The NZ series uses aluminium open deck engine blocks and DOHC cylinder heads.

The reduction in cylinder charge means reduced torque and power output, but efficiency is increased.

This combination makes the 1NZ-FXE suitable for use with the Hybrid Synergy Drive, where peak torque and power demands can be met by the electric motor and battery.

[14] The power output was increased again to 77 PS (57 kW; 76 hp) at 5000 rpm for the second generation Prius.

Without any belt-driven accessories (equipped with an electric water pump), implementation of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and a physical compression ratio of 13.4:1.

The reduction in cylinder charge means reduced torque and power output, but efficiency is increased.

This combination makes the 1NZ-FXP suitable for use with the Hybrid Synergy Drive, where peak torque and power demands can be met by the electric motor, battery and LPG-hybrid system.

The engine block is found in many Toyota models assembled in Japan and Asian countries.

There was a compressed natural gas (CNG) version of 1NZ-FE engine called 1NZ-FNE produced from April 2003, exclusively for the first generation Probox van (NCP52V) until its discontinuation in August 2014.

A new version of 1NZ-FE with roller rocker arms with HLA valve train mechanism and EGR system was introduced exclusively for the Japanese market in September 2003, fitted first in the front-wheel drive model of XP80 Sienta.

The revised engine was also offered in limited markets such as in Hong Kong, Macau and New Zealand.

[20] Transmissions: The 1NZ-FE Turbo (unofficially called 1NZ-FTE or 1NZ-FET) is a 1.5 L (1,497 cc) with an air-to-air intercooler turbocharged conventional Otto-cycle variant of the 1NZ-FE with VVT-i, combined with a IHI RHF4 turbocharger, providing 63.7 kPa (0.6 bar; 9.2 psi) of boost pressure.

In Japan, this unique engine was available through modified Toyota cars (tuned by TRD, Modellista (ja) or Gazoo Racing) and sold officially as complete car at Toyota Netz Store dealerships.

[34] The fully converted bB and ist with turbocharger and additional TRD kits were also offered at the selected Netz Store dealerships.

[31][43] Transmissions: In May 2008, Chinese automobile manufacturer Great Wall Motor (GWM) introduced 1.3 and 1.5 L engines codenamed GW4G13 and GW4G15.

[49] There are also no reports of Toyota taking legal action against GWM regarding the intellectual property rights of NZ engines or even their copied vehicles, such as the Deer truck (N140 Hilux) or the Coolbear hatchback (XP30 bB).

These engines were discontinued in 2019, replaced by the cleaner GW4G15F which comply with China's National V emission standard.

Further new variants which comply with National VI emission standard codenamed GW4G15K, GW4G15M and the naturally aspirated hybrid GW4G15H are also introduced.