Here at PaintAccess, we’re excited to bring you the latest news in the car industry. If you’re a tradie currently browsing the car market and looking for a new car, you’ll want to pay attention. Making car news is the exciting revelation that a new Toyota LandCruiser, the first in 14 years, is making its way to the Australian market. Launched in Dubai and livestreamed to an international audience, the launch of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 series has been long anticipated. The new model is set to include a twin turbo diesel V6 instead of a V8. Although it hasn’t yet been announced, a Hybrid option is also likely to be released before 2025.
The model was unveiled at a live event in the Middle East, one of the dominating motor vehicle markets. Years of speculation about this model can finally be ended with the confirmation from Toyota that a twin-turbo diesel V6 will replace the twin-turbo diesel V8 - which had been powering the Landcruiser 200 Series since 2007.
The twin-turbo diesel V6 is big news because it’s Toyota’s first of a kind - with a capacity of 3.3 litres and an output of 227kW and 700Nm versus the outgoing twin-turbo diesel V8’s output of 200kW and 650Nm. Pretty impressive, right?
How’s the acceleration in this newest model? Well, the new 10-speed automatic system will be replacing the previous six-speed, a design change which is sure to boost acceleration and improve open-road fuel economy.
Another significant change is the decision to downsize to a V6. This decision matches with the global trend of smaller capacity engines in order to meet stricter emissions targets. Although these standards are less stringent than that of overseas, car companies have shifted to be more accommodating of trends in the global market.
Although there hasn’t yet been a mention of hybrid power, it is likely that the option could eventually make its way to Australia some time between now and 2025 close to the arrival of the LandCruiser-based Lexus LX.
Are you a V8 fan who is disappointed that Toyota’s newest model has switched to the V6? There’s good news, Toyota recently confirmed that the single-turbo V8 will remain in production for the time being for the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, though it too is expected to switch to TDV6 power eventually.
Newest features
The new model comes with a wide range of new features with an emphasis on clever design, safety and high performance, especially in a range of tricky off-road conditions.
Shape
Thanks to spy photos and leaks, the shape of the new model probably won’t come as too much of a surprise. Although the Toyota LandCruiser 300 follows the luxury SUV trend of the past couple of years with some noticeable differences. The front and rear of the car now feature LED lights, with a bolder grill and bonnet. Meanwhile, the new GR Sport spec has black lower body trim, wheels, wing mirrors and wheel arch linings.
Weight
The newest Toyota model is is about 100kg lighter than its predecessor. However, it remains roughly the same size as its 4990mm-long and 1980mm-wide predecessor. Despite its lighter and more rigid design, it will still maintain its 3500kg towing capacity. Although more lightweight than previous models, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 is stock full of great features.
Engine
Australians will be offered the 3.3L diesel which produces 227kW of power at 4000rpm and 700Nm of Torque over 1600-2600rpm.Toyota claims that the 3.3L V6 engine beats the V8 in both performance and flexibility. The lifting power of provides a 13 per cent uptick on Toyota’s previous generations. A new 3.5L Twin-turbo petrol V6 will be made available in the Middle East, but not Australia. A dedicated Multi-terrain select system allows the driver to choose between different off-road modes. The system also includes a Multi-Terrain monitor which uses the central display system to show otherwise obscured obstacles from the driver’s point of view.
Capability
The 300 series models ride on a new steel ladder frame named TNGA-F and underpinned with independent suspension and a four-link rear-end. According to Toyota, the new suspension structure is a “giant leap forward in 4WD performance” and makes the new model “the most capable LandCruiser ever”. The 300 model is not only lighter, but also brings better weight distribution and a lower centre of gravity - thanks to the aluminium roof and smaller repositioned V6 engines.
Fuel Consumption
Toyota has stated that the LandCruiser will bring lower fuel consumption and emissions, and more information about the nature of the fuel tanks is awaited.
Safety aids
The new model comes equipped with a full suite of safety features including radar cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind zone warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and speed sign recognition across all variants.
Electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system
Heralded as a world first by Toyota, this system improves off road performance, with a front camera which can effectively navigate tricky off-road terrain. The system is able to automatically judge the type of road surface and select the best driving mode from there. A notable change from the 200 series is the switch from hydraulic to electronic set-up, which allows for the vehicle’s sway bars to be disconnected, increasing wheel articulation off-road and improve on-road dynamics. Vehicles equipped with this system are able to achieve a longer suspension stroke by “effectively disabling the front and rear stabiliser bars”.
Technology
The newest Toyota model comes fully equipped with the latest technological features. Lane keeping, autonomous emergency braking, and day and night pedestrian detection are among the newest features to be introduced. Additionally, new anti-theft vehicle tracking technology is expected to be available through the Toyota Connected Services App.
Improved interior
Comfort and luxury are a big feature of the newest model. Improved seat comfort, larger central touch-screen system and a wifi enabled rear entertainment screen are just a few of the best features. Higher grade models will even include a larger screen, woodgrain trim, and a small in-car fridge. The new series is available with up to seven seats across three rows and is matched with plenty of soft-touch and leather-lined surfaces.
Pricing
The big question is - how much will the new model cost? Although the exact price won’t be announced until closer to the sale date, the price is due to increase $10,000-$15,000, according to Toyota. As for the 200 series, it is currently being sold at record prices. Since stocks for the 200 series are almost exhausted, owners of used vehicles have been seeking well above the manufacturer’s retail list price. There’s no doubt that the 300 series will be the most expensive LandCruiser to date, and so far its updated features seem well worth the price. To stay in the loop about the latest updates for the Toyota LandCruiser 300 series, check out Toyota’s website.
What makes the Toyota LandCruiser 300 stand out?
The new features on the Toyota LandCruiser speak for themselves, and is best described by Toyota themselves. Toyota Australia’s vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations, Sean Hanley, describes some of the improvements of the latest model. “In our quest to make LandCruiser tougher and more capable than ever, we have taken feedback from customers from around the world. This includes extensive input from Australian owners who have experience in some of the world’s harshest environments,” Hanley said. “The new LandCruiser range brings improved design and advanced new technologies that advance its performance in all conditions while enhancing its comfort, convenience and safety as a luxury vehicle”.
When will the Toyota LandCruiser 300 be released?
Now that we’ve talked about some of the great features of Toyota’s newest model, you’re probably wondering when you get your hands on it. The Toyota LandCruiser 300 is due to be released to the Australian market later this year. Although Toyota has not yet specified the exact release date, it’s safe to say that we’ll all be waiting with great anticipation.
