Toyota is expanding its powertrain lineup with a new turbocharged engine.
Technically named 8NR-FTS, the new engine is a 1.2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and will be available on the Japanese-spec Toyota Auris hatchback. It joins the 2.0-litre turbo-four from the Lexus NX crossover as the second offering in Toyota’s next-generation family of new engines.
Toyota’s 1.2-litre turbo-four develops 114 horsepower and 136 lb.-ft. of torque.
Handout, Toyota
Rated at 114 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 136 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500 RPM, the new engine is direct-injected and uses a water-cooled exhaust manifold in the name of maximizing efficiency. It’s also fitted with VVT-iW, Toyota’s own variable valve timing technology, which lets the engine operate on the Atkison cycle when possible.
Currently, the new 1.2-litre turbo-four is available only in Japan, but only time will tell if Toyota chooses to expand the new engine’s availability. It would certainly make for a punchy option under the hood of the Yaris hatchback.
