Toyota GR LandCruiser imagined

Sales of the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport are booming as buyers continue to flock to the most capable off-road version of the flagship 300 Series.

But would a battle-ready, rock-crushing, full-blooded Toyota GR LandCruiser 300 Series pegged at close to $200,000 find favour with buyers?

Of course, it would…

Australia is one of the biggest global markets for the Toyota LC300 and the aftermarket has proved that owners want higher ground clearance, extra body armour, better wheel articulation and more capable tyres.

Which is exactly where a Toyota GR LandCruiser would enter the frame, offering a full factory warranty and the trust value and reliability that goes with all the extra (original) equipment.

It would also give the forthcoming Aussie-developed Nissan Patrol Warrior some healthy competition, while a Raptor-like Ford Territory is a hot prospect too.

There’s no confirmation that a dedicated GR LandCruiser is in the works, but Toyota is believed to be studying the case for a big Gazoo Racing-developed off-roader.

And here’s the best look yet – albeit an unofficial one – at how the desert-racing 4x4 could look.

Photoshop artist and 3D modeller Car M Style Design has created a video showing a beefed-up 300 Series ’Cruiser complete with wide-set bead-lock wheels and mud-terrain tyres topped by wheel-arch extensions.

A unique front-end design adds a bash plate under the front bumper and a tusk-like bull bar over the grille.

There’s also an ultra-slim integrated snorkel and roof-mounted LED light bar on display.

Eagle-eyed readers will also note the exaggerated power bulges on the bonnet, complete with lateral air vents, which we can only assume will likely help the GR-modified 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 develop even more power than the current 305kW/650Nm.

While the petrol V6 is not yet offered in Australia on the LC300 – it’s available on the new Lexus LX – Toyota has always stated that it would look at offering the engine here if enough customers want it.

That said, the current 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6 (227kW/700Nm) would arguably be a better fit for an off-road battle-axe such as this, given its smoother, more muscular low-end torque delivery and greater cruising range.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au