Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. said June 12 it had developed a next-generation engine valve mechanism that can improve the fuel efficiency of petrol-powered vehicles by about 5% to 10%. The new system also reduces carbon dioxide emissions, boosts engine output by at least 10% and enhances acceleration responsiveness, Toyota said.
It said it plans to introduce the new system, called "Valvematic," in the near future, starting with a new vehicle model with a 2.0-liter engine. The system adjusts the volume of air taken in by continuously controlling the intake valve lift volume and the timing of the valve's opening and closing, the automaker said.
Toyota aims to completely revamp its gasoline engine and transmission lineup by 2010 to reduce emissions.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2007
