Toyota V8 engines may become a thing of the past sooner than expected. According to a report by a Japanese language magazine, the automaker has cancelled all development of new V8 engines in favour of turbocharged V6s and electrified powertrains.
The smaller engines will supposedly take the place of the naturally-aspirated 5.7-litre V8 currently found in the Toyota Sequoia, Tundra and Lexus LX570, and the 5.0-litre V8 that powers the Lexus RC F and LC500.
It is said that both the UR-series engines are no longer able to meet emissions regulations which have become more stringent year after year. On top of that, Toyota’s financial has been dealt a huge blow by the coronavirus pandemic so that could be another reason why the automaker is putting a halt to the development of the V8 engines.
If this latest report is anything to go by, we guess the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with 660 hp that Toyota was reportedly building for a race-prepped LC will never see the light of the day. It’s a shame, since that engine is slated to make its way into future road cars including the highly-anticipated LC F, making it a worthy rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GT and BMW M8.
Nevertheless, Toyota has yet to confirm the report so take it with a pinch of salt. But if the company decides to go down that road, it’s not all that bad. Hybridised V6s may not have the euphonious rumble of a V8 that we all love so much but the presence of an electric motor can boost power, torque and efficiency.
On top of that, having two fewer cylinders and reduced displacement means V6 engines carry less weight and this can help improve handling and stability. If Toyota could turn this to their advantage, then I’m all for it.
