Subaru, Toyota and Mazda aren’t done with engines yet

Subaru, Toyota and Mazda are teaming up to develop new engines tailored to electrification. It’s all in the pursuit of carbon neutrality as the Japanese plot a different course rather than going all-in on EVs.

The three companies will aim to optimise their own engines to integrate with common motors, batteries, and other electric drive units. The new engines will be compatible with various carbon-neutral (CN) fuels. The latter include e-fuel (synthetic fuel), biofuels, and liquid hydrogen. 

This new strategy will enable each brand to maintain their ‘signature engines’ such as Subaru’s boxer mills. 

Another reason given for the development of the CN ICE is ‘to ensure a future for the supply chains and jobs that underpin engines’, which is probably quite important to the Japanese economy. 

With the next generation of engines, the three companies will seek to not only improve standalone engine performance but also optimise their integration with electric drive units, harnessing the advantages of each.

While being highly efficient and powerful, the new engines will also revolutionize vehicle packaging by being more compact than existing models. Smaller engines will allow for even lower hoods, improving design possibilities and aerodynamic performance while contributing to better fuel efficiency. 

The CEOs of the three companies made the following comments:”Achieving a carbon-neutral society is a challenge that must be undertaken by all of Japan’s industries and society as a whole. As we continue to refine electrification technology, we will also enhance our horizontally-opposed engines with an aim to use carbon-neutral fuels in the future. Moving forward, the three companies sharing the same aspiration will continue to advance the pursuit of sustainable excellence in Japanese car manufacturing.”(Atsushi Osaki, Representative Director, President and CEO, Subaru Corporation)

“In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition.”(Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation)

“We will continue to offer customers exciting cars by honing internal combustion engines for the electrification era and expanding the multi-pathway possibilities for achieving carbon neutrality. Given the rotary engine’s compatibility with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels, Mazda will continue to develop the technology through co-creation and competition to ensure it can contribute broadly to society.”(Masahiro Moro, Representative Director, President and CEO, Mazda Motor Corporation)