23Feb
The Highlights:
- Introduction of i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line for Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota's $70 billion investment in vehicle electrification by 2030
- Initiatives supporting renewable energy and STEM education in local communities
On February 21, 2024, Toyota Alabama announced the start of production on its i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line for the all-new Tacoma pickup truck. This initiative, backed by a prior investment of $222 million, underscores Toyota's dedication to offering a range of powertrain options to meet diverse customer preferences.
What Is The Toyota 2.4-Liter Turbo i-FORCE Engine?
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro engine bay.
The technical specifications of the Toyota 2.4-Liter Turbo i-FORCE Engine are as follows:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Available as a hybrid powertrain option in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma
- Delivers varying power and torque levels
- Replaces the previous 3.5-liter V6 engine
- Offers a combination of fuel efficiency and performance
- Replaces the V6 engine with a 2.4-liter turbo four
- In some models, it delivers 264 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque
- It is a front-wheel-drive-based, transverse-engine product
- Introduced in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma, the 2023 Toyota Crown, the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, and the 2023 Lexus RX500h F Sport
- Aligns with Toyota's commitment to diversified powertrains and vehicle electrification
The Toyota 2.4-liter Turbo i-FORCE Engine is a new engine line that marks Toyota Alabama's commitment to diversified powertrains aligning with customer demand.
It is part of Toyota's investment in carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral products, with plans to invest more than $70 billion in vehicle electrification through 2030.
The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line has started production for the all-new Tacoma. The engine is a powerful, hybridized turbo four-cylinder that replaces the 3.5-liter V6 engine propelling the previous Tacoma.
Available on different trims of the 2024 Tacoma, this engine delivers varying levels of power and torque. The i-FORCE engine is part of Toyota's efforts to introduce hybrid powertrains in its vehicles and aligns with the global trend towards electrification in the automotive industry.
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The Evolution Of The i-FORCE Engine Line
2022 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE Max powertrain
The Toyota i-FORCE engine line has seen a historical evolution as an integral part of Toyota's powertrain lineup since the early 2000s.
Initially, the i-FORCE engine was known for its V8 configuration, notably in the Toyota Tundra and the Sequoia SUV, with engine options such as the 4.7-liter and later the 5.7-liter V8.
These engines were known for their reliability and performance, earning a reputation as highly reliable powerplants within the Toyota lineup.
Over time, the i-FORCE engine series has seen several updates and enhancements, introducing new technologies and powertrain configurations to align with changing market demands, environmental regulations, and technological advancements.
The recent development includes the introduction of hybridized turbo four-cylinder engines, such as the i-FORCE MAX, which is part of Toyota's investment in carbon-reducing and carbon-neutral products.
The i-FORCE engine line continues to evolve, adapting to the trends in vehicle electrification and diversified powertrains, exemplified by the introduction of hybrid powertrains in various Toyota models.
Over the years, the i-FORCE engine line has a history of adapting to market demands, technological advancements, and environmental considerations, evolving from the initial V8 configuration to the latest hybridized turbo four-cylinder engines.
Toyota's Commitment To Carbon Reduction And Community Investment
Toyota is doubling down on its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and investing in carbon-neutral products on a global scale.
With plans to inject over $70 billion into vehicle electrification by 2030, the automotive giant is setting the stage for a greener future.
At its Alabama plant, Toyota's dedication to innovation and expansion is evident with the introduction of the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line. This marks the sixth expansion of the facility, bringing the total investment to an impressive $1.5 billion.
In 2023, the plant hit a production milestone, churning out more than 777,000 engines for Toyota vehicles across North America. From the Tundra to the RAV4, the plant manufactures engines for some of Toyota's most popular models, showcasing its pivotal role in the company's operations.
Beyond building cars and engines, Toyota is deeply committed to fostering long-term employment opportunities and supporting local communities.
Last year, the company announced two significant initiatives, including the collaboration with Huntsville Utilities and Toyota Tsusho. This partnership had Toyota investing $49 million in a solar array project.
Once completed, the initiative will supply over 70 percent of Toyota Alabama's energy needs, highlighting the company's dedication to sustainable practices.
Also, Toyota's commitment to the future extends to education, with grants totaling up to $6.7 million earmarked for Huntsville City Schools. These grants, part of Toyota USA Foundation's Driving Possibilities initiative, aim to prepare students for careers in STEM fields.
Over the next five years, select schools will benefit from tailored programming, empowering students to thrive in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
“The completion of the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo engine line marks a significant milestone for Toyota Alabama and further supports job stability for our 2,000 employees,” said Jason Puckett, president of Toyota Alabama.
“Now, with Tacoma offering a hybrid option, every line at our plant includes engines for hybrid vehicles. It’s our team and their skills that have paved the way for this plant to play a critical role in Toyota’s electrified future.”
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