Bruce Newton at drive.com.au just reported on Toyota's next-generation LandCruiser, caught testing in southern Europe. Although there was the usual heaping helping of black disguise cladding (do they celebrate Halloween in Europe?), the new model's more rounded styling shown through. The newer LandCruiser certainly looks larger than the current model too, despite the slump in large SUV sales and projections. But even though gas price hikes have put a scare in the market, Toyota has an ace up its sleeve. A diesel V8.
A powerful V8 turbo-diesel engine is expected to be one of the available powerplants, a first for Toyota. With a displacement of 4.5 liters and a pair of turbochargers, it should be good for more than 200kW (268 hp) and, 650Nm (479 ft-lbs.) of torque. That's a huge improvement over the current I6, which rates 151/357. This new V8 may make its way under the hood of the Tundra, rumor has it. A new Aisin six-speed automatic transmission should also appear on this SUV. And while it will be bigger than the current 'Cruiser, weight is expected to hold steady around the current model's 2710kg (5975 lbs). The LandCruiser replacement will be a body-on-frame with double-wishbone front and live axle rear-end to continue the tradition of outstanding off-road ability.
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