Hybrid Synergy Drive

Toyota is conducting research and development for cutting-edge technologies in various fields to provide appealing products and services that meet the needs of customers around the world.

Hybrid Synergy Drive® (HSD) is the concept behind the new generation of hybrid vehicles from the Toyota brand, including the Toyota Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid vehicle.

HSD combines driving pleasure and performance with fuel economy, low emissions and silent driving. The word "synergy" extends to the higher synergy between the petrol engine and electric motor to power the vehicle.

The electric motor is now more powerful, allowing a higher ratio of electrical/petrol usage. The results are more performance with greatly improved efficiency.

The benefits of Hybrid Synergy Drive® in the Prius

Excellent driving performance

Acceleration similar to a mainstream D-segment diesel engine

Low fuel consumption

4.3 litres/100 km - equivalent to a B-segment diesel car

Lower emissions

CO2 emissions of 104 g/km in the combined cycle, down from 120 g/km for the previous generation

Silent driving

HSD can run on the electric motor only, offering a completely silent driving experience

Fuel Efficiency

Computer control for a more efficient and powerful engine.

An intelligent computer optimises the engine's oxygen intake by varying the timing of the intake valves. The result is a more responsive car with

  • Engine flexibility that reacts like a larger capacity engine
  • More power at high engine speeds
  • More torque in the lower speed ranges
  • A more efficient engine with enhanced fuel economy and lower emissions.

 


DUAL VVT-I

The ZR engines are known as the "Fuel efficient engines" for better performance and less impact on the environment.

Previously we used to have the E engines(1980s), thenA-FE engines (1990s) and lately the NZ-E engines (2000s). Variable Valve Timing is a technology which lifts and close engine valves as and when required. ZR engines are dual VVT-I with both intake and exhaust valves are controlled electronically.

In this way it ensures optimal performance based on engine operational condition, giving high fuel efficiency and driving performance. As a rule, controlling the exhaust gases and intake air allows better Torque, which translates to the engine power going to the wheels. Two pictures below shows the difference in the mechanism. 

GD Engines

The new engine series named as GD came out in 2015 replacing the KD engine series - the most widespread 4-cylinder diesel engines produced by Toyota. The 1GD-FTV engine became a replacement for its predecessor - the 3.0L 1KD-FTV engine. The new 2.8-liter diesel first was used in Toyota LandCruiser Prado and later in other Toyota's SUVs such as Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Hilux.

The 1GD-FTV has a traditional cast iron cylinder block without liners. Like the 1KD, the new engine also equipped with two counter-rotating balance shafts. The balancing unit is located in a separate housing under the engine block and driven by a chain from the crankshaft. Some engine versions (for example, in Toyota Hilux) don't have balancing unit for a cost reduction.

Features of the new GD engines

  • Next-generation advanced thermal insulation diesel combustion
  • Compact high-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger (produced in-house by Toyota)
  • Toyota-first urea selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system

 

Safety

Derived from world leading safety technologies, all Toyota vehicles provide dependable safety.
 

Automotive safety is one of the factors that must be given top priority in car making. To this end, Toyota is working on R&D activities to produce vehicles that will perform at the highest level of safety and ensure comfortable driving under various conditions.
 

As Toyota vehicles are delivered to customers around the world, safety technologies must be developed from a global perspective.
 

Based not only on the vehicle safety standards around the globe but setting our own exceedingly high targets, Toyota is working hard to develop world leading safety technologies.
 

Toyota's concept of a safe car is one that must achieve both high level passive and active safety. Passive safety is the concept of helping to protect occupants in the event of a collision while active safety is the concept of helping to prevent accidents from occurring. 

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