Yamaha is developing a hydrogen-fueled 5.0-litre V8 engine for Toyota.
Following Toyota’s deployment of a hydrogen-combustion Corolla in Japan’s Super Taikyu race series, and the subsequent reveal of an identically powered GR Yaris prototype, the new hydrogen V8 has been detailed.
The new engine is based on the Lexus RC F sports coupé’s engine, with changes to the injectors, heads, intake manifold, and other components. Yamaha claims it produces 449bhp at 6800rpm and 398lb ft at 3600rpm, which are nearly identical to the RC F Track Edition’s figures.
Yamaha says it started working on a hydrogen car engine “about five years ago” and is collaborating with Kawasaki on a possible motorcycle application. The V8’s raucous engine note is one of Yamaha’s highlights, which can be preserved by adapting it to burn a different type of fuel. Toyota said the same thing about the hydrogen-fueled GR Yaris ‘H2’ prototype it unveiled last year, highlighting the technology’s potential in the sports car segment.
