Toyota's latest "valvematic" technology

[eTiMaGo]

Interesting bit of news for fellow car geeks, Toyota's newer engines now have an additional valve control system where the valve lift is actually completely controllable. Imagine VTEC/VVTL-i but without the on/off aspect... They even completely get rid of the traditional throttle as they can use the valves for that! The results? 5-10% better fuel efficiency *and* 10% better performance!

http://paultan.org/archives/2007/06/13/toyota-reveals-valvematic-technology/

And, it's apparently available on the newest ZR type engines such as the xD and Yaris TS use, a head swap could even be possible if the electronics can play nice... Definitely something to look out for!

[ChinoCharles]

Nice post Thomas! Sounds awesome.

[eTiMaGo]

I dunno if you remember, Charles, a year or so ago we had a discussion about pretty much this kinda thing? damn toyota must have been spying on us :laugh:

[cali yaris]

if the electronics can play nice...

uh... right.... :rolleyes:

[eTiMaGo]

hahaha always a big IF nowadays :laugh:

[ChinoCharles]

I remember about getting excited at the prospect of head swaps, yes. I'm gonna go plant a couple more money trees, BRB...

[GeneW]

Interesting bit of news for fellow car geeks, Toyota's newer engines now have an additional valve control system where the valve lift is actually completely controllable. Imagine VTEC/VVTL-i but without the on/off aspect... They even completely get rid of the traditional throttle as they can use the valves for that! The results? 5-10% better fuel efficiency *and* 10% better performance!

http://paultan.org/archives/2007/06/13/toyota-reveals-valvematic-technology/

And, it's apparently available on the newest ZR type engines such as the xD and Yaris TS use, a head swap could even be possible if the electronics can play nice... Definitely something to look out for!

One of the strengths of the Yaris is that it uses "mature" technology. VVT has been around for at least ten years, maybe longer. The chip in the ECU (probably an ARM9) has been around for a spell, ARM introduced the ARM9 technology in 1997.

The rest seems pretty generic - cap on plug, ECU controlled tranny, CV joints, etc.

You all who are hankering for something new and fresh can go for it. I'll hold your coats and enjoy the show. Maybe you'll do better or worse than us hold outs but Toyota will refine the model and we'll take it up when it's "done".

Gene