TECHNOLOGY FOCUSToyota Introduces New Diesel Engine In Europe TORRANCE, CA (June 22, 2006) - Toyota has introduced a new 2.0L D-4D 125 diesel engine into its Avensis line in Europe. This is the automaker's third new-generation D-4D Clean Power diesel engine, providing consumers with a choice of three diesel powerplants: the brand-new 2.0L D-4D 125, the 2.2L D-4D 150 and, at the top of the range, the 2.2L D-4D 180.
2007 Avensis
(Photo: Toyota)The launch of the Avensis line in 2005 resulted in more than 144,000 units sold in Europe that year, 44 percent of them diesels. These sales also provided 9 percent of Toyota Europe's total sales. The automaker is hopeful that the new diesel engine will not only drive total sales higher, but leverage the overall diesel percentage higher as well.Performance, economy and reduced emissions The new common-rail, direct injection, turbocharged 2.0L D-4D 125 engine uses technologies similar to other engines within the D-4D line. However, the new motor's reduced weight, compared to its cousins, provides improved fuel efficiency compared to the others. Combined with either of two emissions after-treatment systems, the new powerplant meets current Euro IV emissions standards, which are similar to pending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules. In addition, according to Toyota, one of the optional after-treatment systems emits the lowest CO2 levels of any vehicle in Europe today and is capable of meeting California's CO2 emissions standard. Compared to the outgoing D-4D 116 engine it is replacing, the D-4D 125 engine's power output is increased by 9 percent to 125 horsepower, while maximum torque has improved by 7 percent to 221 lb.-ft. Additionally, the torque output is flat between 2,000 and 2,800 rpm. All diesel engine versions of the 2007 Avensis come standard with a six-speed manual transmission to take full advantage of the power and torque now available. Multicone synchronizers from first to fourth gear enable the transmission to provide smooth and precise shifts, adds Toyota. In addition, the transmission uses the lowest viscosity oil available today for manual transmissions, which fosters a fuel consumption reduction of up to 0.4 percent. Toyota says that the top speed of the 2007 Avensis D-4D 125 is 124 mph. Standing-still acceleration from zero to 62 mph requires 10.6 seconds, while mid-range acceleration from 50 to 75 mph will require 12.0 seconds. Fuel consumption cycle for the sedan ranges from 41 to 43 mpg, depending upon the emissions after-treatment system selected by the consumer. Toyota says that the increase of performance by 9 percent was achieved by an improvement in the combustion process. Key features such as a low compression ratio of 16.8:1, increased common-rail pressure of 1,700 bar, and ultra fine droplet fuel injection provides a more optimum mix of air and fuel, enabling more efficient combustion, reduced engine smoke and increased power. A high-performance variable nozzle turbocharger and a high-efficiency intercooler provide an additional boost to engine performance. In addition, while continuing to use an aluminum block and cylinder heads, Toyota reduced the piston stroke to 86 millimeters. More information on D-4D engine technology can be found on Toyota Europe's Web site.Emissions after treatment, with options The D-4D 125 engine is offered with either of two emissions after-treatment systems to suit market conditions across Europe. The first is a self-cleaning diesel particulate filter (DPF), suitable for countries where incentives are in place for low particulate emissions. In other nations, consumers may wish to choose the oxidation catalytic converter (CCo) option. Solenoid injectors have been developed for both after-treatment/engine combinations. The injectors have the ability to perform up to five separate injections during each combustion cycle, allowing for a precise control of the combustion process. However, each of the emission systems employs different fuel injection strategy and exhaust technology. In either event, both configurations comply with Euro IV diesel emission regulations.D-4D 125 Engine Emissions vs. Euro4 Standards(Grams/Kilometer)Emissions TypeCurrent
Euro IV Standards
(Since 2005)Toyota's
D-4D 125 DPF EngineToyota's
D-4D 125 CCo EnginePending Euro IV Standards
(Mid-2008)Carbon Monoxide0.500.170.170.50Nitrous Oxides0.250.190.200.20Hydrocarbons0.300.200.2200.25Particulate Matter0.0250.0020.0190.005Carbon Dioxide153146(Table source: Toyota)
