Toyota’s internal combustion engine (ICE) future is getting a performance overhaul, with Gazoo Racing (GR) now leading engineering input on the company’s next-generation four-cylinder petrol engines.
The move signals a clear shift in strategy for Toyota, aiming to infuse its racing division's motorsport DNA into both sports and mainstream vehicles.
Speaking to CAR, GR boss and motorsport chief Bart Eelen confirmed: “New ICE engines are pretty rare these days, but we really wanted to do this. The block is super compact, and the centre of gravity is super low, and the engine combines both efficiency and performance.”
First revealed in May 2024, this family of engines is being co-developed through Toyota’s joint ICE/hybrid project with Subaru and Mazda.
The range will include 1.5- and 2.0-litre configurations and will prioritise compactness, packaging flexibility and emissions compliance.
Beyond GR: Corolla to Rally
While performance versions will likely debut first - potentially including a GR Yaris prototype already tipped to produce 400kW - the engines are also earmarked for wider use. Toyota indicates the new powerplants will span its entire passenger lineup, from Corolla to Camry, even RAV4.
European COO Matt Harrison noted the engines will feature a shorter piston stroke, allowing for a more compact layout: “That allows us more freedom for our designers and engineers when it comes to packaging.”
Toyota’s ICE strategy is not solely focused on petrol. Hybridisation remains central, with both mild and full hybrid variants in the works, alongside experimental hydrogen combustion derivatives.
A new era for combustion cars
This consolidation of Toyota’s engine tech under the performance-led GR umbrella reflects a broader cultural shift. “It goes back to Toyota’s idea of using motorsport as a test bed,” said Eelen. “I think that’s something Akio (Toyoda) introduced into the company. Toyota hadn’t thought that way before.”
Expect a phased rollout, starting with GR models before the tech filters into the daily driver segment - redefining the powerplants beneath even the most conservative of Toyota badges.