course, the power output, which HKS has not yet disclosed. The company confirmed it will provide various injector sizes with its crate engines, leaving the final power figures up to customers. Place your bets now—I personally wager that one of these will exceed 1,000 horsepower. Anyone willing to take that bet?
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