A smaller, lighter hybrid unit is also in development by the company. Future plug-ins will also be able to use the on-board generator to provide additional power.

Toyota is introducing major powertrain innovations to its vehicles in 2017. These include a brand new 2.5-liter four cylinder, two transmissions and the next generation hybrid system. This technology can provide a 10-percent increase in acceleration and a 20-percent improvement in fuel economy. The company aims to have the new drivetrains in 60% of all vehicles sold in Japan and the United States by 2021.

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder, direct-injection engine is the new powerplant that Toyota has added to its lineup. These engines will offer 40 percent efficiency when fuel-injected and 41 percent for hybrids. The engines will have more horsepower because they are less affected by internal friction and other losses.Toyota is also introducing Multistage Toyota Hybrid System II, which is smaller, lighter and more efficient than its current version. Toyota claims that the new innovation provides a better response to a stop. The on-board generator can provide power to the wheels when the plug-in hybrid application is in EV mode. This provides extra acceleration.

The next-generation engines of the automaker will be able to connect to new 8- and 10-speed automatic transmissions, called Direct Shift-8AT or Direct Shift-10AT. Both transmissions will be made using new manufacturing techniques, which will reduce friction between the gear teeth and internal friction. The new torque converter will also improve throttle response. Toyota suggests that the 10-speed transmission works so well that it is “suitable to a premium rear wheel-drive vehicle,” which could refer to the future Lexus LX.

The introduction of this engine and the transmissions is just the beginning of a massive influx in new Toyota drivetrains. The company will launch 17 tunes for 9 engines, 10 versions with 4 gearboxes and 10 variations of 6 hybrid systems by the end of 2021. These parts will contribute to the automaker’s goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90% by 2050.