Toyota’s New V-8 Set to Power Beyond Supercars, Expands Range

URGENT UPDATE: Toyota’s new 4.0-liter V-8 engine is poised to extend its capabilities beyond high-performance supercars, with official confirmation that it could fit under the hood of the Land Cruiser (LC300). In an exclusive interview with Drive magazine, Toyota’s head of powertrains, Takashi Uehara, revealed this groundbreaking development just hours ago.

This announcement is significant as it indicates a strategic shift for Toyota, which aims to enhance its vehicle lineup with more versatile powertrains. Uehara noted the V-8’s engine block shares similarities with the newly tested 2.0-liter engine, suggesting a modular design that could allow for widespread application across various models.

According to Uehara, the V-8 engine is not just a standalone powerhouse; it can potentially be engineered as a diesel engine and is designed to accommodate a full hybrid setup. This flexibility is crucial as manufacturers face increasingly stringent emissions regulations worldwide.

While Uehara did not confirm whether the ultra-luxury Century brand would utilize the new V-8, it appears to be a logical fit given the brand’s flagship status. The engine in question is a twin-turbo unit that combines two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, targeting over 400 hp for the new turbocharged variant.

Furthermore, there are rumors that an electrically assisted version of the V-8 could produce as much as 900 hp, although Toyota has yet to officially verify this figure. Anticipation builds for the upcoming GR GT, set to debut on December 4, which is expected to feature this powerful engine.

The implications of this development are profound. With potential applications in larger Toyota models like the Sequoia, Tundra, and even the Lexus GX or LX, the V-8 could redefine performance and efficiency standards in family and utility vehicles. Uehara emphasized that the engine will be incorporated into non-plug-in hybrid models, stating, “We don’t rely on the PHEV system.”

This ambitious move by Toyota not only aims to achieve economies of scale but also positions the company at the forefront of the automotive industry’s transition to hybrid technology. As the automotive landscape evolves, all eyes will be on Toyota to see how they implement this versatile V-8 engine across their diverse product lineup.

Stay tuned for more updates as Toyota prepares to revolutionize its engine offerings in the coming months. This is a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge shortly.