Two New Engines For Avensis
Published: 23rd September 2003
The D-CAT system makes its debut with the 2.0-litre D-4D engine, which uses Toyota’s second generation high pressure common rail direct injection system. This is capable of developing injection pressure of 180 MPa, regardless of engine speed, and achieves an interval between the end of pre-injection and the start of the main injection of 0.4 milliseconds – the shortest of any engine currently available.
The D-4D engine was among the very first Euro IV-compliant diesel engines to reach the marketplace when new Avensis was launched on 1 March. Now D-CAT takes its NOx and PM emissions to even lower levels – 50 and 90 per cent respectively below Euro IV levels.
This achievement is not at the expense of performance. Provisional output figures for the Toyota 2.0 D-CAT are 114bhp at 3,600rpm and 280Nm of torque from 2,000 to 2,200rpm. It will power the Avensis from 0 to 62mph in 11.2 seconds and achieve a top speed, where permitted, of 122mph, matching the performance of the standard 2.0 D-4D engine.
The 2.0 D-CAT produces carbon dioxide emissions of 161g/km, compared to 155g/km for the 2.0 D-4D. These engines currently have no direct market competitors that meet the Euro IV emissions standards. Within the D segment, Volkswagen and Audi offer a Euro IV-compliant 2.5-litre V6 TDI engine that produces 186g/km of CO2 in the Passat and 189g/km in the A4.
Refined And Powerful 2.4 Di Petrol Engine
Toyota’s new 2.4-litre direct injection petrol engine is the largest capacity Di unit to be offered in the European D segment. Producing 161bhp at 5,800rpm and 230Nm of torque at 3,800rpm, it is the most powerful engine yet to be used in an Avensis. It provides acceleration from rest to 62mph in 9.1 seconds and reaches a maximum speed, where permitted, of 137mph.
The new engine is a development of the 2.4 VVT-i unit used in the Toyota Previa, but achieves a higher output and greater torque at a lower engine speed: output is up by 7bhp and maximum torque by 5Nm.
To enable the direct injection system to be fitted, it uses a revised engine head made from lightweight magnesium alloy. This has been engineered to eliminate higher noise levels associated with high pressure injection, an issue that is also addressed by the introduction of twin balancer shafts. Using a variable air intake improves engine efficiency and creates an environment for stable combustion.
