TOYOTA INTRODUCES STARLET-TURBO

The 2E 12-valve turbo (1,295cc 2E-TELU) has been developed from the 2E 12-Valve EFI base engine (1,295cc 2E-ELU), which, although compact and lightweight, combines high power output with low fuel consumption. The base engine has been upgraded by Toyota's own water-cooled turbocharger and an air-cooled intercooler. The intercooler improves the engine's air-intake efficiency by cooling the turbocharged air. At the same time, alterations have been made in the shape of the combustion chamber and the main air-intake port. All these improvements have resulted in the engine's outstanding performance: maximum power output of 105 ps and maximum torque of 15.2 kg-m (net). This is combined with its low 10-mode fuel consumption rate of 17.0 km/1 (with 5-speed manual transmission, Ministry of Transport values).

The 2E 12-valve turbo is provided with the "two-mode turbo system." In this system, when the "turbo select switch" is set at "low mode," the computer opens the waste valve at a lower pressure than in the "normal mode," releasing some of the exhaust gases via the by-pass. This lessens the volume of the exhaust gas which turns the turbine, which in turn lowers the pressure of the intake air for the engine. The lower pressure prevents sudden surges in torque and helps make driving safer on rough or snow- and ice-covered roads. It also improves fuel economy by eliminating excess power when it is not needed.

During operation in the low mode, maximum power output is 91 ps and maximum torque 13.4 kg-m.