The new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is not just a redesigned version of the 200 series. Toyota seems to have gone back to the drawing board using the GA-F platform as a base for the new model.
The new chassis shaves 200 kilograms (400 pounds) off the older model and improves weight distribution while affording a lower center of gravity. Toyota only recently revealed the interior specifications for the new LC300 to the market, particularly for Australia.
When Is the 2022 Land Cruiser Arriving in Australia?
For Australia, the Toyota LandCruiser 300 series is scheduled to be on sale by the fourth quarter of 2021, between October and December. Some dealers have hopes that the first shipments could come much sooner, considering the current model is almost sold out.
However, production and shipping constraints, will greatly affect the arrivals in Australia. Still, 14 years is a long time to develop a new model, and the Japanese brand has done a lot to conceal the overall appearance of the 300 series.
Interior Specs to Note for the LC300 series
As you take the driver’s seat, you’ll quickly notice the difference in the current iteration. A landscape-oriented touchscreen system is on the center console. Toyota has decided to combine touch with other waterfall layout features such as buttons, knobs, and switches.
The large centre dash of the LandCruiser 300 series features multi-terrain monitors to show obstacles from the viewpoint of the driver, who can now automatically perceive the road surface ahead and anticipate the best driving mode to select. There is also a front-facing camera located on the grille.
Some of the higher variants will add kits up to 20-inch wheels, torque-sensing limited-slip differential, ventilated seating, and powered tailgates. There will also be a fingerprint scanner, adaptive suspension, four-zone climate control, rear-seat entertainment package, 360-degree camera, and a 3D terrain view with an underbody sensor that allows the driver to view obstacles hidden by the bonnet.
Toyota’s global reveals show the ZX, VX-R, and GR Sport models, but the 2022 LC300 Australia model remains cloaked until it gets closer to the release date in the fourth quarter.
Here’s what we know so far from sneak reports, though.
- There will be joint lines in the lower front bumper, which means it can be removed up to the level of the grille bottom.
- The front parking sensors will sit on the upper part of the plastics rather than the bumper's lower section.
- You can expect exceptional leather and chrome accents.
- A chunky steering wheel and a short gear shift knob will be two of the interesting alterations in this model.
- The automaker has yet to provide dimensions on the cargo spacing and third row, but passengers will no longer have to slip the third row toward the window if they want cargo space. It can be flipped down and will be easier to deploy.
Powertrain Changes from V8 (LC200) to V6 for the LC300
The LC300 will be powered by a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine (power rating of 305 kW) downsizing from the hefty 5.7-litre V8, though there is no official confirmation yet if that option will be used for the Australian market. By departing from the standard V8 engine, Toyota hopes to reduce the carbon emissions of the LC by 10 percent.
The other option is a twin-turbo diesel V6 (power rating of 227 kW).
These will be linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission, a four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case. Rumors have it that some variants of the new Toyota LandCruiser will have front and rear locking differentials, although these pieces of info remain unconfirmed to date.
The fuel efficiency was also improved. Considering that the V8 had a fuel economy of 9.5L/100km on combined cycle, the V6 returns 11.8km per litre (or consumes 8.5L/100km). At this moment, it is unclear whether an all-electric or hybrid is on the card, though an earlier announcement mentioned it will arrive in the following year.
Toyota adopts the GA-F Platform
The Toyota Land Cruiser will integrate the Toyota New Global Architecture platform or TNGA into the GA-F platform while maintaining a similar structure for the SUV. The TNGA chassis retains IFS with a coil-sprung live rear axle.
Reports indicate that the LC300 will be twice as stiff as the previous model when it comes to torsional rigidity. The body and chassis as a whole will be 200 kilograms lighter than the 200 series, thanks to lightweight panels replacing much of the steel sheets in earlier models.
The new LandCruiser is underpinned by Toyota’s body-on-frame platform for SUVs and has a significantly improved weight distribution throughout its length.
Another noteworthy element in this platform is the Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, a wheel articulation feature that enhances the tyre’s ability to remain on the ground. That’s another ace up Toyota’s sleeve and an engineering feat towards the improvement of road holding capabilities in trucks.
Toyota Unleashes Improved Safety
These are significant advancements in auto engineering, ranging from tougher construction to more sophisticated systems, all geared towards improving safety.
Here are just a few of the most important safety innovations you will find in the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300.
- The Pre-Collision System works all hours of the day to detect and recognise obstacles at the front and the back – extremely helpful when you’re manoeuvring the vehicle in a tight or dimly-lit car park.
- The Land Cruiser will also feature Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver aids, which includes radar cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and departure warning, and autonomous braking, among the most common driver-assistive elements.
We’ll let you in on more features as soon as we hear them from reputable motoring sources, so stay tune to our regular blog!
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