While we like to consider ourselves experts on all things Toyota, the truth is that we don't know everything. Occasionally we get thrown through a loop and something catches us by surprise. Like, a slew of electric car news and alternative fuel source pledges, and then a sudden plans leak revealing a turbo-charged V8 engine that Toyota's been working on since 2019.
Yeah, quite the surprise. While we feel slightly betrayed not knowing the specifics beforehand, we have some info now that we think you'll love to hear! Follow along with us at Toyota of Clermont while we comb through the latest news on this new engine. Let's go!
Stay On Your Toes with Toyota
Like we said, the last thing we expected from Toyota, given its recent news announcements, was a headline about development of a V8 engine. Many internet sleuths and speculators jumped to the conclusion that the engine is destined for the new Clermont Toyota Tundra. Before you jump to the same conclusion, here are some points to consider.
The V8 Engine Could be Put in a Lexus
It's easy to think that Toyota is all about, well, Toyota. But, you can't forget their luxury brand, Lexus, when it comes to new technology coming down the pike. After all, Toyota has used and continues to use Lexus as a testing brand for a lot of new technology (including autonomous vehicle software). The Clermont V8 engine they're developing (or could be developing) is what's called a Hot-V. This means it's a turbo-charged V8 engine that's usually featured in higher-end luxury cars, like a Porsche, Aston Martin, and so on.
Lexus currently has a performance flagship wave of models, called the Lexus F line, that uses a 5.0L V8 engine for most of its Clermont Toyota vehicles. With this in mind, it makes sense that Toyota would put this engine in one of, if not all of, these vehicles.
It Could Come to the Tundra
While this scenario makes sense if you take Lexus out of the equation or keep it in a vacuum, it doesn't really make sense otherwise. Think about it. Toyota recently released a press brief detailing the bZ4X EV coming soon and within that release came info about the Toyota truck lineup. It very clearly stated that electrification was coming to the Clermont Toyota trucks. In what capacity, we're not sure. But it definitely wouldn't make sense to pair a turbo-charged V8 engine with a hybrid drivetrain or plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
It Could Come to the Land Cruiser
With Toyota venturing closer and closer to electrifying its entire lineup (a promise it made some time ago), it seems odd that they would choose the Clermont Land Cruiser as a home for this new V8 engine. Granted, the Land Cruiser is being shelved in North America so this engine could be featured on an international version of the model, but this hasn't been typically done. Foreign Land Cruisers are often built for off-roading agility and modest power, not how they are here in Clermont.
However, some spy photos have recently surfaced containing what looks like a new Land Cruiser and the timing would be right with when these plans were filed and the possible release of a new model.
This engine could end up in a number of places or nowhere at all. Only time will tell!
Ready to shop with us? Visit Toyota of Clermont today at 16851 State Road 50!
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