Toyota develops new TNGA-based powertrain units in pursuit of superb driving

Toyota Motor Corporation, in pursuit of superb driving and environmental performance, and based on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) structural reform for making ever-better cars, has developed advanced engines and transmissions and further evolved its hybrid systems.

Toyota has named its new line of internal combustion powerplants Dynamic Force Engines. To bring out the new engines' potential to the fullest, their basic structure was completely rethought using TNGA, and their overall structure and configuration were wholly innovated to achieve high-level driving and environmental performance. Work will continue to make the new engines even more advanced.

Toyota has developed two new automatic transmissions - the eight-speed Direct Shift-8AT and the 10-speed Direct shift-10AT. For both, various measures were taken to minimise energy loss and heighten transmission efficiency.

Gear tooth surfaces were processed using a new technique for a lower coefficient of friction when the gears engage, and the configuration of the friction material used inside the clutch was optimised to reduce clutch torque loss by approximately 50 percent during rotation (compared to a conventional six-speed transmission).

These and other efforts resulted in achieving one of the world's best transmission efficiencies. The new automatic transmissions are more compact and lighter than comparative conventional transmissions, lowering a vehicle's fuel requirements. And their lower centre of gravity results in both improved straight-driving and cornering stability.

Applying size-reducing, weight-reducing and loss-reducing technologies used in the fourth generation Prius, Toyota has enhanced its hybrid system for 2.5-litre engines and developed the new, high-performance Multistage THS II for rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Multistage THS II gives hybrid vehicles an all new driving image with its start-from-stop acceleration performance and abundant direct feel. In addition to improving system efficiency at high speeds, intermittent use of the engine at high speeds has also been made possible, further improving high speed fuel economy.

Toyota intends to deploy these new powertrain units in a rapidly broadening range of vehicle models, starting in 2017.