End of an Era for the Tried and True Toyota/Lexus V8
RIP to Toyota's beloved V8, but there may be a glimmer of hope thanks to Lexus.
Toyota/Lexus V8 end is Nigh
Of all the auto giants, Toyota has held out longer than most when it comes to downsizing powerplants in favor of turbocharging and electrification (excluding the hybrids already in its lineup). However, sources say the automaker will begin phasing out its current UR-series V8s over the next three years. This is a stark reminder that the beginning of the end of the V8 era is approaching, fast.
U-Series Origins
Toyota launched its first U-series V8 in 1989, beginning with the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE. Originally found in the Lexus LS 400, the motor was good for 250 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This gave way to the subsequent 4.7-liter 2UZ-FE and 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE motors. The UZ-series was eventually replaced by the current UR-series motors.
Current Lineup
The 3UR-FE 5.7-liter V8 is found in Toyota's Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser. Lexus uses the same 5.7-liter V8 in its LX 570; the 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 is found in the RC-F and LC 500, and 1UR-FE 4.6-liter V8 in the GX 460. Across the globe, the Japan-only, highly exclusive, highly coveted, Toyota Century uses the previous-generation Lexus LS 600h 2UR-FSE hybrid motor. The 2UR-FSE features D4-S gasoline direct injection, Dual VVT-i, and VVT-iE bringing total power-output to approximately 425-horsepower.
No Replacement for Displacement
In a move that shouldn't surprise anyone in today's climate, Toyota is moving towards replacing its line of V8 motors with a version of its 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 found in the Lexus LS 500. Both of Toyota's V8 building plants in Huntsville, Alabama, and Tahara, Japan are expected to wind down their V8 mass-production over the next three years. Previously leaked product plans from Toyota suggest this new turbo V6 may be electrified too.
All Hope is not Lost
While mass production of the ubiquitous V8 will wither, our love will remain fierce. There does seem to be a bright side to all this; the previously leaked product plans from Toyota/Lexus suggest the future 2022 Lexus LC F will receive a 620-horsepower, twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V8. We can only hope and dream at this point the 4.0-liter motor will somehow find its way into other Lexus models, if only as an option.
What's Next?
To recap, V8 motors will be phased out of Toyota's lineup - save for the Toyota Century. The upcoming 2022 Lexus LC F is expected to receive a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. With this in mind, sources suggest "Lexus will no longer offer any V8 engines for less than $90,000". This statement leaves the 4.0-liter future rather open-ended. Perhaps this motor will find its way into other Lexus flagship models assuming us consumers are still calling for it.
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