Toyota, Mazda and Subaru join forces on next-gen combustion engines

In a joint press conference, the three Japanese automakers announced a collaborative effort to develop their next-generation internal combustion engines (ICE), despite the industry's shift away from traditional petrol and diesel power. Rather than creating a single common engine, each company will focus on developing "signature engines" that reflect their respective brand identities.

Toyota will introduce a new generation of inline four-cylinder engines, while Subaru will develop a new family of horizontally-opposed boxer engines and Mazda will pursue a new rotary engine. These engines will be designed to run on synthetic fuels, liquid hydrogen, and various biofuels, and will feature hybrid technology that combines internal combustion with electric motors.

The partnership is expected to result in the development of more efficient and compact engines that can be used in a range of applications, including plug-in hybrids and range-extenders. The companies will also share common components, such as transmissions, integrated motors, batteries, and electric ancillaries, to reduce costs and improve performance.

The partnership is seen as a strategic move by the three companies to stay ahead of the competition and provide customers with a range of options for achieving carbon neutrality. Toyota president and CEO Koji Sato commented that the partnership is necessary to "provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality" and to "evolve engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future."

Mazda president and CEO Masahiro Moro added that the partnership will enable the company to continue developing its rotary engine technology, which is compatible with electrification and carbon-neutral fuels. The partnership is expected to be a win-win for all parties involved, as it will allow the companies to share resources, reduce costs, and stay competitive in the rapidly changing automotive landscape.