Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport busts out
Hard-core off-road GR Sport version of new 300 Series likely to come Down UnderToyota has developed a rock-crushing GR Sport version of the all-new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series fitted with several upgrades designed to deliver improved off-road capability straight off the showroom floor.
Official details on the new LandCruiser GR Sport model are scarce, but the Nissan Patrol Warrior rival wears a different front bumper to regular 300 Series models, offering an improved approach angle.
Ground clearance appears to have been increased as well, and the vehicle shown as part of last night’s global 300 Series reveal in the Middle East also wears all-terrain tyres on off-road friendly wheels.
As with other 300 Series models, an enhanced version of the outgoing 200 Series LandCruiser’s KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System), now called eKDSS, will be available in the LandCruiser GR Sport.
This will allow drivers to disconnect the vehicle’s sway bars at the touch of a button to increase wheel articulation for off-road work.
Expect a number of other rugged features to appear on the Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport, including bespoke interior upgrades and perhaps a specific off-road setting for the new Multi-Terrain Select drive mode system.
No powertrain upgrades are likely for the GR Sport, which means Australian versions would come with a bullocking new 227kW/700Nm new 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6, 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4x4 system with low range and diff locks.
It’s understood the new mid-spec LC300 GR Sport variant is under consideration by Toyota Australia, which introduced its first model under the new ‘GR-lite’ sub-brand, the C-HR GR Sport, last November.
Toyota is clearly serious about expanding its new GR Sport brand via more models, which will be positioned below high-performance GR models like the GR Supra, GR Yaris and upcoming GR 86 and GR Corolla models.
The 2022 Toyota LandCruiser GR Sport was a tasty surprise during the 300 Series’ global reveal in Dubai overnight, and shows the Japanese auto giant is not limiting its GR models to road-going models.
A Toyota Australia spokesperson told carsales it “would not rule out” a model like the GR Sport.
The spokesperson added that the local 300 Series line-up would be announced “sometime in quarter three”, so we’ll know more about the model grades around August or September.
The new LandCruiser GR Sport grade would slot into the middle of the range, probably between the volume-selling GXL and popular VX models (if the current 200 Series variant names are carried over), so a price of around $100,000 could be expected.
But given the number of Aussies seeking greater off-road capability, many of whom customise their LandCruisers with extras like bullbars and snorkels, it’s likely a bush-ready model like the LandCruiser GR Sport would find plenty of buyers in Australia.
Stay tuned for more details.
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
