Though it’s only a prototype, its existence has us dreaming about the potential for production.
The internal combustion engine and manual transmission are becoming rarer these days, but a few manufacturers are committed to keeping them alive. Earlier this year, Toyota announced plans to develop a new lineup of turbocharged combustion engines, and now Lexus is reportedly testing them in two prototype vehicles that have us excited for what’s to come.
As revealed by the YouTube channel Toyota Times, journalists at a press event in Japan were able to ride in a 400-hp Lexus IS prototype equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, likely similar to the one found in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris. Additionally, a Toyota Hilux with a six-speed manual and a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing a claimed 300 horsepower was also being tested.
The real highlight, however, came when journalists spotted a new Lexus RC prototype featuring a 2.0-liter turbo engine that reportedly delivers 600 horsepower paired with a six-speed manual transmission, according to Lexus Enthusiast. Although the car is said to be in development for motorsports, the rarity of manual transmissions in racing makes us wonder if there’s potential for a production version. Given Toyota’s recent enthusiasm for manual gearboxes in its performance cars, it’s not far-fetched to imagine Lexus following suit. Even if this particular RC doesn’t hit the streets—since the model is quite dated—the fact that Toyota is testing a high-performance engine with a manual transmission is encouraging for enthusiasts.
Toyota’s new engine lineup, developed alongside Subaru and Mazda, includes three powerplants: a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter, a turbocharged 1.5-liter, and the turbocharged 2.0-liter. These engines reflect the brands’ ongoing investment in internal combustion technology. They are not only more compact and efficient than Toyota’s current engines but also appear to be significantly more power-dense.
Although we might not see these engines until 2027, Toyota is already generating buzz, with one engineer telling Karuma News that they aim to surpass the legendary performance and popularity of the 2JZ engine. That’s an ambitious goal, but based on what we’ve learned so far, Toyota and Lexus are taking the challenge seriously.
