Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Gets Significant Upgrade Down Under

Along with the introduction of the all-new 2024Land Cruiser, Toyota also announced upgrades to the iconic Land Cruiser 70 Series. The 70 is not destined for the USA, so add it to thef的列表orbidden fruit. At least we can look across the pond to Australia to see what their ultimate off-roader is getting.

For the first time, the 70 Series will be sold with a four-cylinder powertrain, much like the Land Cruiser heading to the USA. But instead of replacing the equally iconic 4.5-liter V8 turbodiesel, the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel model will be sold alongside the older engine.

这似乎是一个奇怪的选择,考虑到权力difference between the two is negligible. The V8 produces 202 horsepower, while the four-cylinder has 201 hp. The difference in torque is more noticeable. Toyota's smaller turbodiesel produces 367 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm, 52 lb-ft more than the V8 can muster.

So why keep the old engine around? The answer is quite simple, actually. First, the V8 is only available with a five-speed manual gearbox, while the four-pot is available exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission.

For the first time ever, Toyota is adding some civility to the LC70. This is the most luxurious this agricultural model has ever been since Toyota split the Land Cruiser brand in two so it could compete as a workhorse and a luxury off-road rival to the Range Rover.

The second reason is to keep the peace. If you think Toyota's US fanbase is loyal, you haven't met the farmers in Australia and Africa. They will literally drive their LC70s through the ocean (they'll find a snorkel long enough) and deliver a full load of the stinkiest manure to Koji Sato's doorstep.