- Toyota is testing a Lexus RC coupe with a 592 hp version of Toyota’s new 2.0-liter inline four and a six-speed manual transmission.
- Engineers say the secret coupe is a motorsports project, but it hints at the potential of the new engine.
- An IS sedan is also being tested with a 400 hp version of the engine mated to an eight-speed auto.
We know that Toyota is working on a new V8-powered super-coupe for road and race applications, but it seems that’s not the only hot rod the automaker’s R&D team has up its sleeve. Engineers are also testing a Lexus RC coupe with a 592 hp (600 PS) version of Toyota’s new 2.0-liter inline four backed by a six-speed manual transmission.
As reported by the Lexus Enthusiast, the secret RC coupe was uncovered by a journalist from Japan’s Best Car who was being given a demo of an IS sedan equipped with a 395 hp (400 PS) variant of the same engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Related: Toyota’s New 2.0-Liter Turbo Rumored To Pack Nearly 600HP
Although an engineer claimed the RC was only a motorsports project, it seems plausible that Lexus might fit the new engine to a production coupe – though since the RC dates back to 2014 there’s no way the new engine will make its debut in the current car.
And whether that manual transmission makes it to market remains to be seen. Lexus is hardly known for building stick-shift cars, though it has also been testing a simulated manual transmission system for EVs, so maybe there’s hope.
The 2.0-liter engine – which another engineer said he hoped would become more famous than Toyota’s mighty 2JZ inline six – is part of a family of 1.5 and 2.0 inline four powertrains that will be used across the Toyota and Lexus lineups. Each will be optimized for hybrid or PHEV assistance and compatible with alternative fuels, which could give them a chance of living on after traditional ICE engines have been outlawed.
In addition to the 395 hp-tune four, which you can see and hear in action in the video below from Toyota Times, a 296 hp (300 PS) version will also be available, meaning Toyota has a great choice of powertrains ready to go for the upcoming MR2 and Celica reboots.
Note: the prototype RC pictured at the top of the page is not the car seen by Japanese journalists, we’ve just used the image for illustrative purposes.