The Toyota GR GT and Lexus LFA Successor Could Share this Hybrid V8

Toyota’s new hybrid V8 powertrain has been all but confirmed at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, expected to feature in both the incoming GR GT supercar as well as the eventual production version of the Lexus Sport Concept. 

The new engine is reportedly related to the G20E 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, first showcased in the mid-engined Toyota GR Yaris M Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January.  

A V8 has been understood to be the chosen engine in the GR GT for some time now. Early testing footage of the GT3 race-going version revealed an eight-cylinder soundtrack, while the road car’s public appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this year seemed to reveal a V8 engine's use in the road car as well. 

Its engine note was teased again in Toyota’s livestream earlier this month. 

The road car engine is expected to be twin-turbocharged, four litres in displacement, and paired with a hybrid system (although, crucially, not a plug-in hybrid system).

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Widely expected to be badged as the Lexus LFR, it was also hinted at the Japan Mobility Show that the same engine may be used in the eventual road-going version of the Lexus Sport Concept, albeit with a different tune. 

Speaking to CarExpert, President of Toyota’s Powertrain Company, Takashi Uehara, hinted at the possibility of two different versions of the V8 for the GR GT and Sport Concept, respectively. 

“So maybe we could have a V8 with a more gentle [character] or we could have a more muscular, heavy-duty version,” said Uehara. 

Further details on the new V8 powertrain are expected to be revealed closer to the GR GT’s official reveal.