Latest news with #ToyotaEurope
Motor 1
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Toyota Wants to Use Its New Gas Engines for Everything
Toyota is adamant that the internal combustion engine still has a bright future despite the rise of electric vehicles. The world's largest carmaker has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to ICE by partnering with fellow Japanese brands Subaru and Mazda on a new family of gas engines. Smaller and lighter four-cylinder units are touted as a 'game-changer solution' by the company's Chief Technology Officer, Hiroki Nakajima. We now know the Japanese automotive giant plans to use the upcoming 1.5- and 2.0-liter engines in nearly every conceivable type of powertrain. Toyota Europe Vice President of Product Strategy and Marketing Andrea Carlucci told Automotive News the new hardware's versatility is key: 'We are trying to optimize the new engine for any type of application, whether it's electric, hybrid, or hydrogen.' While the idea of a gas engine in an electric application might sound odd, a plausible scenario exists. Toyota is likely referring to extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs), where the combustion engine doesn't drive the wheels but instead serves 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 include the BMW i3 REX, the Ramcharger, Mazda MX-30 , Scout's upcoming truck and SUV, and Nissan's models equipped with E-Power tech. Toyota has already announced plans to sell extended-range electric vehicles in China through its local joint venture with GAC, giving the Highlander SUV and Sienna minivan the EREV treatment. These models are expected to use a small engine that isn't mechanically connected to the wheels. Instead, propulsion will come exclusively from electric motors, with the engine serving only to extend range without abandoning gasoline entirely. Toyota achieved 41 percent thermal efficiency back in 2018 and could be aiming to improve that figure further. Its next-generation engines will run not only on fossil fuels, but also on biofuel, hydrogen, and synthetic fuel. Beyond full hybrids and EREVs, Toyota is also exploring long-range plug-in hybrids, with Carlucci estimating that 62 miles (100 kilometers) without sipping any gasoline represents the 'tipping point.' Confirmed engines include naturally aspirated and turbocharged 1.5-liter units, along with a larger 2.0-liter turbo. Efficiency won't be the only focus as the latter will also have a performance version for Gazoo Racing (GR) models, delivering up to 600 horsepower in race cars. New Toyota four-cylinder engines 33 Carlucci also discussed vehicle architectures: 'Everybody has taken an ICE platform and turned it into something that is electrified to some degree. So, why not conceive a platform that is EV-native and see how much we can adapt it to be used for a plug-in hybrid or a full-hybrid without sacrificing any of the new platform's strengths?' Of course, dedicated electric platforms are nothing new. Tesla is the obvious example, but there's also Volkswagen Group's MEB, Hyundai and Kia's E-GMP, and Mercedes' EVA, among others. Additionally, some EV-native platforms can also accommodate combustion engines, such as Stellantis' STLA Small, Medium, Large, and Frame. Scout's upcoming models fit this category, as will VW Group vehicles on the forthcoming Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) . Much like Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, who has famously said EVs will never exceed a 30 percent market share, Carlucci maintains that electric cars are not the sole path to decarbonization. He argues for powertrain diversity, giving customers the freedom to choose: 'We will not push EVs in markets where there is no demand.' Toyota's New Engines: The New Toyota Engines Are Smaller but Better Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru Are Teaming up on New Combustion Engines Source: Automotive News Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Auto Express
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch heading to the UK: here's what to expect
We might be waving goodbye to the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus ST this year, but Toyota looks set to raise the spirits of hot-hatch enthusiasts in the UK because it's about to bring the GR Corolla to our showrooms. We can expect to see the rally-bred GR Corolla launched here within the next 18 months, which isn't much of a surprise after Toyota announced it would build the hot hatch at its plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire to help address lengthy global waiting lists. 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that,' Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison told Auto Express. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' Advertisement - Article continues below The Burnaston site was chosen because, as well as its factory capacity, the UK has motorsport expertise that aligns with the specialist nature of the low-volume performance hatchback. 'The GR Corolla is bespoke, it doesn't go through the normal processes', Harrison told us. While the current-generation Corolla has been built at Burnaston in standard guise since its launch in 2019, the GR Corolla's significant performance-related changes will require adjustments to the tooling on the Derbyshire plant's production line.
