Yes, Japanese manufacturers built V8-powered cars, and the clearest documented examples come from Toyota and its Lexus luxury division. They appeared mostly in luxury sedans, performance coupes, a hybrid flagship, a chauffeur-driven limousine and a full-size off-road vehicle. This article covers nine nameplates rather than ten. We could not verify a tenth model to the same standard, so rather than pad the list with an uncertain car, we stop at nine.
“Japanese cars” can mean two different things, and the distinction matters here. Japanese-brand vehicles can be built anywhere, while Japanese-market vehicles are sold in Japan under domestic specifications. The figures below come from Toyota’s Japanese launch announcements, so they describe Japanese-market versions unless stated otherwise.
Scope and how to read these entries
- Historical, not current. Every source is a launch or model-change announcement from 1991 to 2021. None of them confirms whether a V8 is offered today, so do not treat this list as a buying guide.
- Specifications are market-specific. Engine output, fuel economy and equipment vary by market, grade and model year. Each entry names the market and year its figures refer to.
- A nameplate is not an engine. Crown, Century, Land Cruiser and the Lexus LS all sold with several powertrains over time. Only some versions carried a V8, so the generation or grade is what counts.
The nine models at a glance
| Model | Market and year (per source) | V8 engine | Drivetrain and transmission | Output as stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexus LS 460 | Japan, 2006 launch | 4.6 L 1UR-FSE | Not stated in source | 283 kW (385 PS), 500 N·m |
| Lexus IS F | Japan, 2007 launch | 5.0 L 2UR-GSE | Front engine, rear-wheel drive; eight-speed automatic | 311 kW (423 PS), 505 N·m |
| Lexus GS 430 | Japan, 2005 lineup | 4.3 L 3UZ-FE | Front engine, rear-wheel drive; six-speed automatic | Not stated in source |
| Lexus SC 430 | Japan, 2005 lineup | 4.3 L 3UZ-FE | Front engine, rear-wheel drive; transmission not stated | Not stated in source |
| Lexus RC F | Japan, 2014 launch | 5.0 L V8 with D-4S injection and Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE | Not stated in source | Not stated in source |
| Lexus LS 600h / LS 600hL | Japan, 2007 launch | 5.0 L V8 plus high-output motor (hybrid) | Full-time all-wheel drive | 327 kW (445 PS) combined system output |
| Toyota Crown Majesta | Japan, 1991 model change | 4.0 L 1UZ-FE | Not stated in source | Not stated in source |
| Toyota Century | Japan; V8 generations only | Original 3.0 L V8; later 5.0 L V8 hybrid | Not stated in source | Not stated in source |
| Toyota Land Cruiser (earlier generation) | Japan lineage entry | 4.6 L V8 (front engine, rear-wheel drive); 4.3 L V8 (4WD) | As described | Not stated in source |
Lexus performance and luxury models
Lexus LS 460 (2006, Japan)
The LS 460 launched in Japan in 2006 with a 4.6-liter 1UR-FSE V8 rated at 283 kW (385 PS) and 500 N·m, according to Toyota’s launch announcement. Its fuel figure of 9.1 km/L comes from the Japanese 10-15 test cycle. That is a period-specific laboratory measure, not a modern rating or a real-world result, so it cannot be compared with current US or European figures.
Lexus IS F (2007, Japan)
The IS F paired a 5.0-liter 2UR-GSE V8 with front-engine, rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. Toyota’s launch announcement gives 311 kW (423 PS) and 505 N·m. The same announcement refers to a speed limiter specific to the Japanese market, so that detail should not be read as a general feature of the car.
#1 Best Overall
- High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
- Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
- Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
- Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.
Lexus GS 430 (2005 lineup, Japan)
The GS 430 used a 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8 with front-engine, rear-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, as listed in the 2005 Japan lineup announcement. The same lineup also included V6 GS versions, so the V8 claim applies only to the 430 grade.
Lexus SC 430 (2005 lineup, Japan)
The SC 430 shared the 4.3-liter 3UZ-FE V8 and front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout in the same 2005 Japanese lineup. The source does not confirm the transmission, and we do not assume that SC versions in other markets had identical specifications.
Rank #2
- Compatibility With-Radiator Compatible with: 2003-2009 Lexus GX470 2003-2009 4Runner 4.7L V8 2690. Please confirm the compatible vehicles before ordering, thank you
- Replacement OEM Part Number: 1640050300, TO3010275.
- DIRECT FIT & HIGH EFFICIENCY: OE standard for easy installation; Our complete radiator is built with high density multi-louvered fins for maximum cooling efficiency, ensuring durability in extreme hot/cold weather
- LEAKPROOF MATERIAL: All products are subjected to leak tests, as the high-grade plastic tank & aluminum core are used in our radiators, which help ensure radiators' longevity
- PACKAGE INCLUDED: Comes with 1x New Complete Radiator and 1x User Manual. NOTE: RADIATOR CAP NOT INCLUDED. Professional installation would be highly recommended
Lexus RC F (2014, Japan)
The RC F is the most recent Lexus V8 in this list. Toyota describes a 5.0-liter V8 using D-4S fuel injection and Dual VVT-i with VVT-iE in its 2014 launch release. It is a high-performance coupe, distinct from the ordinary RC grades that used other engines. The release does not give the output figures in the material we reviewed, so none are quoted here.
