While some view the shift towards electrification and the challenges posed by climate change as signals of the end for internal combustion engines, Toyota is challenging that idea. The automaker is actively advancing its combustion technology, which includes developing a new series of four-cylinder engines. A Toyota engineer has boldly stated that their goal is to surpass the performance of one of the company’s most legendary engines, the 2JZ-GTE found in the Supra.
Details of these new engines emerged at an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) technology summit held in May. During this event, Toyota, along with its affiliates Mazda and Subaru, reiterated their dedication to combustion technology. The company unveiled a revitalized lineup of four-cylinder engines, featuring options such as a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, a turbocharged variant, and a more powerful 2.0-liter turbo. These new engines are engineered to integrate with electrification, promising greater efficiency, enhanced power, and a more compact design compared to existing Toyota four-cylinders. Among them, the 2.0-liter variant stands out, with high expectations set by a Toyota engineer: its performance should outshine that of the 2JZ.
“Toyota has a globally acclaimed engine known as the ‘2JZ engine,’” the engineer told Karuma News, as reported by Lexus Enthusiast. “I would like to create an engine that exceeds that.”
Meeting the challenge of outpacing the 2JZ may be formidable for a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, which is smaller than the renowned 3.0-liter inline-six. However, it might be achievable, especially considering the impressive performance of Toyota’s compact 1.6-liter G16E-GTS engine in the GR Corolla when enhanced with a turbocharger. Adapting similar design principles to a larger engine could yield exciting results, particularly given its potential uses.
Lexus Enthusiast reports that the 2.0-liter engine is already undergoing testing in at least two different vehicles: a 400-horsepower prototype of the Lexus IS, featured in a recent Toyota Times video, and a 600-hp version for the Lexus RC. The IS model is expected to utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission with rapid gear shifts, whereas the RC will incorporate a six-speed manual transmission, serving as a prototype for motorsport applications. There are also rumors suggesting that this 400-hp four-cylinder engine may feature in a revamped version of Toyota’s mid-engined sports car, the MR2, as well as a possible return of the Celica at the urging of Akio Toyoda.
In summary, Toyota has numerous avenues to explore with this promising engine, particularly if it can indeed outperform the iconic 2JZ. Whether they will succeed remains to be seen.
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