Yahoo Autos Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru Collaborating on Next-Gen Engines
Toyota has announced that it's teaming up with Mazda and Subaru on new internal-combustion engines.
The next-gen engines are intended to provide better efficiency and performance as well as be compatible with alternative fuels.
Each brand will focus on its own "signature" engine, with Toyota working on two four-cylinders, Mazda working on rotary systems, and Subaru doing a hybrid boxer.
Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are all currently trailing the rest of the industry when it comes to EV models. However, the three Japanese automakers are united in plans to develop next-gen internal-combustion engines. That news follows Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru recently announcing during a "Multipathway Workshop" that they have agreed to collaborate on future powertrains, though each company will still focuses on their own engines.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
With a shared goal of reducing carbon dioxide (C02) emissions, the trio says these new engines will be more efficient and provide better performance. They will also be compatible with carbon-neutral fuels. The gasoline alternatives include biofuels, liquid hydrogen, and synthetic fuels (a.k.a. eFuel).
They also want to improve vehicle packaging, which they expect to do by making more compact engines with electric drive units and batteries that are better integrated. These smaller engines will also affect the way each company can design its future models. For instance, they will allow for lower hoods and improved aerodynamics. It's all intended to help improve fuel economy to comply with stricter emissions regulations.
Toyota is currently working on two four-cylinder engines, one with 1.5 liters of displacement and the other with 2.0 liters. Meanwhile, Mazda is working on rotary EV systems feature either one or two rotors. Subaru has also started work on its next generation of boxer engine, which will feature a hybrid system that was previewed with a Crosstrek prototype.
While Subaru and Mazda don't currently sell a new hybrid model in the United States, Toyota is a hybrid powerhouse, with perhaps the widest selection of that particular powertrain. Toyota's expertise in that area should benefit its competitors-turned-partners, who also look to share their own insights. The results of their collaboration are TBD, but it's clear none of them see internal-combustion engines going away anytime soon.
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