Lexus LS 600h and LS 600hL (2007, Japan)
The LS 600h is the one hybrid on this list. Its 5.0-liter V8 is only one part of the system: a high-output motor works alongside it, and the car uses full-time all-wheel drive. Toyota’s 2007 launch announcement lists 327 kW (445 PS) of combined system output and a 0–100 km/h time of 5.5 seconds, based on Toyota’s own measurement. Toyota’s launch text puts it this way:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- High-quality toy car: Package size: 8.6×3.7×2.9 in. package weight: 1.3 pounds. Suitable for playing.
- Exquisite design: Four doors can be opened. The hood and Tailgate can also be opened. Made of zinc alloy, plastic and electronics. Safe material. This model car has detailed interior and exterior. Wheels simulates shock absorption.
- Cool light and sound: Press the front of the car to trigger sounds and lights. Press steering wheel to trigger horn sound.
- Pull back model car: Place the toy car on the ground, hold down its body and pull it back, it will drive forward. Very interesting.
- Awesome Gift: It is an ideal gift toy model car for children, also great to use for collection and decoration.
“The newly developed 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine and the high-output motor allow the vehicles to achieve acceleration on par with that of a conventional 6-liter vehicle and outstanding environmental performance that places them at the top of their class* worldwide.” (Toyota Motor Corporation, LS 600h/LS 600hL launch announcement, 2007)
The phrases “top of their class” and “on par with” are Toyota’s promotional wording, not an independent test result.
Rank #4
- High-Quality Materials:The Toyota Land Cruiser die-cast car is made of zinc alloy,plastic parts and rubber tires,making it safe for children to play with.It features detailed interior and exterior trim, and is very sturdy.
- Function:No batteries are required, but the vehicle has a powerful pull back feature. Simply pull it back, then release your hand, and the car will go for a long distance. The doors may be opened to view the whole inside of the vehicle. So appealing to children and collectors alike.
- Size:1/36 scale vehicle model with beautiful English packaging,ideal for toddlers to play with and carry. Car collectors will appreciate the perfect small size, which allows them to collect a complete set of cars without taking up too much space.
- Grow From Play:Help children learn more about car ,expand their knowledge ,increase the hand-eye coordination and the reaction speed of the children in the play.
- Ideal Christmas Festival Gift:All of TOKAXI die-cast model cars are attractively packaged in English, making them the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Children's Day, New Year gift for kids, party favors, home decorations, or travel toys for boys and girls.gifts for boys girls.
Toyota models: Crown Majesta, Century and Land Cruiser
Toyota Crown Majesta (1991, Japan)
The Crown Majesta is the Crown variant that carried a 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8, according to Toyota’s 1991 full model change announcement for the Crown series. The regular Crown hardtop in that lineup used other engines. Refer to it as the Crown Majesta, not the Crown, when discussing the V8.
Toyota Century (Japan, V8 generations only)
The Century is a chauffeur-driven luxury car, and it has not always had a V8. Toyota’s history of the Century describes an original 3.0-liter V8, a later 5.0-liter V12 that Toyota identifies as Japan’s first passenger-car V12, and a later 5.0-liter V8 hybrid engine. Specify the generation when you mention a Century V8; not every Century had one.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Compatible with (2001-2003 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 4.7L V8 Models)
- Compatible with (2000-2003 TOYOTA TUNDRA 4.7L V8 Models)
- Easy to install with simple tools
Toyota Land Cruiser (earlier generation)
Toyota’s Land Cruiser lineage entry separates two V8 versions: a 4.6-liter V8 in a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive model, and a 4.3-liter V8 in the 4WD model it describes. Toyota’s 2021 announcement of the new-generation Land Cruiser states that the later model used twin-turbo V6 gasoline and diesel engines. The V8 therefore applies only to the earlier generation, and the lineage entry should be read by model and drivetrain.
Quick Recap
Reading V8 specifications correctly
- Compare output on the same basis. The LS 600h’s 445 PS is combined system output from a hybrid. The LS 460 and IS F figures are engine output, so they cannot be ranked against each other.
- Units differ. Toyota’s Japanese announcements use kW and PS. A PS figure is not the same as US horsepower, so convert before comparing with American listings.
- Fuel economy is period-specific. The LS 460’s 9.1 km/L is a Japanese 10-15 cycle figure from 2006 and should not be read as a real-world number.
- Check the generation, not the badge. A Century, Crown or Land Cruiser name alone does not tell you the engine.
///INVALID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
