Power density is an essential factor in automotive engineering, though it often takes a backseat to outright power output. In essence, power density measures how much horsepower an engine generates in relation to its displacement, expressed as horsepower per liter. While larger engines typically produce significant power, Toyota has pioneered a different direction with its remarkably compact and powerful engine. This brings us to the Toyota G16E-GTS engine, noteworthy for being the most power-dense engine ever crafted by the Japanese manufacturer.
Rather than creating a massive engine with multiple cylinders and significant displacement, Toyota has engineered a small, three-cylinder engine that produces an unexpected level of power. Here, we’ll delve into the Toyota G16E-GTS engine’s specifications, its role in Toyota’s rally-inspired GR sports cars, and its various versions. We will also explore the engine’s versatility, including its capability to run on different types of fuel.
This article’s information was sourced from the manufacturer’s website, detailing facts and figures about the Toyota engine along with previous press releases regarding the vehicles.
Toyota G16E-GTS: The Mighty Three-Pot
Toyota G16E-GTS Quick Facts
- Delivers 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque in its most powerful version.
- Exhibits a power density of 187.5 hp per liter.
- First launched in 2020 with the Toyota GR Yaris.
- Manufactured at Toyota’s Motomachi Plant in Japan.
The compact 1.6-liter turbocharged G16E-GTS engine operates on three cylinders arranged in a straight-line configuration. Its power density of 187.5 hp per liter makes it the most power-dense engine in Toyota’s road car lineup. To put that into perspective, this output exceeds even the revered 3S-GTE engine, which achieved 128 hp per liter in the ST246 Caldina GT-Four—a car renowned for its superb performance. In terms of power density, it also surpasses the 2JZ-GTE (109 hp/l) and the 4.8-liter NA V10 found in the Lexus LFA, which produces 115 hp.
The remarkable power density of the G16E-GTS is the result of innovative technology, including direct fuel injection, a single-scroll turbocharger, and a compact intercooler—each optimized to maximize power from every drop of fuel. Its lightweight and compact design enhance its power output, positioning it as an excellent candidate for high-performance applications while embodying Toyota’s principles of durability and reliability.
Featured in Toyota’s Rally-Bred GR Sports Cars
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G16E-GTS Specs (2025 Toyota GR Corolla) |
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|---|---|
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Displacement |
1.6-Liter Turbocharged Inline-3 |
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Horsepower |
300 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
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Torque |
295 lb-ft |
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Transmission |
6-Speed Manual / 8-Speed GR Direct Automatic |
The G16E-GTS engine powers some of Toyota’s most thrilling and agile vehicles—the GR Yaris and the GR Corolla. Both models are rooted in rallying, where performance, agility, and durability are essential. Notably, the GR Yaris is a genuine homologation special, whereas the GR Corolla is a derivative of that success. The latest iterations of these GR sports cars have elevated the already impressive capabilities of the G16E-GTS engine.
Designed for the North American market, the GR Corolla received performance updates for the MY2025 that enhance its capabilities. The newest version boasts increased torque and features an upgraded 8-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automatic Transmission, which enhances drivability with added intelligence. In addition to aesthetic updates, improvements to the suspension and chassis provide an edge in on-track performance.
The latest version of the GR Yaris has also undergone enhancements for better power delivery. This revised GR Yaris features the same automatic transmission and torque enhancements as before. However, similar to its earlier model, the GR Yaris remains a forbidden fruit for U.S. enthusiasts, leading the way to a more accessible alternative.
Toyota has not confined the G16E-GTS to its GR sports cars alone. Earlier this year, Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division, introduced the G16E-GTS engine in its flagship LBX Morizo RR. Initially launched as a concept, the engine’s production was confirmed with the same power outputs as the GR Corolla.
The Most Powerful Version Available
While the standard GR Yaris and GR Corolla models are already impressive, Toyota has upped the ante with the GR Corolla Morizo Edition. Named after Akio Toyoda, Toyota’s president and CEO (who races under the pseudonym Morizo), this edition represents the most powerful variant of the GR Corolla. Unfortunately, availability for the Morizo Edition is extremely limited, leading us to the Circuit Edition.
Toyota has yet to begin sales of the 2025 GR Corolla, which means the most powerful G16E-GTS engine available in the U.S. right now is found in the Circuit Edition, delivering 300 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This version starts at $45,140 (excluding destination fees) and is available exclusively in Blue Flame or Ice Cap color schemes, complete with 18-inch forged-aluminum BBS wheels.
Capable of Running on Hydrogen
Beyond its gasoline-powered applications, the G16E-GTS engine has been modified to operate on hydrogen. This hydrogen variant powered a Toyota Corolla race car that competed in the Super Taikyu Series, a race series focused on carbon-neutral competition. It has also been featured in the hydrogen-powered Corolla Cross H2 Concept.
Hydrogen combustion engines, using a modified G16E-GTS, generate power by burning hydrogen in the presence of oxygen, akin to traditional gasoline engines. However, the key difference is that the only byproduct of this combustion process is water vapor, allowing it to serve as a zero-emissions alternative. Toyota is actively refining this technology to maintain the conventional sound and feel of internal combustion engines while eliminating carbon emissions.
The hydrogen-powered GR Corolla was showcased at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it performed remarkably well without revealing its alternative fuel source.
And Tuners Adore It, Too
The compact and robust design of the G16E-GTS has captivated the tuning community, with enthusiasts and aftermarket specialists recognizing its incredible tuning potential. The results have been truly impressive. Some tuners have focused on enhancing the aesthetics of the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, offering design improvements and visual upgrades that complement the vehicles’ dynamic performance.
Others have adopted a more technical approach, engineering improvements to the chassis and suspension that boost the performance of the GR Yaris and GR Corolla on the racetrack. Toyota Gazoo Racing’s division, alongside various JDM tuning specialists, has designed enhancements that improve handling and responsiveness. The real breakthroughs, however, are occurring under the hood, where tuners are unleashing the true potential of the G16E-GTS engine. Some have even achieved outputs of up to 740 hp from this compact powerhouse, with HKS developing engine upgrades that incorporate Formula 1-inspired components.
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