The inevitable increase in electric vehicle sales and the ban of petrol and diesel engines from the European Union by 2035 seem to seal the imminent end of the internal combustion engine.
However, there is still a little hope for those who do not want to do without pistons, connecting rods, cylinders, crankshafts and a big V8 sound. One reason for hope is this new engine that was introduced and developed by Yamaha for Toyota. It is a hydrogen internal combustion engine: a 5.0 liter V8 with 450 hp.
Toyota turned to a longtime partner, Yamaha, to test the potential of these hydrogen-powered engines, and with them the potential for a CO2 fuel.”2Neutral” promises to be.
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The announcement of the new hydrogen-powered V8 engine betrays the enthusiasm driving the project, which began five years ago. Beginning with Takeshi Yamada, Head of Vehicle Development at Yamaha Technical Research Center: “I am very happy with the launch of the project. I started noticing that the hydrogen-powered engines were a lot of fun.“
“Hydrogen-powered engines, by their very nature, inspire excitement and are easy to operate without resorting to electronic systems. Everyone who tested the prototype was confused at first, but he eventually got out of the car with a big smile. As I watched the reactions, I began to think that hydrogen engines really had tremendous potential. They weren’t just a substitute for gasoline.“
The hydrogen engine development program has nothing to do with fuel cells. It’s part of a broader agreement announced in November 2021 between five companies: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Subaru Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation, Mazda Motor Corporation and Yamaha Motor.
Yoshihiro Hidaka, President of Yamaha Motors says:Hydrogen engines have the ability to reduce carbon dioxide2To be neutral while acknowledging our passion for the internal combustion engine. By working with companies from different cultures and with different skills, and by increasing the number of our partners, we want to be present in the world of tomorrow.“
The engine offered is now based on the 5.0-liter V8 of the Lexus RC F, however, some changes have been made – for example to the injectors, cylinder head and intake manifold. The engine generates 450 hp at 6800 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 540 Nm at 3600 rpm.
For comparison: the same luxury gasoline engine generates 464 hp at 7100 rpm and 520 Nm from 4800 to 5600 rpm. So the power is pretty much the same, while the torque is up a bit and it’s coming soon. Does this give hope? definitely!