Toyota Confirms It Has A New Twin-Turbo V8 Engine
Toyota is about to launch a new supercar—instead of opting for a downsized engine, it will be powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged V8, one that will be shared with Lexus as well.
Key Points
- Toyota’s powertrain chief Takashi Uehara confirmed that Lexus will use a version of Toyota’s new twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid engine
- The V8 shares its modular design with Toyota’s new family of smaller engines, including the GR Yaris’ 2.0-liter turbo, but will feature different tuning for Toyota and Lexus
- The new V8 hybrid will not be a plug-in system, allowing Toyota and Lexus to meet emissions standards while preserving traditional high-rpm performance
We had all assumed this was what Toyota was planning to put under the car's long hood, but the automaker recently confirmed the play during the 2025 Japan Mobility Show. The confirmation comes directly from Takashi Uehara, president of Toyota’s powertrain division.
Uehara explained to Australia's CarExpert that the upcoming V8 belongs to Toyota’s next generation of modular combustion engines, which also includes new 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinder units. In essence, the V8 is a larger, more powerful evolution of that design.
Uehara described the new eight-cylinder as being “widely related” to that 2.0-liter, but with twin turbochargers and hybrid assistance designed for higher output. While Toyota hasn’t confirmed displacement, speculation pegs the V8's engine displacement at 4.0 liters—effectively two G20E engines sharing a common crank.
Toyota's new V8 will debut in December under the hood of Toyota’s GR GT. The engine also finds itself at the heart of the Lexus Sport Concept, a design study first shown at Monterey Car Week in August. A preview of the brand’s next-generation halo model—the LFR, spiritual successor to the LFA.
The V8 won’t stand alone, though. Uehara confirmed that the new supercars will employ a hybrid powertrain, pairing the engine with an electric motor for additional output and efficiency. However, he clarified that the setup will not be a plug-in hybrid, keeping weight and complexity down.
He suggested that Toyota and Lexus will tune their versions differently: “Maybe we could have a V8 with a more gentle character, or we could have a more muscular, heavy-duty version.” That likely means Lexus will focus on refinement and offer a smoother, grand touring power delivery.
Toyota will reveal the GR GT on December 5, 2025, with the Lexus version expected to follow soon after.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Lexus has been teasing we fanboys with scenes from track testing. Time for the reveal!
Can't afford it. Don't care.
Now, how about a new, normally aspirated, non-turbo, version of the MR2 with about 250 HP and an affordable price? Like no more than $35K?