Toyota & Lexus reveal new more efficient hybrid powertrains

Toyota and Lexus are rolling out new powerplants for the hybrid cars with improved performance and efficiency with six new hybrid powertrains.

Toyota has, to a great degree, eschewed the headlong rush in to diesel engines seen by most car makers, instead opting to promote and develop hybrid powertrains as a means to delivering cleaner cars.

That decision has been vindicated in the wake of the dieselgate scandal at Volkswagen, and as car makers now look to exit diesels in a big way Toyota are revealing new, more efficient hybrid powertrains.

Every model using Toyota’s TNGA modular platform will see updated hybrid technology, new automatic gearboxes (eight and ten speed) and CVTs too by 2021.

The first new engine to roll out and heading for cars like the Lexus NX 300h (above) is an improved version of the 2.5 litre four-cylinder, which gets high speed combustion and improved thermal efficiency which, say Toyota, improves fuel economy by 20 per cent despite a 10 per cent rise in power.

As well as the new 2.5 litre engine, Toyota has also announced modifications for the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which will see the electric motor driving the wheels (rather than as a generator) which will debut in the new Prius Prime next year, together with the new CVT ‘box and improved batteries for a 37 mile EV range.

In the next five years Toyota will introduce 17 versions of nine engines, 10 versions of four transmissions and 10 versions of six hybrid systems which will be available in 60 per cent of Toyota and Lexus cars.

Let’s hope VW can keep up. For their sake.