Toyota Stops All V8 Development
The Japanese magazine Mag-X says it has gotten word that Toyota has stopped any further V8 engine development. It will instead devote its resources to turbocharged V6 engines and electrification. Obviously, buying preferences are rapidly changing. Also, the coronavirus has impacted Toyota resources to the extent some programs have been reevaluated.
This means the Lexus LC F racing car is dead
One of those programs is the Lexus LC F twin-turbocharged V8. This engine was being developed for the 24 Hours of Nurburgring with plans for its use in the flagship LC F. At this point, we don’t know if the racing version of the LC is being dropped or if it will still make its debut at Nurburgring.
Just this past June Toyota announced the LC F would not be produced. Originally it was to be a rival to the BMW M8 Competition and take the place of the LFA. The halo car has been out of production since 2012. The original info about the twin-turbo V8 said it would be 4.0-liters and produce over 600 hp. A detuned version was expected to be in the all-new Tundra scheduled to debut in 2021. Rumors are mixed as to whether the V8 will still find its way into the large pickups or not.
The current 2UR-GSE naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 found in the LC 500 may be the final iteration of a Toyota V8. It was updated from the V8 used in the RC F and GS F. It features variable valve timing and direct or port fuel injection depending on the application. The current version is listed at 471 hp hooked to a 10-speed automatic.
A hybrid V6 is also offered in the touring coupe as the LC 500h
A hybrid V6 is also offered in the touring coupe as the LC 500h. Called the Lexus Multi-Stage Hybrid system, it is a combination of a 3.5-liter V6 and two electric motors. It produces a combined 354 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
Besides the unique hybrid system, the transmission is also special. It is a four-speed automatic that is embedded inside of a continuously variable transmission. Functioning like a 10-speed transmission it provides stepped access to the torque created by the electric motor. If Toyota stops V8 production then this would be its top-of-the-line engine. It also may enhance the LC 500’s chances of hanging around a few more years since it’s still one of the best-looking cars on the road today.
