TOKYO (AP) — Toyota has developed an efficient gasoline
engine using technology fine-tuned with gas-electric hybrids, in which
the Japanese automaker is an industry leader.
Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday the engine will be rolled out in 14 models this year and next year.
The
technology is common in hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and Ford
Fusion, which switch back and forth between an electric motor and a gas
engine for better mileage. But it is relatively rare in vehicles with
gas engines alone. Japanese rivals Mazda Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co.
have developed similar engines.
Toyota said the new engine will deliver 10 percent better fuel efficiency than comparable current
engines.
It
uses an old-style engine type called the Atkinson cycle, which reduces
heat through greater thermal efficiency. Toyota said it developed a
version that achieves efficiency without sacrificing power.
Toyota also used other features such as better combustion and reduced friction to boost efficiency.
The
new engine will come in 1.0 liter and 1.3 liter versions, but will be
expanded to other types, and variations of it will also be used in
future hybrid models, according to Toyota.
"They show the future direction of Toyota engine development," said Toyota spokesman Brian
Lyons.
Toyota has been worried about the reliability of the oil supply for decades and has focused on green
cars, especially hybrids.
The
maker of the Lexus luxury model and Camry sedan has sold more than 6
million hybrid vehicles around the world, more than any other
manufacturer, since the Prius was introduced in late 1997.
Hybrids are popular but remain a niche market, and competition has been intensifying from efficient gas
engines.
___
Follow Yuri Kageyama on Twitter at twitter.com/yurikageyama.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.