Energy-efficient, high-output petrol engine

The petrol engine used in HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE is more energy efficient and produces higher output than conventional /petrol engines. The 1NZ-FXE for Prius offers the following benefits:

High Expansion Ratio Cycle

The 1NZ-FXE engine used in Prius is a 1.5 ℓ "Atkinson cycle" engine, a typical high expansion ratio engine, designed for high energy efficiency.
The combustion chamber has been redesigned to be smaller, to make the expansion ratio (*¹) larger. In other words, the expansion pressure is allowed to diminish sufficiently before being expelled from the cylinder, which means making the maximum use of the explosive energy. (*²)

Higher Revolution Limit

The engine revolution limit has been raised to 5,000 r.p.m. to produce more power.

Because friction loss was reduced at the same time, this has resulted in more powerful acceleration and improved fuel efficiency.

• lighter moving components
• lower tension in the piston rings
• lower valve spring reaction

Adoption of VVT-i(*³)

The engine features VVT-i technology, which fine-tunes intake valve timing according to the driving conditions. This optimizes fuel combustion efficiency over a wide band of engine revolution speeds, and contributes to enhanced power output.

Improved Combustion Chamber Configuration

Adoption of a compact, slanted squish profile combustion chamber design directs the ignition flame evenly and quickly to every part of the combustion chamber, enhancing combustion efficiency, power output and fuel efficiency.

Weight Saving Measures

Use of an aluminum alloy cylinder block and small intake manifold have resulted in smaller overall size and lower weight without sacrificing functionality. This reduces the total vehicle weight and helps to improve fuel efficiency.

Specification

Maximum power output: 57 kW (77 PS)/5,000 r.p.m.
Maximum torque: 115 Nm (11.7 kg・m)/4,200 r.p.m.(*⁴)

*1 Expansion Ratio: (Expansion stroke volume + combustion chamber volume) / combustion chamber volume

*3 VVT-i: Variable Valve Timing-intelligent
*4 The figures are for Japanese specification

« Back