LDV T60 replacement previewed

Chinese commercial vehicle brand Maxus has revealed a rendering of a concept previewing the next-generation pick-up that will replace the current LDV T60.

A single image depicting the stylish new dual-cab 4x4 ute – called the Maxus V – was released to the media in China, suggesting the LDV T60’s replacement will be designed to attract the same customers as the top-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.

Set to be revealed in the next couple of months, the all-new pick-up features the latest development of the Chinese car-maker's design language, which was first introduced with the domestic-market Euniq 6 SUV.

At the same time, it’s claimed to be both ‘simple and futuristic’, hinting that the new ute will be tough enough to attract tradies who use their utes for work.

Although the concept features only two doors, expect the production version to emerge in popular dual-cab four-door form first, followed by single-cab and perhaps even extended-cab body styles.

The SAIC-owned Maxus brand, which goes by the LDV name in Australia, previously confirmed plans for 20 ‘New Energy Vehicles’ (NEVs, including EVs and PHEVs) by 2025.

As such, the new Maxus/LDV ute is expected to come equipped with either a fully-electric powertrain or plug-in hybrid power.

Indeed the concept is tipped to come with the same 130kW/310Nm pure-electric powertrain that's claimed to provide a range of more than 500km in the Euniq 6.

As well as advanced powertrains, however, traditional petrol and diesel engines are expected to be offered.

The latter will almost certainly include the new 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that produces 120kW/375Nm in the new LDV T60 Trailrider and a more respectable 160kW/480Nm in twin-turbo form in the upgraded LDV D90 seven-seat SUV, matched to six-speed and eight-speed automatic transmissions respectively.

Stand by for more information in the lead-up to the launch of the all-new LDV ute in 2021.