International engine award for Toyota

16 May 2002: Toyota has won the 1.4-1.8-litre category at this year’s International Engine of The Year Awards ceremony in Stuttgart. The awards are organised and published by Engine Technology International magazine.

The 189bhp 1.8-litre VVTL-i engine, fitted to the Corolla T Sport, Celica 190 and Celica T Sport models was voted the clear winner by over 40 senior journalists in the motor industry, five of whom were from the UK. To achieve this award, in the closest fought category, Toyota outclassed engines from BMW, Ford and Volkswagen. In the same category, Toyota took fourth place with its 1.5-litre VVT-i engine fitted in the Prius Hybrid – an indication of just how diverse the competition was and how capable Toyota’s engine technology is, be it for performance or ultra low emissions.

Along with its 106bhp per litre output, judges praised the VVTL-i engine for its efficiency; fuel economy (34.0mpg combined figure in the Corolla T Sport) and intoxicating engine note when the high speed cams get to work up to 7,800rpm.
The winning VVTL-i engine is based on Toyota’s widely fitted VVT-i (Variable Valve Timing- intelligent) unit but also increases intake and exhaust valve lift when the engine speed is above 6,200rpm. This is achieved by the use of a cam changeover system, essentially providing the engine with two power bands.

The judges also praised Toyota for fitting this remarkable, high technology engine into a derivative of the world’s best selling car, the Corolla.

May 2002