Lotus gets the last Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine

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The last unit of Toyota 2ZZ-GE VVTL-i 4 cylinder engine is built for Lotus Cars. Lotus CEO Dany Bahar and Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda came together at the British Embassy in Tokyo for a ceremony where Toyota was presented with a Lotus Elise R carrying the 2ZZ-GE engine. Both companies’ partnership has now marks a new chapter. Lotus will create its powertrains exclusively for its own cars in future with continuous support from Toyota.

The 2ZZ-GE is a 1.8L version built in Japan, designed for Toyota by Yamaha. The similar engine is use in Toyota Celica, Toyota Matrix, Pontiac Vibe, some model of Toyota Corolla, of course the Lotus Elise, Exige and 2-Eleven. The 2ZZ-GE engine uses the wide-angled valves and variable valve timing and lift system enabled the high-revving engine to develop 100 hp per litre or even more when supercharged. Power output varies between 164-190 hp when naturally aspirated depending on vehicle and tuning. The engine output goes as much as 240 hp when supercharged and intercooled like the Lotus Exige 240R’s.

Since the 2ZZ-GE engine has been retired, the question now is what engine will Lotus and Toyota will introduce to substitute the 2ZZ-GE?

Photo Gallery: Lotus gets the last Toyota 2ZZ-GE engine

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