New Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series just weeks away

The global debut of the all-new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series will take place in early June, according to a leaked dealer document that also confirms it will deliver more performance than expected.

Official information supplied by Toyota to its South African dealers and subsequently published by Instagram user land.cruiser.300 states: “Due to Global Embargo, design images are not available until end of May 2021”, so we can expect the new LandCruiser to be revealed as soon as early next month.

The document also reveals several other details about the LC300, including outputs for the all-new 3.3-litre V6 turbo-diesel that will replace the 200 Series’ 4.5-litre diesel V8.

Peak power is listed at 225kW (up 25kW) at 4000rpm, which is slightly down on the 230kW previously expected, while maximum torque will be 700Nm over 1600-2600rpm – up 50Nm on the existing V8 diesel and at least 10Nm more than previously expected.

Performance details of the next LandCruiser’s new 3.5-litre V6 turbo-petrol engine, which won’t be available in Australia when it arrives in Australia late this year or in early 2022, are also listed.

They are 305kW of power at 5200rpm (5kW less than the same engine in some Lexus models) and 650Nm of torque over 2000-3600rpm – 60Nm more than anticipated and matching the outgoing LandCruiser’s diesel V8.

Both engines are expected to be matched as standard with a 10-speed automatic transmission and the latter is likely to form the basis of the first petrol-electric hybrid powertrain for the LandCruiser later in its lifecycle.

Providing clues to the model range for the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser in Australia, where the existing 200 Series is available in GX, GXL, VX and Sahara variants, is the fact three equipment grades will be offered in South Africa.

The entry-level GX-R will come only with diesel power, while both the mid-range GR-S and the top-shelf ZX – which could be called the Sahara ZX in Australia – will be available with both diesel and petrol V6s.

All 300 Series LandCruisers, which are based on a new TNGA steel ladder frame, will be fitted with a weight-saving aluminium roof, five drive modes and new suspension all round including a four-link live-axle rear-end.

But while the base GX-R and range-topping ZX will be road-focused, the Gazoo Racing-runed GR-S will be aimed at off-road enthusiasts and fitted with an upgraded Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System dubbed E-KDSS, which is expected to swap hydraulics for electronics to adjust the vehicle’s sway bars on road and disconnect them off-road.

The entry-level GX-R – again at least in South Africa – will come with a rear differential lock, while the GR-S adds a rear diff lock and the ZX rear-end will incorporate a torque-sensing limited-slip differential and Adaptive Variable Suspension adaptive damping, which is fitted to both ends of the GR-S.

While a retro ‘TOYOTA’ grille will be available across the South African range, key features for the base GR-S there include 18-inch wheels, tubular side steps and black exterior trims.

The top-shelf ZX, meantime, scores 20-inch wheels, motion-operated tailgate and illuminated side steps, while both the GR-S and ZX will get a 360-degree camera with 3D multi-terrain monitor.

For the GR-S, carbon interior trim will replace the ZX’s woodgrain trim, and both models will upgrade to a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DVD player and 14-speaker JBL audio.

And while the ZX also adds a WiFi-enabled 11.6-inch rear entertainment touch-screen, the base GX-R sticks with a 7.0-inch unit and four speakers, and Classic White will join the existing paint colour palette.

Watch this space for the full reveal and Australian details.