Toyota to replace V8 petrol engines with new twin-turbo V6 set for Land Cruiser 300 Series 2021: report

According to a fresh report, Toyota will phase out its V8 petrol engines over the next three years, replacing them with a new twin-turbo V6.

Citing a source familiar with Toyota’s American manufacturing operations, The Drive claims the UR-series naturally aspirated V8 petrol engines will superseded by a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 from the GR series.

If this new unit sounds familiar, it’s because CarsGuide has previously reported it’s set to be one of global engine options for the incoming LandCruiser 300 Series.

However, this unit was expected to be the same one that’s under the bonnet of the current-generation Lexus LS500, which is from the Dynamic Force engine series, but The Drive has indicated that won’t be the case as it will instead be a new member of the GR series.

The Drive also claims the new unit will also eventually do service in the full-size Tundra pick-up and Sequoia SUV, both of which aren’t currently sold in Australia, although Toyota has previously expressed interest in offering the former here in next-generation form.

For reference, the UR-Series petrol V8 engine has been available in three sizes since its 2006 introduction: 4.6 litres (including the Australian-market LandCruiser 200 Series), 5.0 litres (including the Lexus IS F, GS F, RC F and LC500) and 5.7 litres (including the Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX570).

While Toyota is moving away from V8 petrol engines, its premium brand, Lexus is not, with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo unit currently in development and expected to be used by the rumoured LC F and LQ as well as the next-generation LX, as per a previous CarsGuide report.