How It Works: 2016 Toyota Tacoma's 'Atkinson' Cycle

This is awesome and educational at the same time. I can't wait to see this thing on a future episode of "How It's Made."

http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2015/01/how-it-works-2016-toyota-tacomas-atkinson-cycle.html

 

Wow, that's a good read. I honistly never even knew about the Otto cycle much less what the Atkinson cycle was.

 

That was a good read, thanks.

 

Agreed, thank you.

 

So, what happens to the fuel and air mixture that gets pushed back into the intake?

 

It justs sits there, ready to be the first in on the next cycle.

 

Even better..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z45fM2N-4C4

your answer is at the 1:55-2:11 mark.

 

I noticed them say that the engine, transmission, and "new rear differential" will all improve fuel economy. I assume that means a different gear ratio? Anyone know?

One of the reasons I picked the Tacoma over the Frontier was the 3.73s. It felt stronger and didn't struggle on hills as much even though it technically makes less power because the Frontier had 3.36s.

 

I wonder what difference mating the new engine to a manual trans does to the efficiency equation?

 

There's a brain-to-left foot aftermarket accessory that needs to be installed to improve shifting efficiency.

 

Yeah, same equation as always regardless of engine, makes sense. Just kinda thinking out loud on the screen because they seem to emphasize the 6spd AT

 

I tried to install that accessory when I purchased Wife 1.0. I've since tried to install the "manual transmission app," but it's incompatible with her operating system. Considering how much Wife 2.0 would cost, it's cheaper to buy automatics.

 

Ok

 

I just don't see this engine makeing the torque down low, just off ilde. Less displacement on Otto cycle isn't going to make the power we have now. I think, just based on what I've read here, and the Toyota philosophy of giving us just barely enough to get the job done, I don't see this as an improvement in the truck department. Fuel milage and carness is what Toyota is going to jam down our throats.

 

Thanks Ding, kind of what I was wondering; I just can't seem to capture it in words as well as you.

It's going to be interesting to watch how this new engine/drivetrain pans out in real world application. Glad I'm in no rush to replace my truck; but I find this very intriguing.

 

The new engine is supposed to be a otto/atkinson hybird. Otto cycle under heavy load (accelerating) and Atkinson cycle at cruising speed along with direct injection . If I had to guess, torque and HP will be the same or similar to the 4.0L, but with better MPG. Best of both worlds.

 

HaHa! That one threw me for a couple seconds, my eyes automatically had categorized this as a Bible passage at first glance...

 

Lower displacement, running on the same cycle as the present 4.0, how is it going to make the same power. Not turnning enough revs to get all that technology up and running. May be gears, torque converter, and lighter weight will make up the difference.

 

Nicely explained. Thanks!

 

That's a good basic outline of the Atkinson cycle. And it highlights some of the open questions about how it might be applied in the 2016.

At this point we still don't really know much about what is really happening though. Is it always Atkinson (like in a hybrid)? That seems unlikely, would expect it actually runs something more Otto like when power/torque needed. But of course we don't know yet. Is the new 6sp AT so that it can handle the narrower RPM range when in Atkinson mode? As someone already mentioned, what about the MT? Will the MT be less efficient then that AT because of this?

Inquiring minds want to know! But will have to wait a lot longer I suspect for any real information!