From left to right: Chief Engineer Keita Moritsu, Chief Branding Officer Simon Humphries, and Execut
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August 4, 2023
Returning to the essence of the Land Cruiser—the "Land Cruiser 250" is unveiled for the first time in the world | TOYOTA
TOYOTA Land Cruiser | Toyota Land Cruiser
The Land Cruiser 250, Younger Brother to the Land Cruiser 300, Makes its World Premiere
Toyota Motor Corporation has unveiled the all-new "Land Cruiser 250" to the world. In Japan, sales are scheduled to begin in the first half of 2024, including a special edition First Edition. At the same time, Toyota announced the reintroduction of the "Land Cruiser 70" to Japan, a model that continues to be popular overseas.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
Two Models to be Offered in Japan: Diesel and Gasoline
The Land Cruiser was born in August 1951 as the Toyota BJ model. Now celebrating its 72nd anniversary as a "car that can go anywhere and return alive," it has sold a cumulative 11.3 million units in approximately 170 countries and regions.
A lineup of past Land Cruiser models was displayed at the venue.
Until now, the Land Cruiser lineup has consisted of three series: the flagship "300 Series," the heavy-duty "70 Series" for demanding off-road performance, and the "Prado," a light-duty model supporting daily life and utility.
The "Land Cruiser 250," unveiled for the first time in the world, is a core Land Cruiser model belonging to the light-duty category, the same as the "Prado" previously sold in Japan.
The "Land Cruiser 250" was developed with the concept of returning to the Land Cruiser's fundamental essence—"a vehicle that should support people's lives and local communities"—a philosophy championed by then-President Akio Toyoda, pursuing a simple, robust, and authentic Land Cruiser.
It utilizes the same GA-F platform as the 300 Series, achieving a 50% increase in frame rigidity and a 30% increase in overall vehicle rigidity compared to the previous model.
Key features include significantly enhanced off-road capability through improved basic suspension performance, the adoption of electric power steering (EPS), and Toyota's first use of "SDM" (Stabilizer with Disconnect Mechanism) which allows the front stabilizer to be switched on or off via a switch. On-road comfort and ease of operation have also been improved.
Powertrains will vary by country and region, with five options available. In Japan, the "1GD-FTV" will be offered, featuring a 2.8-liter diesel turbo engine producing a maximum output of 150kW (204ps) and 500Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, the "2TR-FE" will be available, with a 2.7-liter gasoline engine producing 120kW (163ps) and 246Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Furthermore, Toyota has announced that hybrid models, a first for the Land Cruiser, will be introduced in markets such as North America and China. The latest "Toyota Safety Sense" preventive safety package will be standard on all vehicles.
The exterior dimensions have increased overall to 4,925mm (+100) in length, 1,980mm (+95) in width, and 1,870mm (+20) in height. The wheelbase is 2,850mm (+60), maintaining the traditional Land Cruiser wheelbase.
The exterior design features a silhouette characteristic of the Land Cruiser, recreated with a horizontal emphasis. The prototype unveiled showcased two types of headlights: round and square. Toyota states that it will support customization to allow for a more personalized Land Cruiser experience.
The interior design has also shifted towards functionality. Features such as a strong and stable cabin space and easy-to-operate switch shapes contribute to enhanced functionality, including during off-road driving.
The Land Cruiser "70" Returns to Domestic Sales as a Continuously Produced Model
The Land Cruiser 70, a heavy-duty model that remains highly popular overseas, was discontinued in Japan in 2004 and briefly re-released in limited quantities in 2014. Toyota has now announced its reintroduction to the Japanese market.
The powertrain has been updated to a 2.8-liter diesel turbo engine, identical to the one in the new 250 Series, producing a maximum output of 150kW (204PS) and 500Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota states that while maintaining excellent off-road performance, including the continued use of a durable and reliable ladder frame, on-road ride comfort has also been improved.
Detailed specifications, including pricing for the newly announced Land Cruiser 250 and 70, have not yet been determined. Further information is anticipated.
Inquiries
TOYOTA Customer Contact Center Tel. 0800-700-7700 (9:00-18:00) https://toyota.jp
