Toyota Unveils Next Generation of Versatile Gas Engines

ToyotaUAE ToyotaKuwait ToyotaQatar ToyotaOman ToyotaBahrain ToyotaEgypt ToyotaKSA Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, continues to challenge the growing wave of electric vehicles by keeping faith in a bright future for internal combustion engines. In a bold strategic move, the company has joined forces with SubaruUAE SubaruBahrain SubaruKSA SubaruKuwait SubaruQatar SubaruOman Subaru and MazdaUAE MazdaKSA MazdaQatar MazdaKuwait MazdaBahrain MazdaEgypt MazdaOman Mazda to develop a new generation of compact, lightweight four cylinder gas engines. Toyota’s Chief Technology Officer, Hiroki Nakajima, described these engines as the next revolutionary solution in automotive technology.

Japanese Partnership to Reinvent Gas Power

The upcoming 1.5 liter and 2.0 liter engines are designed to work across a wide range of drivetrains. Andrea Carlucci, Toyota Europe’s Vice President of Product Strategy and Marketing, emphasized that versatility lies at the core of this project. He explained that Toyota aims to optimize the new engines for multiple applications, whether electric, hybrid, or even hydrogen powered.

At first glance, a gas engine in an electric setup might sound unusual. But in practice, the idea fits perfectly with extended range electric vehicles (EREVs). In these models, the gas engine does not drive the wheels directly. Instead, it works solely as a generator to recharge the battery on the go. This setup allows the engine to run at optimal speeds for maximum efficiency. Examples of this technology include the BMW i3UAE BMW i3 REX, Ramcharger, Mazda MX-30, and Nissan’s e-Power equipped models.

Toyota’s Plans for Extended Range Electric Vehicles

Toyota has already confirmed its intention to roll out extended range electric vehicles in China through its joint venture with GAC. Models like the Highlander and Sienna are expected to adopt this setup, where a compact gasoline engine does not mechanically connect to the wheels. Instead, propulsion comes entirely from electric motors, while the engine serves only as a generator to recharge the battery and extend driving range.

This approach gives customers a practical balance between energy efficiency and continued access to fuel, making these vehicles more suitable for markets where charging infrastructure is not yet fully developed to support widespread use of pure EVs.

Higher Efficiency and Multiple Fuel Options

Back in 2018, Toyota achieved 41 percent thermal efficiency with its engines, and the company now aims to raise that figure even further with its next generation. These engines are designed not only to run on fossil fuels but also on biofuel, hydrogen, and synthetic fuel. Beyond hybrids and extended range EVs, Toyota is developing new plug in hybrid models capable of traveling up to 100 kilometers on electric power alone without burning a single drop of gasoline, which Vice President Andrea Carlucci described as a true tipping point for hybrids.

The new lineup will include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5 liter units, as well as a larger 2.0 liter turbo engine. Performance will also play a role, with a high output version of the 2.0 liter turbo set to power Gazoo Racing cars, delivering up to 600 horsepower specifically for racing applications.

New Platforms with a Broader Vision

Carlucci explained that while most automakers have simply converted traditional combustion platforms into electric ones, Toyota is taking the opposite approach. The company plans to create a dedicated electric platform that can also be adapted for hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups without losing any of its core strengths.

This concept is not entirely new. Tesla, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes already have purpose built EV platforms such as MEB, E-GMP, and EVA. At the same time, some newer EV architectures are being engineered to also accommodate combustion engines, like Stellantis’ STLA or Volkswagen’s upcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP).

The Future of Powertrain Diversity

Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda has long maintained that battery electric vehicles will not exceed a 30 percent share of the global market. Carlucci echoed this sentiment by stressing the importance of powertrain diversity. He argued that the path to reducing emissions should not be limited to full electrification but should instead offer customers a variety of choices. As he put it, Toyota will not push EVs in markets where there is no genuine demand.

Through this strategy, Toyota is positioning itself to strike a balance between advancing electric innovation and continuing to refine combustion technology. This approach gives the brand greater flexibility to adapt to the rapid changes taking place across the global automotive industry.