(Photo: Toyota)The launch of the Avensis line in 2005 resulted in more than 144,000 units sold in Europe that year, 44 percent of them diesels. These sales also provided 9 percent of Toyota Europe's total sales. The automaker is hopeful that the new diesel engine will not only drive total sales higher, but leverage the overall diesel percentage higher as well.Performance, economy and reduced emissions The new common-rail, direct injection, turbocharged 2.0L D-4D 125 engine uses technologies similar to other engines within the D-4D line. However, the new motor's reduced weight, compared to its cousins, provides improved fuel efficiency compared to the others. Combined with either of two emissions after-treatment systems, the new powerplant meets current Euro IV emissions standards, which are similar to pending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules. In addition, according to Toyota, one of the optional after-treatment systems emits the lowest CO2 levels of any vehicle in Europe today and is capable of meeting California's CO2 emissions standard. Compared to the outgoing D-4D 116 engine it is replacing, the D-4D 125 engine's power output is increased by 9 percent to 125 horsepower, while maximum torque has improved by 7 percent to 221 lb.-ft. Additionally, the torque output is flat between 2,000 and 2,800 rpm. All diesel engine versions of the 2007 Avensis come standard with a six-speed manual transmission to take full advantage of the power and torque now available. Multicone synchronizers from first to fourth gear enable the transmission to provide smooth and precise shifts, adds Toyota. In addition, the transmission uses the lowest viscosity oil available today for manual transmissions, which fosters a fuel consumption reduction of up to 0.4 percent. Toyota says that the top speed of the 2007 Avensis D-4D 125 is 124 mph. Standing-still acceleration from zero to 62 mph requires 10.6 seconds, while mid-range acceleration from 50 to 75 mph will require 12.0 seconds. Fuel consumption cycle for the sedan ranges from 41 to 43 mpg, depending upon the emissions after-treatment system selected by the consumer. Toyota says that the increase of performance by 9 percent was achieved by an improvement in the combustion process. Key features such as a low compression ratio of 16.8:1, increased common-rail pressure of 1,700 bar, and ultra fine droplet fuel injection provides a more optimum mix of air and fuel, enabling more efficient combustion, reduced engine smoke and increased power. A high-performance variable nozzle turbocharger and a high-efficiency intercooler provide an additional boost to engine performance. In addition, while continuing to use an aluminum block and cylinder heads, Toyota reduced the piston stroke to 86 millimeters. More information on D-4D engine technology can be found on Toyota Europe's Web site.Emissions after treatment, with options The D-4D 125 engine is offered with either of two emissions after-treatment systems to suit market conditions across Europe. The first is a self-cleaning diesel particulate filter (DPF), suitable for countries where incentives are in place for low particulate emissions. In other nations, consumers may wish to choose the oxidation catalytic converter (CCo) option. Solenoid injectors have been developed for both after-treatment/engine combinations. The injectors have the ability to perform up to five separate injections during each combustion cycle, allowing for a precise control of the combustion process. However, each of the emission systems employs different fuel injection strategy and exhaust technology. In either event, both configurations comply with Euro IV diesel emission regulations.D-4D 125 Engine Emissions vs. Euro4 Standards(Grams/Kilometer)Emissions TypeCurrent
Euro IV Standards
(Since 2005)Toyota's
D-4D 125 DPF EngineToyota's
D-4D 125 CCo EnginePending Euro IV Standards
(Mid-2008)Carbon Monoxide0.500.170.170.50Nitrous Oxides0.250.190.200.20Hydrocarbons0.300.200.2200.25Particulate Matter0.0250.0020.0190.005Carbon Dioxide153146(Table source: Toyota)
The DPF engine option is equipped with one additional solenoid injector that injects fuel into the exhaust port to enrich the exhaust mix and initiate the DPF self-cleaning process. The DPF engine also uses ceramic glow plugs to reach operating temperature quicker, improving cold weather starts and minimizing white smoke. Little maintenance is required, says Toyota.
The CCo after-treatment system reduces emissions using a conventional diesel oxidation catalytic converter. The CCo engine combination doesn't employ an extra injector at the exhaust port, as there is no need to drive particulate cleaning. The CCo engine uses metallic - rather than ceramic- glow plugs, allowing the emissions targets to be reached more economically. In addition, the CCo engine combination's CO2 emissions are 146 gm/km.
Toyota may have hit the trifecta, being able to get to market in time with a vehicle and technology that satisfies consumer expectations, regulatory demands and environmental concerns. It's available in Europe today. How long before it reaches America?
(Source: Toyota)
