Toyota’s innovative i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, featured in the acclaimed 2022 Tundra, has been honored with a prestigious 2022 Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award. This recognition highlights Toyota’s commitment to developing advanced, efficient, and powerful propulsion systems for the future of large electrified vehicles.
A Closer Look at the i-FORCE MAX Powertrain
The i-FORCE MAX system is a sophisticated hybrid setup that integrates a robust twin-turbo V6 engine with a specialized motor generator and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. This unique configuration is designed to optimize power transfer and efficiency, providing drivers with an uncompromised performance experience. Dante Boutell, vice president of Powertrain Design at Toyota Motor North America R&D, expressed gratitude for the award, stating, “We are so grateful that our hard work is recognized by WardsAuto as it further validates the innovation and benefits this powertrain delivers to Toyota customers.”
At the heart of the hybrid system is a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Sandwiched between this engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission is a 48-hp electric motor. This motor plays a crucial role in supplementing the V6’s output, delivering increased torque when demanded by the driver. In situations requiring subtle accelerator inputs, the vehicle can be driven solely by the electric motor, showcasing the system’s versatility and efficiency.
Performance and Efficiency
The result of this advanced engineering is a truck that delivers impressive figures. The i-FORCE MAX powertrain in the Tundra boasts 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 lb-ft of torque, available at a quiet 2,400 rpm. This power is matched with remarkable fuel economy, achieving up to an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in city driving, 24 MPG on the highway, and a combined 22 MPG, depending on the specific model grade and drivetrain. Furthermore, the Tundra equipped with this powertrain offers a payload capacity of 1,665 pounds and can tow up to an impressive 11,450 pounds.
Toyota’s Electrification Vision
This award-winning powertrain is also standard on the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, underscoring Toyota’s dedication to its electrification strategy. The company has a firm commitment to offering an electrified version of every model it sells by 2025. The Tundra i-FORCE MAX serves as a prime example of Toyota’s progress towards its ambitious goals of carbon reduction and achieving carbon neutrality. As Toyota continues its evolution into a mobility company, innovations like the i-FORCE MAX are pivotal in reimagining the role of vehicles in human movement, balancing the needs of today with the imperative to minimize environmental impact for future generations.
The i-FORCE MAX will be officially honored among the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems winners during the AutoTech: Electrification conference, scheduled to take place from October 26-27 at the Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan.
For more information on the Wards 10 Best Engines & Propulsion Systems award, you can visit WardsAuto.
References
- Toyota. (2022, September 27). Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Powertrain Recognized with Wards 10 Best Engines Award. Toyota Pressroom. Retrieved from https://pressroom.toyota.com/vehicle/2022-toyota-tundra-i-force-max/