New Toyota LandCruiser world debut locked in

One of the most highly anticipated new models in recent memory, the next-generation Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, will make its global premiere next Thursday (June 10).

The news was announced by Toyota’s Middle Eastern operation, which also confirmed the ‘300 Series’ name via the #LC300 hashtag in a YouTube teaser video.

The all-new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series has been 14 years in the making and its launch event will be livestreamed on YouTube at 9:30pm UAE time, which is around 3:30am on June 10 Australian time, as predicted by our previous report on the launch timing of Toyota’s flagship SUV.

The Middle East region is the number one market for the Toyota LandCruiser globally, which is why it was chosen as the launch location, where details on the big off-road SUV’s new V6 engines – and potentially four-cylinder engines – are also expected to be announced.

However, most of the new model’s technical details are already known thanks to a raft of leaks over the past six months, most recently including a South African Toyota dealer bulletin that confirmed the turbo-diesel V8 in the 200 Series will be replaced by a more potent 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6.

The new V6 will pump out 225kW at 4000rpm and 700Nm over 1600-2600rpm, which represents increases of 25kW and 50Nm over the outgoing 4.5-litre diesel V8. The new 300 Series LandCruiser will also maintain the current V8 model’s 3500kg towing capacity.

A new 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 developing a healthy 305kW/650Nm will also be offered in the Middle East, but it’s unlikely to become available in Australia.

A hybridised version of the V6 petrol powertrain is expected to join the range later, and the new-generation Toyota LandCruiser will brings plenty of other technology upgrades thanks to its new (TNGA-F) platform.

Various connectivity, luxury, safety and off-road upgrades will be unlocked via the deployment of the new architecture, which will also underpin a range of upcoming ladder-frame models including the next Toyota Prado and the imminent new Toyota Tundra pick-up, which could come to Australia officially for the first time.

As Aussies continue to snap up the outgoing Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series V8 in unprecedented numbers, driving up the prices of both new and used models, it’s understood a long queue is already forming for the more expensive new 300 Series model.

Check out our full coverage of the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series in the links and stay tuned to carsales for more details from the global launch next week.