Toyota Details Its New GD Family Of Turbo Diesels [w/Videos]

Toyota has introduced two new diesel engines that feature next-generation advanced thermal insulation diesel combustion. The automaker says this is the first use of Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology (TSWIN) in the world, which increases efficiency by 15 percent and maximum torque by 25 percent.

The engines also feature Toyota’s first-ever urea Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that is said to eliminate up to 99 percent of emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxide), one of the main causes of air pollution.

The new direct-injection turbo diesel engines are the 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV unit and the 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV unit.

With a maximum thermal efficiency of 44 percent, the 2.8-liter engine is one of the most thermally efficient ever made, according to Toyota. Despite the smaller displacement in comparison to the current KD engine, maximum torque is improved by 25 percent and low speed torque improved by 11 percent, while fuel efficiency has received a 15 percent boost.

The 2.8-liter engine is rated at 177PS (175hp) and 450Nm (332lb-ft) at 1,600-2,400 rpm, while the 2.4-liter unit produces 150PS (148hp) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque at 1,600-3,400 rpm. The larger engine is currently available in the new Hilux pickup truck launched in Thailand in May 2015, as well as in the facelifted Land Cruiser Prado launched in Japan on June 17.

Toyota says the Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology and the use of silica-reinforced porous anodized aluminum (SiRPA) on the pistons has reduced cooling loss during combustion by approximately 30 percent. SiRPA is a high insulation and dissipation material that is easy to heat and easy to cool.

The engines also feature a compact high-efficiency variable geometry turbocharger produced in-house by Toyota that is 30 percent smaller than its current equivalent. It includes a newly developed turbine that improves efficiency, as well as a newly developed impeller that is said to provide instantaneous acceleration response and to produce maximum torque over a wide range of rpm.

The new GD family of diesel engines will gradually replace the current KD engines, with Toyota estimating an annual production of approximately 700,000 units by 2016, when they will be offered in 90 markets worldwide. By 2020, the new engines will expand to at least 150 markets.