We’ve been talking about Toyota’s new V-8 for a while, but only in the context of supercars. However, it appears that a large-displacement engine may have a wide range of applications outside of high-performance vehicles. The company’s head of powertrains admitted in an interview with Australian media that it is technically possible to fit the engine under the hood of a Land Cruiser (LC300).
Takashi Uehara said Drive Magazine’s V-8 engine block is “somewhat close” to the new 2.0-liter engine. He was referring to the “G20E” that Toyota is testing in a concept-built prototype GR Yaris M, where the four-cylinder unit is mounted behind the driver. This high level of modularity between the new engines means they can be used in a wide variety of vehicles.
In fact, Yohra revealed that the V-8 can also be engineered as a diesel engine, complete with a full hybrid setup. He didn’t confirm whether Toyota’s newly created Century ultra-luxury brand would adopt a version of the new powertrain, but it would make sense given its flagship status.
According to Goitothe V-8 in question is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit that essentially combines two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The production version of the Lexus Sport Coupe will use this engine, and the upcoming Toyota “GRGT” is expected to debut on December 4. Why a V-8? UEHARA explained the rationale:
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Source: Lexus
‘If we first set the maximum power required, we have to care about the design of the maximum rpm. We have to care about the design of the combustion chamber. Then we opted for a V-8. ‘
Power figures are unconfirmed, but engineers are targeting more than 400 HP for the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill. The electric-assisted V-8 is rumored to produce as much as 900 HP, though that number isn’t official until confirmed by Toyota, Gazoo Racing (GR), or Lexus.
As for the models that can get V-8 power, it would make sense for Toyota and many of its brands to install it in their biggest vehicles. Because it’s designed with hybridization in mind, it must quickly meet stringent emission standards. It’s worth noting that the V-8 will be installed in non-plug-in hybrid models, as O’Hara clarified: “We don’t rely on the PHEV system.”
It will be interesting to see if models like the Land Cruiser (LC250, LC300), Sequoia, and Tundra will eventually receive V-8 hybrids. On the Lexus side, an eight-cylinder GX or LX would also be great. Toyota is clearly aiming to achieve economies of scale with its new engine, and offering it in something beyond low-volume supercars will no doubt make the investment more worthwhile.
