The Toyota Land Cruiser 300 has finally made its international debut, with the Japanese car manufacturer’s flagship SUV ushering in a new design direction for Toyota and featuring all-new petrol and diesel engines.
The successor to the Land Cruiser 200, the 300-series’ distinctive profile features a rectangular theme. For maximum visual impact, the 300’s prominent front grille incorporates large horizontal slats which, depending on the model, feature either black or chrome accents. The U-shaped radiator openings up front, Toyota says, form an integral part of the design and add to the 300’s “strong” appearance. The trapezoidal rear lamps, meanwhile, “enhance the athletic look”.
Under the bonnet, Toyota has introduced two all-new engine options: a 3,5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol and 3,3-litre turbocharged V6 diesel. According to Toyota, both engines feature the latest technology and promise excellent performance and exemplary refinement.
Borrowed from the Lexus LS500, the 3,5-litre V6 petrol engine produces 305 kW and 650 N.m. “Poised to deliver even greater levels of performance and efficiency,” the 3,3-litre V6 diesel engine produces 227 KW and 700 N.m (32 kW and 50 N.m up from the Land Cruiser 200’s 4,5-litre turbodiesel V8). Both engine options are linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which includes low range.
The Land Cruiser 300 adopts a new version of Toyota’s New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform. By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, Toyota says the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while being “significantly” lighter than its predecessor.
Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) has confirmed the Land Cruiser 300 is scheduled to make its way to South Africa come August 2021. In South Africa, the Land Cruiser 300 will be offered with the choice of three trim levels: utility-minded GX-R; urban-focused ZX, which replaces VX-R, and off-road-biased GR Sport grade.
