Lexus Remains Uncommitted to Plug-In Hybrid Technology

Posted by Kevin on January 31st, 2019

Autocar spoke with a source inside Lexus about the possibility of plug-in hybrids:

Lexus will be able to adapt many of its hybrid powertrains to feature plug-in tech “relatively easily” if the market demands it, according to a source at the firm. The Japanese maker is convinced that its self-charging hybrid system is perfectly placed to take advantage of the Europe-wide shift away from diesel, but accepts that PHEVs are likely to play a greater role in the future.

In a way, this seems almost too obvious — Toyota has already developed a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the Prius Prime, and reworking the technology for other models takes no great imagination.

But it begs the question, if adapting the tech is so easy, why hasn’t it been done already? Why are Toyota (and by extension, Lexus) lukewarm on plug-in hybrids? PHEVs may be a stop-gap between hybrids and pure-electric vehicles, but it’s an attractive option for people wanting the benefits of battery power while keeping the safety net of gasoline engines.

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Comments
M
Whoops. I may have confused myself with the 4runner forums.

4runner forums had a guest that suggesting a diesel may be coming. Someone stated an insider was stating toyota may introduce an inline 4 (possibly the one already provided abroad) to the states. But, I am unsure if that is plausible.

As for as the inline 6. Ignore that, please.
C
spwolf
new V8, not UR.
The rumoured TT V8?
S
carguy420
The rumoured TT V8?
[​IMG]

2 stronger than 3.5l twin-turbo engines are missing.... so definetly not just v8tt...
Joaquin Ruhi
[​IMG]

Looks like we can also label the one to the immediate right of the Dynamic Force Engine (2.0L) as Dynamic Force Engine (1.5L) (M15C-FKS)?
B
This was from someone who is a known reliable insider source:View attachment 3144 Can anyone shed some light as to whether or not it has been confirmed if powertrain will indeed remain unchanged for the upcoming 4Runner refresh?
Gecko
baysta
This was from someone who is a known reliable insider source:View attachment 3144 Can anyone shed some light as to whether or not it has been confirmed if powertrain will indeed remain unchanged for the upcoming 4Runner refresh?
We don't know quite yet, but should around June/July. Trust me, I am eagerly awaiting the same information :)
Gecko
Toyota is releasing a special edition Land Cruiser for 2020... so... any update/refresh with V35A-FTS would have to be 2020 as a 2021 at the earliest, at this point.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/01/23/2020-toyota-land-cruiser-heritage-edition/
Joaquin Ruhi
Gecko
Toyota is releasing a special edition Land Cruiser for 2020... so... any update/refresh with V35A-FTS would have to be 2020 as a 2021 at the earliest, at this point.

https://www.autoblog.com/2019/01/23/2020-toyota-land-cruiser-heritage-edition/
Per Carmaker1's most recent info, the TNGA-F Land Cruiser 300 is due during the 2020 calendar year (2021 model year). I'd say this Heritage Edition (which purportedly celebrates 60+ years of Land Cruiser) also doubles as a fond farewell and last hurrah for the current Land Cruiser 200.
3RZ
  • 3RZ
    3RZ
  • January 24, 2019
Looks like we might see the TNGA-F sooner rather than later. Clearly a mule based on the photos but the concealment of the rear suspension indicates this is much more than a simple refresh.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a26027060/2021-toyota-tundra-pickup-future-spied/
S
Did they just say they are going coil spring or even IRS on the next Tundra/Sequoia?
3RZ
  • 3RZ
    3RZ
  • January 25, 2019
If you look closely at the photos, there’s a trailing link and a shock mount so I think coils and or air suspension is in the works. Independent suspension would decrease payload so I doubt they go that route.

There is a gap in the lower front fascia, below the radiator which is curious to me as if there was an intercooler hiding underneath
C
3RZ
Looks like we might see the TNGA-F sooner rather than later. Clearly a mule based on the photos but the concealment of the rear suspension indicates this is much more than a simple refresh.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a26027060/2021-toyota-tundra-pickup-future-spied/
Will going to coil springs or air springs negatively affect maximum payload capacity?

I really look forward to what Toyota has in store for their next-generation BOF vehicles.
S
carguy420
Will going to coil springs or air springs negatively affect maximum payload capacity?
Yes. But pickup trucks in USA have very low payload relative to their size anyway so that's not a big concern. For example the full-size Tundra has lower payload capacity than the mid-size Hilux.

The trend to use coil springs just reflects the unfortunate fact that Americans no longer buy pickup trucks for their original purpose.

