Toyota to Sell More Efficient Engine

08/13/96

The Associated Press reported last week that Toyota Motor Company has announced that it will sell cars with a more fuel-efficient engine later this year. The company says the new engines--which run on a leaner air to fuel mix--will improve fuel efficiency by at least at least 33%.

The new engine has a displacement of 2.0 liters, and has been dubbed the D-4. Toyota said they will start selling cars with the new engine in Japan this year, but did not comment on which cars would come equipped with the engines or whether the engines will be available in the U.S.

The new engine is based on fuel injectors that shoot swirled gas and air directly into the cylinders in such a way that the gas collects into a very rich mixture near the spark plug, while most of the air hangs near the wall of the cylinder. Overall, however, the mix is much leaner than in traditional engines.

Toyota said the system allows for 10 percent faster acceleration because it also draws in cool air. The carmaker claims it has added systems to neutralize the large amounts of nitrous oxide that direct fuel injection typically produces.

Mitsubishi has said it plans to roll out models based on similar in Japan this year. It will follow next year in Europe.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel