Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru Join Forces on New Combustion Engines
New Era for Cars: Toyota, Mazda, Subaru Team Up?
Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru have announced a collaboration on developing new internal combustion engines, focusing on unique "signature engines" for each brand. Toyota is working on new inline-four engines, Mazda on rotary engines, and Subaru on improving its boxer engines. These new engines will be compatible with carbon-neutral fuels like liquid hydrogen, biofuel, and synthetic fuel.
During the announcement, prototypes and future engine concepts were displayed, including Mazda's rotary engines for EV applications and Toyota's high-efficiency inline-fours. Subaru showcased a next-generation hybrid system in a camouflaged Crosstrek prototype. Despite their collaboration, the companies emphasized they will remain competitive, aiming to integrate electric drive units with these advanced combustion engines for better performance and efficiency.
How do the new engines developed by Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru plan to accommodate carbon-neutral fuels, and what are the types of fuels mentioned?
Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are collaborating to develop new internal combustion engines that are compatible with several carbon-neutral fuels6. These fuels include liquid hydrogen, biofuel, and synthetic fuel. Each company is focusing on creating "signature engines" that reflect their brand identity while being adaptable to these environmentally friendly fuel options. Toyota is working on new inline-four engines, Mazda is advancing its rotary engines, and Subaru is enhancing its horizontally opposed boxer engines. This joint effort is part of their broader strategy to innovate within the internal combustion engine sector by integrating these engines with carbon-neutral fuels, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
Can you describe the unique features of Mazda's rotary engines showcased during the conference and their current applications?
During a joint conference held by Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru in Japan, Mazda showcased its unique rotary engines, emphasizing their current use in electric vehicle (EV) applications6. Mazda presented both single- and dual-rotor engines, highlighting their role as generators rather than directly powering the vehicle's wheels6. These engines are utilized to generate electricity that subsequently charges the battery, a setup evident in models like the MX-30 and the Iconic SP sports car concept16. This configuration allows the rotary engine to function without a mechanical connection to the wheels, indicating a potential future shift in its application. Mazda’s focus on using the rotary engine as a generator underscores a strategic use of this technology in enhancing EV capabilities, suggesting possible future innovations in this area6.