GFerg

TOKYO, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Toyota Motor Corp. has developed its third-generation hybrid-system engine, combining gasoline and electric power for a more eco-friendly engine.

The smaller engine, which can reduce fuel costs and cut production expenses, will be put into practical use in 2008, the Asahi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

The new engine can be installed on most of the automaker's midsize or larger models.

Toyota will produce key parts of the new engine in the United States to expand the use of the technology around the world.

Toyota installed the first generation hybrid engine in its Prius model in 1997, and the second generation engine, which generated 1.5 times more electric power than the first, was put into use in 2003, as the world's top hybrid system in terms of fuel-cost efficiency at 83.5 miles per gallon of gasoline.

The third-generation engine will be even more fuel efficient and offer higher performance, the company says.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Weren't we just talking about the Priapus/Volta a few minutes ago? Perhaps this will be the new hybrid engine for that?

LexFather

By 2008. Sounds right around the time the LS 600h will be offered.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

seriously, in couple of yrs, i really see myself driving a hybrid!

spwolf

wait until GS450h comes, you will want one, badly :-).

Gojirra99

Henry is really thinking about the LS600h

XeroK00L

With the competition from Honda and the Germans catching up on Toyota's 2G hybrid technologies, it'll be about time Toyota furthers the lead once again.

BrickHead

What a pleasant surprise! It would be nice to see a new and more powerful hybrid engine in the new LS600h. I wonder if this engine will show up in the new Tundra and the new suv's from Toyota/Lexus.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

haha andrew knows me so well. yes, i am not interested in the gs450h at all. it's going to be a great car i am sure, but i don't see myself getting one at this point yet. the ls600h though, i am all over it