The Land Cruiser appears to have lost some muscle, but certainly not the Legendary status.
After an extensive, unofficial “spy shot” campaign, Toyota has finally revealed the J300 series Land Cruiser, expected to go on sale in a couple of months depending on the market. Besides a new design, the J300 Land Cruiser boasts a new platform, new twin-turbo V6 engines, new 10-speed automatic transmission and a new suspension system.
The new model has gotten a little boxier as if its predecessor already wasn’t. The designers have ironed out whatever little curves the Land Cruiser had and as a result, it just feels like the vehicle has lost some muscle, especially when viewed from certain angles. What it has not lost, however, are the intimidating looks on the front fascia, thanks to a massive grille flanked by J-shaped running light signatures — which ensure that the car or whatever in front of you, gives way the moment they notice you in their mirrors.
The new Land Cruiser sits on a new GA-F body-on-frame platform, which is claimed to enable exceptional off-roading capability while offering rigidity, strength, dynamic balance, and improved on-road performance. Toyota claims the new model is 200 kg (441 lbs) lighter than its predecessor, not that it matters for everyone, but you know, might help with fuel economy. Thanks to the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), the Land Cruiser 300 can always keep its tyres on the ground. Also, the new Land Cruiser is the first Toyota to get a Multi-Terrain Monitor which gives the driver a real-time view of the surface beneath — something we saw in the Evoque a few years ago.
The cabin looks super spacious and is loaded with all the technology and creature comforts you might expect from an SUV of this class. A wide 12.3-inch central touchscreen is available as an option. Toyota said that it has enhanced the active safety systems with the second generation Toyota Safety Sense suite. The Pre-Collision System can now detect pedestrians (day and night) and bicycle riders (daytime) in the car’s path. Also included is the Parking Support Brake which can recognize obstacles (including pedestrians) at the front and back of the car.
Depending on the market, the new Land Cruiser will offer newly developed twin-turbo V6 engines, paired with a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Petrol buyers will get a 3.5L V6 with 305 kW (415 metric hp) and 650 Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque, and for those who want a diesel, there’s a 3.3L V6 with 227 kW (309 metric hp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.
Check out more photos here.
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