This always pop out in my head, why not a v-12 car? I'm sure people would buy it. Like "LS-630" or something like that. Benz's and Bimmers have that, so why shouldn't we.

We are in the big leagues.

 

The option to install a V-12 is not economically viable for a Japanese automaker. In Japan, most cars (almost all) offer a V-6 as the primary engine size. The reason is because the Japanese government places a penalty on the Japanese automakers for each car they sell with an engine bigger than a V-6. So why don't the manufacturers just pass on the penalty to the consumer? They could, but that would increase the price to a level too absurd for the consuming public to absorb.

With low demand and high marginal costs, the profit margin would be negative long before any profit could be had. The risk itself is too overwhelming, especially when your tried and true stable of V-6's is getting the job done. Many Japanese automakers avoid the issue of putting in bigger engines by supplementing smaller ones with a turbo or a supercharger. The GS in Japan, known as the Toyota Aristo, has a turboed V-6 as its top of the line engine.

Because the yen is doing poorly against the dollar compared to the early 90's (currently 1000 yen to the dollar versus 2500 to the dollar in 1990), there is little incentive to invest so much capital to produce and sell anything larger than a V-8 to the American market (Lexus' largest moneymaker). So, they can probably continue to increase displacement, but you most likely won't see a V-12 anytime soon.

If anything, though, Toyota would offer one in their Rolls Royce-like Toyota Crown (not offered in US), rather than the Celsior (LS) or Aristo (GS).

 

If you want a bigger engine why not wish for the biggest one?

How does a W-16 light alloy engine sound? 1001 hp and 921 lb-ft of torque.

This is the engine thats going to be in Bugatti's supercar. Due in 2003.

The engine consists of two very narrow eight cylinder banks,four turbo chargers, 488 cubic inch, and will also be four wheel drive.

All information is located in Autoweek magazine March 12 , 2001.

 

BTW. The aristo is not a v6. Its InLine 6

 

Yeah I've heard about a year ago that the new LS would be LS500, with a 5.0 V12. Never came true but who knows. Newer Jap cars like Toyota 4000GT and new NSX will be V12s. maybe Japan needs more displacement-oriented cars now.

The Celsior is almost the most expensive Toyota car right now (If you don't count the 9.8 million yen Mega Cruiser), but there's the ORIGIN. If Toyota gets V12 it'll probably be on the Origin. Then the Celsior. Or maybe it won't be sold at the JDM anyways.

 

WhyUTry:
Thanks for the clarification.

________


I'd rather they increase HP and torque out of their current engines then put in a larger, more fuel inefficient engine. High gas prices suck.

 

I hope Lexus decides to offer a tuner version of the LS430. The current car is very nice but targeted at the Luxo driver only. They should do an S55 competitor. Sport suspension, 18" wheels and 350-400hp, If Infiniti can do it Lexus certainly can.

 

I think Lexus will squeeze a lot more horses out of their new 430 engine. Someone mentioned that they're just waiting for the competition to throw out some numbers. It should be fun to see...

 

I'd like to see a Lexus version of the Supra TT?

HOLY SMOKES....... I'd be smiling

C.

 

The new supra will not be a v12. It will be a v8 4.3 found in gs430. It may be twin turbo charged. Or it will be inline 6 like it is now.

 

I know the new Supra will be a V8. I'm talking about the 4000GT. It's a stand-alone model, not derived from the Supra or anything else. And the price range will be over 120,000 USD, to compete with the V12 NSX that will be priced at the same range.

Since the V12 on the NSX will be a street version of some Mugen-designed F1 engine, it's probably gonna be like a 3.0 or 3.4 liter V12 twin turbo engine. Not your typical Honda but oh well it wasn't before anyways.

Thanks for the clarifications though.

 

4000gt is the name for new supra. Just like supra mkiv is 3000gt in japan,

 

4000GT is a NEW and DIFFERENT model. the new Supra will be using the Altezza platform, whereas the 4000GT will use a new platform. 1SICKLEX brought up the turbo V8. They might use that or maybe go V12.

So, 4000GT is not the new supra and it will NOT be based on the Supra. Simply put, a new supercar from Japan to compete with the top italian dogs.

 

Well, Toyota has a 5L V-12 already1GZ-FE but it doesn't seem to generate much more horsepower... is it me or does it look like they plateau the 280HP @4000RPM rather suspiciously? Look at the torque compared to the Celsior 4.3 though, and it's a whole lot higher at lower RPMs. I'm guessing it's not that it's economically unviable, but that the world isn't ready to pay some sum up near the Y10M ($80k?) mark they want for the Toyota Century, even if they stuff the engine and tranny into an LS to reduce the price.