VVTL-i

The new Celica 190 (GTS in the USA) now features the amazing VVTL-i engine developed by Toyota and Yamaha.  Based on the standard 1.8 VVT-i, the VVTL-i has both Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift.  The latter is achieved by an extra cam lobe that is brought into play by the engine electronics via a hydraulic actuator.

The diagram shows the two cams which are both always turning, and the hydraulic actuator that moves the 'Rocker Arm Pin' into place at a preset engine speed.  

Interestingly, Toyota have set up the system so that the extra power kicks in a little over 5000 rpm on the current UK spec vehicles.   The torque curve of a VVTL-i is almost exactly the same as a VVT-i up to that point and then suddenly, where the VVT-i begins to run out of steam and revs, the new engine develops a new lease of life producing the extra 49 bhp right through to its 10000 rpm redline.  The disappointing thing is that even with the new close ratio gearbox, the engine drops out of its optimum rev range when changing down.  It seems very strange to us that the extra horsepower doesn't kick in just below 5000 rpm so that the engine can be kept in its sweet spot - this would almost certainly knock over a second off the already impressive 0-60 time of the Celica, putting it into another class altogether.  Perhaps Toyota are saving this extra power for a later date.  We expect to see after market chips that vary the valve lift at a lower engine speed, though as yet, none have appeared.