Toyota is thoroughly modernizing its direct-injection turbo diesel engines and hopes that its new GD-series engine will raise the bar for fuel efficiency, power, and quietness. The new 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV 4-cylinder engine and 2.4-liter 2GD-FTV engines power the all-new Hilux launched in Thailand last May and the Land Cruiser Prado launched in Japan last June.

Toyota’s 2.8-liter 1GD-FTV is the first engine to use Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology (TSWIN) that makes it one of the most thermally efficient engines with a maximum thermal efficiency of 44 percent. Despite its smaller displacement, it has 25 percent more torque than the current KD engine. Low speed torque has been improved by 11 percent while fuel efficiency gets a 15 percent boost.


The engine can also be fitted with Toyota’s first-ever urea Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that can eliminate up to 99 percent of emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxide), one of the main causes of air pollution (European and Japanese markets). If fitted, the GD engines can reach Euro 6 emission standards.

It also has a new turbocharger produced in-house by Toyota that’s 30 percent smaller than its current equivalent, and features a newly developed turbine that improves efficiency, and a newly developed impeller that provides instantaneous acceleration response and produces maximum torque over a wide range of RPM.

Most important fact of all is that Toyota is rolling out its new GD series engine worldwide and will gradually phase out the KD series. By 2016, production will reach 700,000 units a year with introduction to at least 90 markets. This will expand to 150 markets by 2020.

With this move, it’s safe to assume that aside from the all-new Hilux, the 1GD-FTV and 2GD-FTV engines will be fitted in the all-new Fortuner (expected February 2016) and the all-new Innova (expected April 2016).


Key Specifications of 1GD-FTV (2GD-FTV)

• Displacement: 2,754 cc (2,393 cc)
• Bore/stroke ratio: 92x103.6 mm (92x90 mm)
• Compression ratio: 15.6 (15.6)
• Maximum output: 177 PS @ 3,400 rpm (150 PS @ 3,400 rpm)
• Maximum torque: 450 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,400 rpm (400 Nm @ 1,600 – 2,000 rpm)
• Low speed torque: 370 Nm @ 1,200 rpm (330 Nm @ 1,200 rpm)