This engine could be found in a sports car, rather than an SUV.
The all-new Land Cruiser was unveiled by Toyota a few weeks ago, but we haven’t heard much about it since. A new video onboard shows the full-size SUV going through an acceleration test to show the twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6’s performance. It replaces the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 and delivers more power and better fuel economy.
The new Land Cruiser impresses in acceleration tests with its nearly 30 horsepower and 80 pound-feet (108 Newton meters) advantage. This is complemented by the improved low-end response of the turbochargers. The SUV’s size and weight make it possible to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h). This is not too bad considering its dimensions. Toyota claims a time of 6.7 seconds for this job. This seems to be a realistic number.
The latest Land Cruiser was not designed for off-road performance. However, there is now a GR Sport trim level. A ten-speed automatic transmission is used to drive the engine, which can also be fitted in the 2022 Tundra. The LC300’s lively acceleration is also due to the LC300’s revamped underpinnings. This has resulted in a huge weight loss of 441 lbs (200 kg).
This engine was likely designed for trucks, but we can imagine a sports car with 409 horsepower (305 Kilowatts) or 479 pound-feet (405 Newton-meters), similar to the Land Cruiser. Although it is only wishful thinking, logic suggests that we will see more of this powertrain in future models.
Depending on market conditions, the LC300 may also come with a less naturally aspirated gasoline engine V6 and a six-speed manual gearbox. The 3.3-liter twin-turbodiesel V6 will be available with 305 horsepower (227 kW) or 516 lbft (700 Nm). This engine is most likely to be the best, given its significant low-end torque.
Toyota claims the Land Cruiser will not be coming to the United States. However, many believe that the LC300 will make its way to the States in a tuxedo similar to the next generation Lexus LX. It is expected that the luxury SUV will be renewed in 2022. This would make it a 2023MY vehicle in North America.