Toyota is shaking up enthusiasts with confirmation of a new V8 engine, signaling a beefed-up return for the muscle under the hoods of upcoming Toyota and Lexus models. Takashi Uehara, Toyota's powertrain president, revealed the advanced twin-turbo V8 is on track for production, marking Toyota’s most exciting performance powertrain development in years.
The V8 engine is a modular evolution tied to Toyota’s range of turbocharged modular engines, starting from the 1.5-liter turbo four-cylinder in the latest Corolla, up to this rumored 4.0-liter twin-turbo beast. This powerplant is designed to deliver a blend of high revs, thrilling sound, and robust output comparable to Ferrari or McLaren rivals numbers expected to top 700 horsepower in some configurations.
Toyota plans to debut this engine in a front-mid-engine layout sports car under the GR (Gazoo Racing) sub-brand, with the Lexus division working on a distinct, likely more refined variant tailored to luxury performance buyers. The Lexus version is rumored to replace or supplement the outgoing V10-powered LFA lineage with a V8 hybrid sportscar.
Engineering team sources indicate the new V8 will feature hydraulic variable valve timing, bespoke intake manifolds, and use lightweight construction similar to the Lexus LFA’s advanced carbon fiber chassis, keeping weight low and performance sharp. The transmission is expected to be a quick-shifting automatic, though dual-clutch tech remains a possibility.
Beyond road cars, the engine is tied to Toyota’s GT3 racing program set to begin competition in 2026 with homologation achieved by the roadgoing model. This bold step marks Toyota’s reentry into the elite performance arena, proving the Japanese automotive giant still has firepower and engineering to thrill in an increasingly electrified world.