Motorsport may seem an unlikely test bed for a powertrain innovation that could help society achieve carbon neutral status. Yet Toyota has recently announced that its engineers have developed and installed a new, hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine that made its competitive debut in Japan’s punishing Super Taikyu production-based endurance race series.
The engine is a turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder unit, similar to that used in the highly acclaimed GR Yaris. Interestingly, we’re told that it uses modified versions of the same fuel supply and injection systems fitted as original equipment in the latest Toyota internal combustion engines. But instead of using these to burn fossil-derived petrol and producing carbon dioxide emissions, the engine runs on compressed hydrogen and emits virtually zero emissions.
What’s more, combustion in hydrogen engines happens at a faster rate compared to traditional petrol engines. This makes them more responsive and therefore ideal for motorsport, while still communicating the same rewarding mechanical and aural feedback. The rest of the hydrogen engine’s architecture remains comfortingly familiar, with reciprocating internals lubricated in the traditional way through a wet sump arrangement. It is only the burning of minute quantities of oil from the lubrication of the cylinder walls that creates any emissions.
By promoting the use of hydrogen in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) such as the Toyota Mirai, Toyota has been strengthening its efforts towards achieving carbon neutrality. Its use of motorsport to further refine its hydrogen engine technologies supports our aim of realising an even better hydrogen-based society.
It was installed in the ST-4 class Toyota Corolla run by the championship-winning Orc Rookie Racing team.
So glad to see Toyota taking the lead on this. This will mean car enthusiasts can still enjoy the aural thrills of combustion engines with minimal environment impact.
Common sence at last well done toyota
Do you see this transferring to road cars ? Keep up the great work love your cars.
Hi Rodney, thanks for your comment.
We already have the FCEV Mirai which is now on its second generation. Check it out here: https://fal.cn/3dFYW.
I think he meant a hydrogen powered ICE, not a FCEV, very different technology and one that won’t future-proof the ICE for years to come.
The great thing about this hydrogen engine is you can use it in any vehicle which has an engine…sea, land and air ✌
That’s right! We’ve worked on many different Hydrogen projects from HGVs to ships and buses. We also have a city-wide project known as the Woven City, make sure to check that out.
Time to persuade all governments to embrace hydrogen instead of relying on virtually useless battery power
Very interesting project as the combustion rate has always been a limiting factor of petrol engines. Also it’s great to see the sensible option of hydrogen and not electricity being the best green option. I will be following this fascinating development. Well done Toyota.
Hi, how does efficiency compare with FCEV? Similar mpg? It appears hydrogen is much better suited to rural transport options then electric.
Also, is there the possibility of a ‘ dual fuel’ engine, so you could buy a petrol car today and run in hydrogen as it becomes more available?
Hi Alex, thanks for your comment.
Firstly, interesting thoughts on the dual engine prospect. This is something that we have no information on at this time, but who knows what the future could hold. As for fuel-efficiency, you get around 317.3 to 357.5 mpg depending on individual driving style and road conditions – so the Mirai is the most economical option in our range. Thanks.
This the way forward for a sensible carbon neutral solution rather than battery which has limited range compared to petrol and diesel plus towing capacity if only the industry would invest as much money into this as E cars.
We need a Le man hydrogen car powered entry as a world showcase.
interesting technically …but at 54k ..jaw dropping…for the mirai
Hello Stuart, thanks for your comment.
The pricing on the new generation Mirai has actually been significantly reduced, taking the starting price down to around £49,995. You can find full details here: https://fal.cn/3dFYW. Thanks.