You may have noticed a trend of engine displacement downsizing and turbocharging. This has been going on for several years, and Ford embraced this strategy in United States with a series of EcoBoost engines. Now, Toyota seems convinced of the merits of the idea. After all, a small turbocharged engine can still produce a good amount of power and be relatively efficient while doing it.
Toyota is introducing this 1.2L turbocharged 8NR-FTS engine that features direct injection and Atkinson cycle valve timing. This little engine packs a lot of technology to reach a claimed 36% thermal efficiency. This measures the useful work an engine is capable of. After all, a lot of energy is lost to internal component friction. 36% percent thermal efficiency is one of the highest levels for mass-produced gasoline engine.
Power figures stand at 114 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm and 136 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm.
Toyota announced that this engine will be available in the Auris for the Japanese market. The upcoming 2016 Scion iM is basically the same vehicle as the Auris. Efficiency numbers have not been announced at this time.
How much extra would you pay for a high-tech little turbo engine in an economy car? Or would you even want an engine like this?
Take a quick look at the 2016 Scion iM (and iA sedan) in this TFLcar video from the 2015 New York Auto Show.
