A high-ranking Toyota executive in Australia has promised the replacement for the Land Cruiser 200 will boast “enhanced capabilities” regardless of its engine’s cylinder count.
Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing boss, told CarsGuide.com.au the Land Cruiser “is a deeply important car to our brand”.
“I’m immensely proud that Land Cruiser has established a track record of continuing to improve its torque, its power, its towing and, of course, its off-road abilities. That what’s Land Cruiser stands for.
“And I can assure you that any new-generation model will have the enhanced capabilities, and I am more than confident it will strengthen Land Cruiser’s legend status,” he said.
Toyota is widely expected to ditch the 243 kW/460 N.m 4,6-litre V8 petrol engine employed by the outgoing model in some markets as well as the 4,5-litre V8 turbodiesel that generates 195 kW and 650 N.m here in South Africa. Earlier reports suggested the Land Cruiser 300 would be offered with the choice of a “high-torque” six-cylinder turbodiesel and a pair of 3,5-litre V6 petrol units.
“The Land Cruiser needs to be capable. It needs to be able to perform, drive, tow, as expected of a Land Cruiser,” Hanley said, without commenting directly on possible powertrain options.
“It’s clear that the number of cylinders and cubic capacity are not the only things that determine the powertrain performance.
“The powertrain of any future Land Cruiser will be built to deliver. It will deliver on power, torque, towing and off- and on-road capabilities. And I am supremely confident that whatever we do, it will continue to remain a very capable vehicle all round,” he added.
While an official reveal date has yet to be confirmed, the replacement for the Land Cruiser 200 is expected to break cover in 2021.
