Lexus Is Going All German With A 4.0-Litre, 592bhp Twin-Turbo V8

Lexus is developing a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to replace its normally-aspirated 5.0-litre unit, if whispers on the grapevine prove accurate.

The 5.0-litre noise-fest in the GS F is a defining feature in a sea of identikit turbocharged four-point-something-litre Germans, and it’s the reason the Lexus has come out on top in certain group tests. Copying the competition is a risky strategy, but since it’s not expected for a good few years at least, Lexus still has plenty of time to change its mind if it wants to.

Japan’s Best Car Web is reporting that this ‘direct injection twin-turbo with performance emphasis’ will be making its way into both the GS F and LC F coupe. It’s aim, apparently, is to get one over on the Nissan GT-R Nismo with a target output of 600 metric horsepower, or 592bhp. That would match the pinnacle GT-R for power, while up to 506lb ft of torque would beat the Nismo’s 481lb ft.

It would, in theory, allow for lower fuel consumption if you’re willing to drive it like a saint, although this is one of the fundamental problems of downsizing and turbocharging, to us: when you have boost, you can’t help using it and your fuel economy hits the floor. Anyway, we digress.

This seems to be a very plausible next step for a company that wants to take on – and beat – the establishment at their own game. You can also bet it’ll be comfortable and reliable, so maybe this future generation of Lexus metal will be the point where the brand, which has made impressive strides lately, finally breaks the German stranglehold on the super-saloon class.