Report: Toyota targeting improved fuel economy with new hybrid system

Toyota is working on a next-generation hybrid system for the new Corolla that will further improve fuel economy figures, according to a report published by Car and Driver. 

Upon the unveiling of the Corolla Concept, Toyota mentioned that the vehicle will be compatible with multiple power options, but didn’t go into any specifics. 

According to the American outlet, it wasn’t until after the event when Toyota’s powertrain boss, Takashi Uehara delved into detail on what this next-generation powertrain could offer. 

The 1.5-litre hybrid petrol engine will reportedly be lighter that’s what is currently offered, and see fuel economy improvements of between 10 and 20 per cent. 

As for power, Uehara reportedly estimates the entire unit will make 98kW, with the petrol engine accounting for 70kW of this. 

Toyota’s current three cylinder, 1.5-litre hybrid engine can be found in the Yaris Hybrid, where it makes 85kW and 120Nm. 

Toyota claims a fuel economy figure of 3.0l/100km for this model, of which a 20 per cent improvement could see this drop to just 2.4l/100km. 

Aside from the hybrid powertrain, there are changes also on the way for Toyota’s GR performance vehicles, with the forthcoming 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine also displayed at the event. 

This larger engine could be capable of producing up to 290kW, which would not only put the GR Corolla on par power-wise with the GR Supra, but would also put it in competition with the likes of the Mercedes-AMG A45 and Audi RS3 at the top of the hot hatch food chain.