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Proper off the bat, it’s extremely unlikely that Toyota will shoehorn a V-8 engine into the brand new RAV4. The compact crossover was engineered with four-cylinder engines as the inspiration of its full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Doubling the cylinder rely in a automobile targeted on effectivity doesn’t make a lot sense. However that raises the query: why does the official video of the plug-in hybrid model clearly function an eight-cylinder engine?
The primary rationalization that involves thoughts is {that a} V-8 is extra recognizable to the typical client than different engine sorts. We suspect the V-12 from the second-generation Century would’ve served the identical illustrative objective, however the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter unit is outdated by now. Toyota discontinued its first and solely V-12 almost a decade in the past.
Assuming this isn’t what Toyota had in thoughts with the video explainer, the fanatic in us likes to assume it’s a refined means of teasing a brand new large-displacement engine. Quite a few stories recommend the upcoming LFR will function a twin-turbo V-8 for a road-legal supercar, twinned with Toyota’s future GT GR3 race automotive. Whereas not a direct successor to the LFA and its naturally aspirated V-10, a brand new efficiency mannequin powered by a V-8 could be a welcome break from the present sea of four-cylinder SUVs.
If Toyota and Lexus are certainly growing a brand new V-8, it’s unlikely they’d restrict its use to only one automobile. Excessive-end fashions just like the Crown, Century, and LS may additionally obtain this engine in a plug-in hybrid configuration, serving to unfold growth prices via economies of scale. Because the LFR will finally be a distinct segment product, integrating the engine into premium PHEVs would make financial sense. In spite of everything, Lexus not too long ago informed us the LS is sticking around.
That mentioned, we could be getting forward of ourselves. Toyota might play with viewer expectations by showcasing a V-8 to seize consideration. If that’s the case, it’s working. The positive print on the finish reads: “This video is ready for explaining the automobile features. The features proven could differ from these of the particular automobile. Operate names could differ relying on the area, automobile mannequin, and grade.”
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Supply: Toyota
First noticed by The Drive, the V-8 seems on the 0:12 mark in a virtually five-minute video. It’s price noting that though the footage options the RAV4, its title doesn’t point out the automobile by identify. As an alternative, it’s generically titled: “sixth Era 2.5L Plug-in Hybrid System.” From this, we will infer that the 2026 RAV4 introduces an upgraded PHEV setup coming to different fashions.
Throughout its 5 earlier generations, the favored crossover was primarily provided with four-cylinder fuel and diesel engines. Nonetheless, the third-gen mannequin bought between 2005 and 2016 obtained a bigger 3.5-liter V-6 in sure markets. It additionally acquired a purely electrical variant, very similar to the primary era.
Whereas we’re not getting too excited simply but about the opportunity of a brand new V-8, we’re nonetheless holding out hope for an enormous engine within the midst of this downsizing period. Toyota’s boss Koji Sato not too long ago mentioned, “A car is not a car if it’s not fun.” An enormous V-8 would definitely deliver pleasure and in addition please Chairman Akio Toyoda, who prefers “the smell of gasoline and a noisy engine.”