P.S. Let's stay on topic, there is a separate thread in Garage for pickup discussions.
krew
krew

Lexus Remains Uncommitted to Plug-In Hybrid Technology
[​IMG]

Still prefers traditional hybrid powertrains.
View the original article post
S
I would call it either fake news, or a misintepretation of the person interviewed.
B
Looks like no powertrain updates across the Toyota truck and SUV line for MY2020. Disappointing.
B
Its sad that toyota cant keep up regarding powertrain advancements. I know many of us like the fact that they are reliable but come on, really??
Ian Schmidt
Brandon briesath
Its sad that toyota cant keep up regarding powertrain advancements. I know many of us like the fact that they are reliable but come on, really??
I don't think it's fair to say they can't keep up just because they've chosen not to fiddle with what is currently a very successful formula. The Dynamic Force engine lineup is fully competitive, those trucks just aren't getting any of it yet.
Joaquin Ruhi
baysta
Looks like no powertrain updates across the Toyota truck and SUV line for MY2020. Disappointing.
Toyota and Lexus have yet to reveal the extent of the rumored 2020 model year refresh for 4Runner and GX, so perhaps those will see powertrain updates. In the crossover front, perhaps the 4th-gen Highlander brings some noteworthy powertrain updates.
B
Ian Schmidt
I don't think it's fair to say they can't keep up just because they've chosen not to fiddle with what is currently a very successful formula. The Dynamic Force engine lineup is fully competitive, those trucks just aren't getting any of it yet.
Possibly true. Or, did the bean counters force the engineers/planners hand to hold off on new gear?
B
Joaquin Ruhi
Toyota and Lexus have yet to reveal the extent of the rumored 2020 model year refresh for 4Runner and GX, so perhaps those will see powertrain updates. In the crossover front, perhaps the 4th-gen Highlander brings some noteworthy powertrain updates.
Wishful thinking I’m afraid. Lots of folks thought the 2020 Tacoma was getting a new tranny or something which never happened. My guess, until the new trucks ride on TNGA, it’s status quo.
B
Joaquin Ruhi
Toyota and Lexus have yet to reveal the extent of the rumored 2020 model year refresh for 4Runner and GX, so perhaps those will see powertrain updates. In the crossover front, perhaps the 4th-gen Highlander brings some noteworthy powertrain updates.
Don't get me wrong, I'm holding onto the sliver of hope that they haven't done an official press release yet. I'm really hoping that they wanted a big stir with the full details when the time comes, and that they didn't want it to be overshadowed by the other announcements. Once again though, very wishful thinking and very unlikely.
Joaquin Ruhi
Joaquin Ruhi
Toyota and Lexus have yet to reveal the extent of the rumored 2020 model year refresh for 4Runner and GX, so perhaps those will see powertrain updates.
baysta
Don't get me wrong, I'm holding onto the sliver of hope that they haven't done an official press release yet. I'm really hoping that they wanted a big stir with the full details when the time comes, and that they didn't want it to be overshadowed by the other announcements. Once again though, very wishful thinking and very unlikely.
Brandon briesath
Wishful thinking I’m afraid. Lots of folks thought the 2020 Tacoma was getting a new tranny or something which never happened. My guess, until the new trucks ride on TNGA, it’s status quo.
I know full well that Toyota and Lexus aren't going to put all-new Dynamic Force powertrains on a final facelift for the current, ancient 4Runner and GX. My suggestion of an "updated powertrain" for the SUV twins would be following the 3rd-gen Tacoma playbook and replacing the 1GR-FE 4-liter V6 / 5-speed automatic combo with the 2GR-FKS 3.5-liter V6 / 6-speed auto. Probably a boneheaded move given all the complaints and failed TSBs for the latter powertrain in the current Tacoma, but that may well be the plan.
C
Why Toyota didn't even bother to make a FSE or FKS version of the 1GR 4.0L V6?
Joaquin Ruhi
carguy420
Why Toyota didn't even bother to make a FSE or FKS version of the 1GR 4.0L V6?
I've often asked and wondered the exact same thing.
Gecko
I could be wrong but would a 1GR-FKS or FSE have a fundamentally different torque curve - higher revving and less power down low? Which is the point/placement of that engine?
Joaquin Ruhi
Gecko
I could be wrong but would a 1GR-FKS or FSE have a fundamentally different torque curve - higher revving and less power down low? Which is the point/placement of that engine?
That's what happened anyway when the current Tacoma went from 1GR-FE to 2GR-FKS. Making a 1GR-FKS would at least compensate a bit for that with roughly 500cc more displacement.
D
A 1GR-FKS would be much welcomed, especially from an efficiency standpoint with a 6-or-8 speed transmission and Atkinson cycle.
In the 2GR, it added roughly 35 hp and and 19 tq.
300hp/300 tq would be perfect for the current gen
Gecko
While it's an old engine, my only real complaint with the 1GR-FE is the 5AT. With a 6 or even 8AT, it would be a great powertrain for the 4Runner (and Tacoma). 270hp/278lb-ft is plenty... it's just hooked up to a transmission that acts like it's powered by hamsters.
B
Gecko
While it's an old engine, my only real complaint with the 1GR-FE is the 5AT. With a 6 or even 8AT, it would be a great powertrain for the 4Runner (and Tacoma). 270hp/278lb-ft is plenty... it's just hooked up to a transmission that acts like it's powered by hamsters.
My sentiments exactly.

B