Toyota trademarks ‘iFORCE MAX’ name in Australia, paving the way for large 4×4 hybrid SUVs and utes
The likelihood of a hybrid-powered Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series arriving in Australia within the next few years has increased with carsales’ uncovering of a new trademark application for the ‘iFORCE MAX’ nameplate – the term that refers to the hybrid powertrain designed for vehicles based on the LC300 platform.
The LandCruiser’s TNGA-F ladder-frame architecture also underpins the new-generation Toyota Tundra pick-up that already offers the iFORCE MAX hybrid option and is the subject of intense scrutiny by Toyota Australia, which would love to have the full-size pick-up in its stable Down Under.
Of course, the trademarking of iFORCE MAX in Australia lays the groundwork for it to be applied to not only the Toyota LandCruiser in our market, but the Tundra and related vehicles including the incoming next-generation Toyota Prado, Fortuner and HiLux, and the new Lexus LX.
The hybrid system will also be used in the Tundra-based Toyota Sequoia in the US.
In the Tundra and Sequoia, the iFORCE MAX is a 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain – using a 36kW/250Nm electric motor/generator located between the engine and 10-speed automatic transmission – that belts out 325kW of power at 5200rpm and 790Nm of torque at 2400rpm.
It draws energy from a 650V nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery and is offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 layouts, the latter offering part-time 4WD and an electronically-controlled two-speed transfer case (high/low range).
It’s essentially an electrified version of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 (305kW/650Nm) offered in the soon-to-launch Lexus LX in Australia.
Currently, the new LandCruiser is only available here with a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engine that produces 227kW/700Nm – considerably less than the petrol-electric hybrid.
As well as advantages in performance, the hybrid could also possibly yield a higher braked towing capacity than the diesel-powered LC300’s 3500kg.
A hybrid LandCruiser has been on the radar since Toyota Australia executives confirmed the entire local line-up, including the flagship off-roader, would be electrified by 2030.
With this fresh trademark filing, the new Toyota LandCruiser – and Lexus LX – are now well placed to become the first models to offer the new technology Down Under.
Asked to comment on the trademark filing, a Toyota Australia spokesperson told carsales that “trademarks are routinely registered by companies for potential future use”.
“We have registered several trademarks, including Tundra and iFORCE MAX as well as other associated names to give us maximum flexibility for their potential future use,” the spokesperson said.
Toyota is also reportedly working on an eight-cylinder hydrogen-fuelled powertrain for the LandCruiser and related vehicles, but don’t hold your breath for a market launch of these models any time soon.
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Keyword: Toyota LandCruiser Hybrid closer