Lexus' New Twin-Turbo V8 Debut On Hold For Now

Plans Gone Awry

We've been talking about Lexus' brand new twin-turbo V8 for literally years now after multiple rumors actually turned out to be true when the automaker confirmed the engine's existence late last year. The plan was to test this new powerplant at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring, which is currently scheduled to take place on September 24-27. However, the Toyota Gazoo Racing team has already nixed its plans to attend.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

Wring It Out

The new mill now powers TGR's Lexus LC racer, a car that's experienced quite a bit of success since it made its motorsports debut a couple of years ago. It's a great test bed for the new twin-turbo V8, and wringing it out at an endurance race was a also great opportunity for Lexus to discover any weak points ahead of making a production version.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

Breaking a Streak

Unfortunately, travel restrictions in place because of the coronavirus have made it virtually impossible for engineers to properly test the LC and its new engine. This will mark the first time Lexus will miss the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race since 2007, which was its first time at the event. Since then, Lexus has regularly used the race as a way to test its future cars and components.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

Coming Soon(ish)

This delay will ultimately also delay the new twin-turbo V8's arrival in road cars, which Lexus previously confirmed will happen at some point in the future. The automaker wouldn't say, however, which production vehicles it will be available in. Most expect it to debut in the LC F, a car that's also been rumored to exist for years.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

Scant Details

Details about the engine itself are also quite scant. But most rumors suggest that it'll displace 4.0-liters, as it'll be derived from a pair of 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder engines angled at 90 degrees with a common crank. 

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

Step Up

The new twin-turbo V8 is likely going to replace the existing, long-running 5.0-liter V8 that has been in so many different Lexus vehicles over the years. At least in LC F form, the 4.0 is expected to deliver over 600 horsepower, which is a step up from the current 5.0's 471 horsepower.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

Waiting Game

Unfortunately, there's no telling how long we'll have to wait to finally see the new engine performing out on the track or under the hood of a new production vehicle. All we know for now is that Toyota Gazoo Racing has vowed to be back at the Nurburgring in 2021. Hopefully, we'll see some movement before then.

Photos: Toyota Gazoo Racing

>>Join the conversation about the new Twin Turbo V8 powerplant on hold right here in the forum.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair project, please visit our how-to section in the forum.