What Cars Have Yamaha Engines?
Origins of Yamaha’s Automotive Partnership
Yamaha Motor Company, renowned for its expertise in motorcycle and musical instrument manufacturing, has also
established a presence in the automotive industry through collaborations with various car manufacturers.
Yamaha’s automotive ventures commenced in the 1960s, primarily focusing on the production of engines for
sports cars. Over the years, Yamaha has supplied engines to a select group of automobile brands, leaving
an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.
Toyota 2000GT
One of the most iconic vehicles featuring a Yamaha engine is the Toyota 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, this
sleek and sporty grand tourer was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-6 engine developed in collaboration with
Yamaha. The engine, designated as the 3M, produced 150 horsepower and propelled the 2000GT to a top speed
of over 130 mph. The Toyota 2000GT’s production run was limited to just 351 units, making it a highly
collectible classic today.
Ford Taurus SHO
In the 1980s, Yamaha partnered with Ford to develop a high-performance version of the Taurus sedan. The
resulting vehicle, the Taurus SHO, was equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine designed and built by Yamaha.
This engine, known as the SHO V6, generated 220 horsepower and gave the Taurus SHO impressive acceleration
and handling capabilities. The Taurus SHO became a popular choice among enthusiasts and remained in
production until the early 2000s.
Volvo 850, S70, and V70
Yamaha’s collaboration with Volvo resulted in the development of the 2.5-liter inline-5 engine used in the
Volvo 850, S70, and V70 models from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s. This engine, designated as the
B5254S, was known for its smooth operation, excellent fuel efficiency, and impressive power output.
Yamaha’s involvement in the design and production of this engine helped enhance Volvo’s reputation for
building high-quality and reliable vehicles.
Mazda RX-8
One of the most unusual and innovative vehicles to feature a Yamaha engine is the Mazda RX-8. Introduced
in 2003, the RX-8 was powered by a unique 1.3-liter rotary engine developed by Mazda and Yamaha. This
engine, known as the Renesis, was characterized by its high-revving nature and distinctive exhaust note.
The Mazda RX-8 was a critically acclaimed sports car that offered an unforgettable driving experience, and
Yamaha’s involvement in the development of its engine played a significant role in its success.
Lexus LFA
Yamaha’s most recent automotive collaboration is with Lexus, resulting in the development of the LFA supercar.
Introduced in 2010, the LFA is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.8-liter V10 engine designed and built by
Yamaha. This engine, designated as the 1UR-GSE, produces over 550 horsepower and enables the LFA to
achieve breathtaking performance. The Lexus LFA is a true masterpiece of engineering that showcases Yamaha’s
exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to innovation.
Conclusion
Yamaha’s automotive partnerships have produced a legacy of high-performance and innovative vehicles that
have left an enduring mark on the industry. From the iconic Toyota 2000GT to the groundbreaking Lexus LFA,
Yamaha’s engines have powered some of the most memorable and desirable cars in automotive history. While
Yamaha’s involvement in the automotive sector may be limited compared to its motorcycle and musical
instrument divisions, its contributions have been significant and have helped shape the landscape of
performance and luxury cars.
