Toyota has unveiled a twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, signaling to the world that the company is moving forward into the future while maintaining its performance DNA. Here, we have shared everything you need to know about this hybrid engine.
This engine combines Toyota’s traditional strengths—the raw power and depth of a V8—with modern hybrid technology. It’s clear that the company doesn’t want to limit itself to EVs in the future but rather wants to advance with both traditional performance and environmental balance.
The sole purpose of this engine is not only to showcase hybrid power but also to show that it can be exciting. Toyota hasn’t showcased it in any vehicle but has shared it with the world in a different powertrain display. According to the powertrain chief, it is part of a modular engine family, which aims to build different engine sizes on a single architecture.
Combining Power and Technology
This new engine from Toyota is based on a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 configuration, with the addition of a self-charging hybrid system. It improves engine torque delivery and throttle response.
The aim is to give drivers the same “roaring” feel of a traditional V8, but with improved control, smoothness, and environmental efficiency. According to the company, this engine is purely performance oriented; the hybrid part is not for mileage but to further improve the driving dynamics.
Modular Engine Strategy
Toyota’s new strategy is based on modular design, which allows the company to develop different engines using a common architecture. It provides two benefits: cost savings and faster production.
The company’s powertrain chief says this engine family will cover “gentle to muscular versions.” It means the engine could offer a smooth and economical version for regular cars, as well as a high-output version for cars like the GR or Lexus F-Performance.
Toyota and Lexus Diverge in Direction
Both Toyota and Lexus are going to use this engine, but their purposes are completely different from each other:
- Toyota Gazoo Racing (GR) division will use this engine with more aggressive tuning to give racing and sports car enthusiasts the experience of “raw performance.
- Lexus will use this engine in luxury performance models, where the emphasis will be on smoothness, comfort, and refined power delivery.
Basically, these things reflect the company’s brand philosophy. Lexus wants to provide luxury and comfort to its customers, while Toyota’s GR division wants drivers to feel the engine’s pulsation.
Future Performance Cars
Till now the Toyota has not showcased this engine in any prototype or production car, but according to media sources, we can first see it in the flagship performance car, which is expected to be ‘Toyota GR GT,’ although there is no official confirmation in this regard.
It’s possible that Lexus could introduce this engine in a sports coupe or sedan concept. It remains to be seen how both brands utilize this engine and what their upcoming cars will look like and how they will perform.
Driving Heritage and Environmental Commitment
We all know that Toyota has always been known for driver-centric engineering, so the twin-turbo hybrid V8 engine is a unique step. Through this, the company wants to prove that hybrid can be about more than just mileage but also performance.
The world’s leading automakers like Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Mercedes-AMG have already moved towards hybrid powertrains, and now Toyota is also taking a step in this direction to remind the world that the Japanese are no less when it comes to engineering performance.
