The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has been revealed as a completely reinvented SUV with an all-new platform for improved ability both on and off the road.
The car will become the new flagship of the Toyota SUV range, but will not be coming to the UK or Western Europe.
Customers will be able to choose from two brand new twin-turbo V6 engines; a 3.5-litre petrol and a 3.3-litre diesel, which the manufacturer says will deliver “class-leading performance and driveability superior to a conventional V8.”
A ten-speed automatic transmission will also be available, which Toyota says reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 10% compared to the previous-generation model.
New electronic 'kinetic dynamic' suspension has been fitted, mated with a multi-terrain select system, along with some additional assist systems, including pre-collision detection and a new parking support brake.
It is the first Land Cruiser model to make use of the new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. The Japanese company says the platform will improve performance both on and off road, with “new benefits in terms of body rigidity, strength and dynamic balance.”
Despite the new platform, the Land Cruiser 300 will maintain the same dimensions of the current model, including overall length, width, wheelbase and departure and approach angles, but is 200kg lighter than its predecessor.
Over ten million Land Cruisers have been sold across 170 countries, but the 300 will not make its way to Western Europe or the UK. It will go on sale in summer this year.
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Toyota's hideous Alphard MPV, much favoured in certain eastern countries, looks even more bizarre.
Nissan don't bring the Patrol to the UK for the same reason. There is simply no need to own such a vehicle in the UK. UK Commercial vehicle market dominated by 1 ton pick ups, no need for the heavy duty 4X4 capabilty a Patrol and Landcruiser brings. Some Landrover's have good off road credientials but the only reason why people buy the in the UK is for fashion...NO OTHER REASON. And in the UK the Patrol and Landcruier is seen as inferior to Landrover, every the market in the world where these cars are used as intended steer clear of Landrover products. Where would you need a proper off road vehicle other than farm, or mountain rescue in the UK....and these markets are now catered again by the 1 ton pick ups. Show me someone who has bought a new Defender/Discovery in the UK that has set it up for overlanding?
Really ugly looks, but I would still take it over any RR product around. Built in toughness and total reliability. second to none. Tested to destruction and then some I imagine.