We embraced the 300 Series’ downsized diesel V6, now Toyota says we’d do the same with a four-cylinder hybrid 70 Series
Australians are ready for a four-cylinder hybrid Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series – provided it does all the things the legendary off-roader is expected to do.
That’s the analysis from Toyota Australia vice-president of sales and marketing, Sean Hanley.
“I think they [buyers] probably would [accept a LandCruiser 70 Series four-cylinder hybrid] if it was capable of doing the things they wanted it to do,” said Hanley.
The LandCruiser 70 Series is Toyota’s oldest and most serious off-roader, capable of not only tackling some of the most punishing terrain in the country but also big loads and heavy-duty towing.
First released in 1984, the 70 Series has since 2007 been powered by a less powerful single-turbo version of the twin-turbo 4.5-litre diesel V8 used in the previous 200 Series LandCruiser.
Hanley referenced engine downsizing across other model lines, including the LandCruiser wagon that controversially dropped from V8 to V6 power with the transition from 200 Series to 300 Series.
“We’ve seen it in LandCruiser wagons for years where people said we’ve got to have a big V8 or big sixes and whatever,” said Hanley, who also pointed out that the Camry sedan outlasted the Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons that once dominated Australian roads.
“I can still remember if you go way back in time… when Toyota brought this four-cylinder front-wheel drive to market and everyone said ‘oh, that won’t work, we’re a six-cylinder rear-wheel drive country… V8s etc’.”
Hanley said Toyota was willing to adapt to any changes, provided they delivered on the expectations of the model.
But he refused to be drawn on speculation from Japan that the 70 Series could soon get a 2.8-litre four-cylinder diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain, only suggesting that it could “maybe” happen.
“In a generation of any car we change engines, that can happen,” he said.
Instead, he focused on the future of the utilitarian model, saying “there’s no departure of our product plan on 70 Series”.
In other words, it’ll soldier on for many years yet – quite possibly with an engine smaller and more efficient than the current V8.
But he insisted the focus for the 70 Series, which is currently not available to order due to waiting lists stretching out years, was on delivering vehicles to people who already had confirmed orders.
“We’re trying to fulfill those orders as best we can,” he said.
“We’re committed to try to fill the orders we’ve got, that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Hanley once again reaffirmed that reducing carbon emissions was a key focus for the brand.
“The key to anything that Toyota does and first and foremost in our thinking is fit for purpose in the market you operate in while still getting to that carbon-neutral position because that’s now high on the agenda.”
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Keyword: Aussies ready for hybrid Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, says Japanese brand