We’ve been talking about Toyota’s new V-8 for a while, but only in the context of supercars. However, it appears the large-displacement engine could have a broader range of applications beyond high-performance vehicles. The company’s head of powertrains admitted in an interview with Australian media that it’s technically possible to fit the engine under the Land Cruiser (LC300)’s hood.
Takashi Uehara told Drive magazine the V-8’s engine block is "somehow close" to the new 2.0-liter engine. He was referring to the “G20E” that Toyota is testing in a concept-turned-prototype GR Yaris M, where the four-cylinder unit is mounted behind the driver. This high level of modularity between the new engines suggests they could be used in a wide variety of vehicles.
In fact, Uehara revealed the V-8 can even 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 any version of the new powertrain, but it would make sense given its flagship status.
According to GoAuto, the V-8 in question is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter unit that essentially combines two 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. A production version of the Lexus Sport Coupe will utilize this engine, and the upcoming Toyota “GR GT,” debuting on December 4, is likely to receive it as well. Why a V-8? Uehara explained the rationale:
Lexus Sport Concept
'If we first set the maximum power required, we have to care about the design of the maximum RPMs. We have to care about the design of the combustion chamber. Then we selected a V-8.'
Power figures remain unconfirmed, but engineers are targeting over 400 hp for the new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill. An electrically assisted V-8 is rumored to produce as much as 900 hp, although that figure isn't official until Toyota, Gazoo Racing (GR), or Lexus confirms it.
As for which models could get V-8 power, it would make sense for Toyota and its several brands to install it in their largest vehicles. Since it has been designed with hybridization in mind, it should remain compliant with increasingly stringent emissions standards. It’s worth noting the V-8 will be installed in non-plug-in hybrid models, as Uehara clarified: “We don’t rely on the PHEV system.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether models like the Land Cruiser (LC250, LC300), Sequoia, and Tundra will eventually receive the V-8 hybrid. On the Lexus side, a GX or LX with eight cylinders would be great as well. Toyota clearly aims to achieve economies of scale with its new engine, and offering it in something beyond low-volume supercars would undoubtedly make the investment more worthwhile.
Sources: Drive, GoAuto
