Toyota has unveiled the next-generation LandCruiser – the first in 14 years for the venerable 4WD icon.

Perhaps most notable among the many changes is that the LandCruiser will no longer be available with a V8 engine.However, a newly developed 3.3-litre, twin-turbo V6 diesel will debut in the new model delivering more power and torque than the V8 it replaces. Power output is up to 227kW (+13.5 per cent) and torque is up to 700Nm (+7.7 per cent).

Toyota says it achieves noticeably lower fuel consumption and emissions, supported by a newly developed 10-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission.

It has been reported that a 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine with 305kW and 650Nm will be available in overseas markets but won’t be in Australia. Rumour suggest that a hybrid version will head this way sometime in the near future.

The new-generation range is built on a new TNGA-F platform while maintaining a frame structure. Newly available is an electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (e-KDSS) which delivers on off-road performance through a larger suspension stroke achieved by effectively disabling the front and rear stabiliser bars.

Other firsts for a Toyota vehicle include a new Multi-Terrain Monitor that displays obstacles as viewed from the driver’s viewpoint, and the adoption of a Multi-Terrain Select function that automatically judges the road surface and selects the best driving mode.

The latest Toyota Safety Sense active safety package for LandCruiser incorporates a pre-collision system that helps avoid a collision or reduce damage by detecting pedestrians (daytime and night-time) and cyclists (daytime).

It can also detect oncoming vehicles at intersections and pedestrians crossing the street when the vehicle is turning.

An emergency steering and crash-avoidance function, which assists with steering and lane-keeping, is triggered when the driver performs a steering manoeuvre to avoid a collision.

The new 300 Series will include a GR Sport version – a sportier-looking model compared to the new upmarket styling of the regular variant.

The new LandCruiser 300 Series is expected in showrooms in the final quarter of this year.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (July 2021) 

19 July 2021