Éric Descarries, Headline, Innovation news, News
THE COROLLA GR, TOYOTA’S “LITTLE MONSTER”!
By Éric Descarries
Drowning in a sea of reports on electric motors, we seem to forget that there are always new developments in the mechanical field. Such is the case with one of Japanese automaker Toyota’s latest performance engines.
We’re not talking about a V8 for NASCAR or a small, turbocharged four-cylinder (in order to avoid motorists in the Land of the Rising Sun paying almost ridiculous taxes for large displacement engines), but rather a three-cylinder engine.
But you did read the term “performance” above, didn’t you? Indeed, Toyota is well involved in motor racing, and that includes the exciting European rallies. In order to comply with the rules of this sport, Toyota engineers designed a 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that they placed in the engine compartment of a Yaris thanks to a helping hand from its Gazoo racing department. Producing over 250 hp, the Yaris was a great success in rallying.
Hence the Birth of the Corolla GR
But the Yaris is no longer sold in North America. So, for our market, Toyota relaunched the G16E GTS (engine code) in the popular Corolla. The result is the Corolla GR, with some 300 hp at 6,500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine features a set of twelve valves operated by two overhead camshafts for a volumetric ratio (compression) of 10.5:1. Naturally, the intake is aided by a turbocharger. The Corolla GR is equipped with all-wheel drive and 18-inch wheels. It comes with a manual gearbox only.
The Solution
But how can such a small engine produce so much power without the risk of self-destructing? The brand’s engineers had to design a three-piece cylinder block joined by a sturdy bearing base. The outer flanks are thinner, but the forged-steel crankshaft has been revised to produce less rotating mass. Of course, there’s a side shaft to eliminate the vibrations of a three-cylinder.
We could go on for pages with technical descriptions. They would include, in particular, the specific fuel injection that offers greater performance while maintaining good fuel economy. However, we’ll have to content ourselves with the fact that the Corolla GR, so equipped, is offered right here in Canada for much less than $50,000. Imagine, 100 horsepower per cylinder!
Comments are closed