TimesLIVE
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Toyota reveals 48V hybrid boost for Land Cruiser
Toyota Europe has unveiled a new 48V hybrid version of the Land Cruiser (known as the Land Cruiser Prado in markets such as South Africa and Australia), aimed at improving the model's environmental credentials. Much like the Hilux Hybrid 48V, this system pairs the existing 2.8 l four-cylinder GD-6 turbodiesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor-generator, a lithium-ion battery and a DC-DC converter. As with Toyota's full hybrid electric systems, the battery charges during deceleration by recovering braking energy, which also improves braking performance. Once charged, the hybrid system can send up to 12kW and 65Nm through the motor-generator to assist the engine, enhancing acceleration, power and overall efficiency. The system's components have been designed and positioned to cope with harsh conditions, so off-road capability remains unaffected — including a 700mm water wading depth. TimesLIVE is awaiting confirmation from Toyota South Africa on whether this powertrain will be introduced to the local Land Cruiser Prado range.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Iconic hot hatchback with four-wheel drive FINALLY coming to UK after being sold for years outside of Europe
A HUGE Japanese car firm has hinted that it is finally bringing its rally-bred hot hatch to the UK. The long anticipated Toyota GR Corolla is expected to join the much loved GR Yaris on UK roads in the next 18-months. 4 4 With an impressive 296bhp the Corolla will enter production at Toyota's UK plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire. The motor is expected to go into production next year in a bid to satisfy lengthy waiting lists. However at present the nippy hot hatch is only built at one site in Japan with it yet to be confirmed for the European market. Toyota's European COO Matt Harrison has hinted that British fans won't be disappointed though. He spoke to Auto Express to say: 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' Originally launched in 2022 the GR Corolla was only sold in selected markets outside of Europe. It boasts a minimal 1.6 litre engine but a turbo charger offers the car a healthy boost in power. With its impressive 296bhp Toyota's answer to the Golf R comes close to matching the massive 315bhp offered by the 2 litre German model. And the Toyota uses its power well, a four-wheel drive system ensures the motor uses the most of the horsepower available to it. The souped-up Toyota Corolla GR Full specs and pricing for the new Corolla are expected to be released some time next year. Until then experts are estimating the motor will be priced around the £40,000 mark. The Burnaston site was chosen as a site for manufacturing the GR Corolla because of its factory capacity. Initial demand for the motor is expected to be relatively high and the UK site can offer the capacity to meet the demand. 4 4 Not only this but the UK motorsport pedigree aligns well with the specialist nature of the hot hatch. The rally bred motor offers a specific package of specifications to motorists. It was reported earlier this year that the Japanese firm planned to invest £41 million into the Burnaston production site. The investment could see production rates at the site significantly boosted to meet the expected demand for the new GR Corolla. World's largest car maker hatching plans to invest £40million in a new assembly line in UK The world's largest car maker is planning to invest a whopping £40million for a new assembly line in the UK. The Toyota plant at Burnaston could be in line for a major investment, as the company weighs moving production for the US market from Japan to Derbyshire. The car maker plans to invest around £41million to set up a new production line dedicated to making GR Corollas, according to Reuters. Toyota has denied that Trump tariffs are behind the potential shift, despite taxes on Britain being 10 per cent compared to Japan's 25 per cent. In light of the potential move, Japanese automaker Toyota revealed that new cars could be added to the European market. Currently, the GR Corolla is only available in Japan and is exported to North America and select other markets. Burnaston plant currently produces the Corolla hatchback and estate for the UK and European markets, but production rates could significantly improve with the proposed investment. A new production line could be operational within 12 months, with reports suggesting that Japanese engineers may temporarily relocate to Derbyshire to assist with the transition.
The Drive
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
You're Welcome, Europe: US Demand for Toyota GR Corolla Could Bring It Overseas
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Dear Europe: You're welcome. After years of importing your best performance cars, we're finally returning the favor from the other side of the pond—indirectly, anyway. Because while Toyota doesn't build the GR Corolla in North America, our demand for it has been so overwhelming that the company has decided to add another production line in the U.K., predominantly for American export, to supplement the hot hatches Toyota churns out of its Motomachi plant in Japan. At first, it seemed like these U.K.-built cars wouldn't be offered for local sale, which would've been a grave injustice. But now, a Toyota executive has hinted that might not be the case. 'We have a philosophy that you build where you sell, so to build in Europe and not sell in Europe would be counter to that,' Toyota Europe COO Matt Harrison told Auto Express last week. 'The gap between supply and demand is now, so it's about how quickly we can get it. We need to act fast.' That's about as big a confirmation as you'll ever hear anyone with the letter 'C' in their job title drop, without it counting as a done deal. It's also the first time Toyota has officially indicated it would like to bring the hot hatch to the continent, where, let's be honest, rallying is given the respect it deserves. The Celica GT-Four and Corolla WRC are the reason why the GR Yaris exists, and the GR Corolla happened because Toyota didn't want those of us who don't get a Yaris of any flavor to miss out entirely. The interior of a 2024 Toyota GR Corolla. Nico DeMattia The GR Yaris is undeniably cool, but it's also very tiny. I'll admit that when I first learned Toyota was planning to sell a GR version of the Corolla stateside, I was disappointed. Of course, America gets the bigger, heavier version of the same car without the direct link to a WRC contender. But I came around and, having lived with mine for roughly a year and a half now, I don't know how I could've made the Yaris work anyway. The GR Corolla has a somewhat cramped interior as it is, so I can't begin to imagine the games of grocery store Tetris that Yaris owners have to play from time to time. Plus, it's still a riot. We've reached out to Toyota Europe personnel for a bit more insight into Harrison's comment, and will update this story with whatever we learn. In the meantime, Europe, I hope you enjoy the hot hatch it sounds like you'll be getting. I think you will. Got a tip? Email us at tips@
