Toyota is testing a new 400 hp gasoline engine.
The next generation of the Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch may receive a four-cylinder turbo engine instead of the current 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo unit.
What is known
The Toyota GR Corolla has achieved cult status thanks to its powerful 300 hp three-cylinder turbocharged engine, combined with sporty suspension and steering settings. But this charismatic engine is unlikely to live forever. With the premiere of a new Corolla concept in Japan, a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine reportedly producing around 400 hp was introduced.
Toyota's Technical Director, Hiroki Nakajima, hinted to MotorTrend that this new engine might form the foundation for future high-performance models. Although he has not yet confirmed its use in the next GR Corolla model, such a decision would be justified, especially considering that the technical capabilities of the three-cylinder engine have already reached their limit.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine features a simpler design, greater power reserve, and increased reliability. Rumor has it that it is code-named G20E. Toyota engineers even mentioned that with a more powerful turbocharger, the engine could develop up to 600 hp. For this, it has been nicknamed the "little 2JZ," referring to the legendary 3.0-liter Toyota engine.
If the new GR Corolla does indeed produce 400 hp, it will outperform rivals like the Honda Civic Type R (315 hp) and the Volkswagen Golf R (328 hp), giving Toyota's sports car development division an advantage in the hot hatch arms race.
Source: MotorTrend
