autoevolution
 

Toyota V8 Reportedly Not Threatened, 2022 Lexus LC F May Get Twin-Turbo V8

2016 was when the motoring media caught wind of a twin-turbo V8 for the Lexus LC F. Four years later, multiple publications reported that eight cylinders are two too many due to advancements in electrification and tightening emissions regulations in and beyond the European Union.
2022 Lexus LC F prototype 18 photos
Photo: Stefan Baldauf/SB-Medien
New Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese SupercarNew Lexus LC F Spied for the First Time, Looks to Become a Japanese Supercar
Underpinned by a new platform, the next-generation Land Cruiser and Tundra are believed to feature a plug-in hybrid V6 as the top-of-the-line powertrain option. This outcome would spell the end of the 5.7-liter V8 known as the 3UR-FE as well as the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 of the LC 500.

Although unconfirmed by the Japanese automaker, Best Car understands that November 2021 is when the Lexus IS F will be revived with a free-breathing motor capable of 481 PS (474 horsepower). The LS F and LC F would follow suit with a twin-turbo lump rated at 670 PS (661 horsepower) from 4.0 liters of displacement, which sounds extremely appealing indeed.

If the force-fed V8 does happen, Toyota’s luxury division may put a lid on it when the fifth-generation LS and first-generation LC reach the end of their life cycles. But on the other hand, the Japanese automaker isn’t known to discontinue an engine after such a short timeframe. The more I think about it, the more I can’t put the finger on Toyota’s intentions.

The plot gets even thicker if you remember the Environmental Challenge 2050 announced with great pomp and circumstance six years ago. “Our new-vehicle emissions challenge aims to reduce the CO2 output of our vehicles by 90 percent by 2050 compared to the levels we had in 2010,” said Toyota, which is nothing more than wishful thinking at the moment.

Honda intends to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and every other automaker has a similar agenda for two reasons. As mentioned earlier, emissions targets have prompted everyone in the industry to pour billions over billions of dollars in BEVs and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Secondly, everyone and their dog want a Tesla because Elon Musk made eco-friendly vehicles cool with the help of Autopilot and neck-snapping performance.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mircea Panait
Mircea Panait profile photo

After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories