NEW ENGINE TECH COMING WITH BETTER PERFORMANCE AND EMISSIONS

Toyota announced June 12 that it is replacing its entire engine and transmission lineup by the end of the decade.

A clue to where they are going was the simultaneous annoucement of a next-generation engine valve mechanism called "Valvematic" that it says improves fuel efficiency by 5-10 percent, reduces CO2 emissions and boosts output by at least 10 percent.

Toyota said Valvematic "further evolves the gasoline engine" by not only paying attention to green concerns but by also "enhancing acceleration responsiveness.

"While conventional engines control air intake using a throttle valve, Valvematic adjusts the volume of air taken in by continuously controlling the intake valve lift volume and timing of valve opening and closing," Toyota explained in a statement. "This ensures optimal performance based on the engine's operational condition, thus helping vehicles achieve both high fuel efficiency and dynamic performance."

The 200+ year history of the internal combustion engine still holds pleasant surprises in the future.