What engine is Toyota using in NASCAR?

Toyota runs a TRD-built 5.86-liter (358 cu in) naturally aspirated pushrod V8 in the NASCAR Cup Series—commonly referred to as the Toyota TRD Camry V8—tuned to NASCAR’s current horsepower rules (about 670 hp at most tracks and 510 hp at superspeedways). In the Xfinity Series, Toyota teams also use TRD-built 358 cu in V8s, while most Toyota entries in the Craftsman Truck Series use the Ilmor “NT1” spec engine. Below is a closer look at how Toyota powers its NASCAR programs and how the rules shape those engines.

Toyota’s NASCAR Cup Series engine

In the top-tier Cup Series, Toyota’s powerplant follows NASCAR’s long-standing small-block formula: a high-revving, two-valve, pushrod V8 with electronic fuel injection. The engine is designed and developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) with manufacturing and preparation carried out in partnership with Joe Gibbs Racing’s engine group.

Core architecture and specifications

The following points summarize the major characteristics of Toyota’s Cup engine under the current “Next Gen” era rules introduced in 2022.

• Displacement: 358 cubic inches (5.86 liters)
• Configuration: 90-degree, pushrod (OHV) V8 with two valves per cylinder
• Induction and fueling: Naturally aspirated with NASCAR-mandated electronic fuel injection (McLaren Applied ECU and Holley fuel system components)
• Output: Typically ~670 hp at most ovals/road courses; ~510 hp at superspeedways via tapered spacer/restrictor packages
• Fuel: Sunoco Green E15
• Builder/support: Toyota Racing Development (TRD, U.S.A.) in collaboration with Joe Gibbs Racing Engine Development

Toyota’s Cup engine remains a bespoke racing V8 tailored to NASCAR’s spec, emphasizing durability, throttle response, and parity within tightly controlled rules rather than road-car lineage.

Where it fits in the “Next Gen” era

Although the 2022 Next Gen car overhauled the chassis, suspension, transaxle, and aero package, the engine architecture stayed true to NASCAR’s traditional 358 cu in, pushrod, naturally aspirated formula. Toyota updated cooling, calibration, and ancillary systems to integrate with the new car, while horsepower ceilings are managed by NASCAR through spacer packages to balance speeds and safety.

Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series

Toyota-supported teams in Xfinity also run 358 cu in pushrod V8s built and serviced by TRD/Joe Gibbs Racing’s engine program, configured to Xfinity-specific rules. While the series shares many fundamentals with Cup, technical details such as component specifications and power targets are set by NASCAR’s Xfinity rulebook and differ from the Cup package.

Toyota in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Most Toyota-aligned teams in the Truck Series compete with the Ilmor “NT1” spec engine, a sealed, cost-controlled unit eligible for all manufacturers. This approach prioritizes reliability and cost parity across the field, while OEMs differentiate primarily through chassis setup, aero, and team execution.

Ilmor NT1 at a glance

Here are the essentials of the Truck Series’ commonly used spec engine that powers most Toyota teams:

• Type: Ilmor NT1 sealed spec V8
• Displacement: Approximately 6.5 liters (commonly referred to as “396” cu in)
• Valve train: Pushrod, two valves per cylinder
• Purpose: Cost containment and parity across Toyota, Chevrolet, and Ford entries

The NT1’s widespread adoption has standardized engine performance in the Truck Series, shifting competitive focus to setup, strategy, and driver skill.

Recent developments and context

Toyota’s engine program continues to evolve within NASCAR’s regulatory framework. The debut of the Next Gen Cup car in 2022 did not fundamentally change Toyota’s engine architecture but aligned the powerplant with new vehicle systems and durability targets. For 2024, Toyota introduced the Camry XSE body in Cup, while maintaining the same core TRD V8 package under the hood. Horsepower limits remain NASCAR-controlled and subject to event-specific rules updates.

Bottom line

In NASCAR Cup, Toyota uses a TRD-engineered 358 cu in pushrod V8 with EFI, tuned to NASCAR’s current power caps; in Xfinity, Toyota teams run TRD-built 358s to that series’ rules; and in Trucks, Toyota teams predominantly use the Ilmor NT1 spec engine. The combination reflects NASCAR’s mix of manufacturer identity at the top level and cost-controlled parity where applicable.