Toyota, already the world leader in gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, says it has designed a new family of fuel-efficient gasoline-powered engines that will be cleaner and more efficient than their predecessors.
The redesigned Corolla will be the first Toyota to be powered by one of the new four-cylinder gasoline engines.
Toyota says the new 1.8-liter engine in the Corolla will offer at least a 5 percent improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the conventional engine now powering the Corolla.
The 1.8-liter engine will be the first in a family of engines that will range from 1.6 to 3.0 liters.
To raise fuel efficiency and cut emissions, the new engine uses Toyota's variable valve timing and ultralight pistons.
The engine reduces friction by using roller bearings in the rocker arms. To make the engine smaller and lighter, Toyota employs a smaller-diameter spark plug.
