Toyota’s New V-8 Could Power More Than Supercars—Urgent Update

BREAKING NEWS: Toyota’s groundbreaking new V-8 engine is set to expand its horizons beyond just supercars. In a revealing interview with Australian media, the head of powertrains at Toyota, Takashi Uehara, disclosed that this powerful engine could be fitted in the iconic Land Cruiser (LC300). This development is poised to shake up the automotive landscape, as it hints at broader applications for the V-8 engine.

Uehara told Drive magazine that the V-8’s engine block is “somehow close” to the new 2.0-liter engine currently being tested in the prototype GR Yaris M. This modularity suggests that Toyota is preparing to deploy this engine across various vehicle types, potentially enhancing performance options for numerous models.

What’s more, Uehara revealed that the V-8 could even be engineered as a diesel engine with a full hybrid setup, signaling Toyota’s commitment to sustainable powertrains. Although he did not confirm whether any version of the V-8 will be adopted by the newly launched Century ultra-luxury brand, the flagship status of Century makes it a likely candidate.

The new V-8 is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit, effectively combining two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. Anticipation builds as the highly awaited Lexus Sport Coupe is confirmed to use this engine, along with the upcoming Toyota “GR GT”, set to debut on December 4.

Why pursue a V-8 engine? Uehara explained that while precise power figures remain unconfirmed, engineers aim for over 400 hp from the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Moreover, an electrically assisted V-8 could deliver an astonishing 900 hp, though this figure awaits official confirmation from Toyota, Gazoo Racing (GR), or Lexus.

The potential applications for this V-8 are vast. It makes sense for Toyota to integrate this powerhouse into its larger vehicles, including the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra. Uehara emphasized that the V-8 is designed with hybridization in mind, ensuring compliance with increasingly strict emissions standards. Notably, the V-8 will be installed in non-plug-in hybrid models, as Uehara clarified: “We don’t rely on the PHEV system.”

As excitement grows around these developments, it remains to be seen if models like the GX or LX from Lexus will also embrace this powerful eight-cylinder engine. Toyota is clearly looking to maximize economies of scale with its new engine, and broadening its application beyond low-volume supercars could make this investment even more worthwhile.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story, as Toyota prepares to redefine the future of its powertrains.