So finally after a never-ending series of spy images and speculative renderings, the all new Toyota Land Cruiser J300 has made its debut which came as a replacement of the J200 series after a period of almost 14 years.
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Built on the GA-F iteration of the latest TNGA modular platform, the Land Cruiser J300 continues to ride on the ladder-frame chassis and although the exterior design may look similar to the preceding J200 model, the performance, powertrain as well as the interior are a huge leap forward compared to the outgoing model. According to the automaker, the new Land Cruiser is 200kg lighter than the J200 and has a lowered center of gravity, improved weight distribution as well as improved suspension structure. Toyota says:
“The LC300 creates a riding experience that enables the driver to drive with ease on any type of road in the world without tiring easily.”
To enhance the off-road capabilities, the Land Cruiser J300 offers improved wheel articulation while road grip has been improved through the use of the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) a world-first according to Toyota. Furthermore the Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM), offers a view of any obstacles directly ahead of the vehicle as viewed from the driver’s seat, while Multi Terrain Select automatically opts for the most suitable driving mode depending on the type of road surface detected.
Interior of Toyota Land Cruiser 300
The interior is completely new which features horizontal dashboard supported by a chunky center stack topped with a widescreen infotainment display. A smaller display splits the twin analog gauges in the instrument cluster. All the buttons and switches are physical ones instead of hyper-modern touch-sensitive panels. According to Toyota, all functions should remain easy to operate while off-roading.
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Under the hood, the Land Cruiser J300 gets powered by a range of V6 turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, replacing the V8 units from the LC200 series. There is a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine producing 410 hp of power and 650 Nm of torque, while the diesel engine is a 3.3L twin-turbo V6 with 302 hp and 700 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. A naturally aspirated V6 petrol engine with a 6-speed automatic gearbox will also join the lineup later on and will be introduced in selected markets.
Toyota has also updated the Land Cruiser’s safety with its advanced Safety Sense suite which in addition to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, now also recognizes vehicles crossing at intersections and can intervene with steering and lane keep assistance when the driver makes an emergency crash-avoiding maneuver. The system will also automatically brake to avoid collisions with vehicles, objects, and pedestrians during parking lot maneuvers. Additionally, Toyota has also re-positioned driver’s seat to make it easier to drive, as well as to reduce driver fatigue.
Toyota Land Cruiser J300 World Premiere
The Land Cruiser 300 will have by a wider range of variants; in addition to the base and more luxuriously equipped models, there will also be a sportier GR Sport variant with black exterior trim and different wheels. The all new Toyota Land Cruiser will go on sale later this year with official prices yet to be announced. Stay tuned for more information.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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