Heels & Horsepower Magazine

Toyota Land Cruiser Celebrates 70th Anniversary Model

By H&H Admin

The Land Cruiser name was coined in 1954 as the model expanded into the civilian market and went head-to-head with the British-built Land Rover.

The number 70 carries particular significance for Toyota’s Land Cruiser. It is 70 years ago that the first ‘Land Cruiser’ made its debut. Originally known as the Toyota BJ and intended for military use, this four-wheel drive juggernaut quickly went on to earn an enviable reputation for its go anywhere capability and rugged construction. 

Secondly the number 70 refers to the long running 70-series of Land Cruiser. which comprises the 76 Station Wagon, 78 Wagon and 79 “bakkie” or LCV. In celebration of the 70-year milestone Toyota SA is pleased to announce the release of a 70th Anniversary edition. The special edition model will be applied to the 79-series single and double-cabvariants.

The Package  

The special edition model builds upon the core Land Cruiser credentials and adds a host of utility-boosting parts and visual enhancements to deliver a bespoke model true to the needs of the ‘hardcore’ Land Cruiser enthusiast. A unique 70-year emblem has been affixed to the exterior and also included on the durable cotton canvas seat covers – making the 70th edition instantly recognisable. 

The Toyota ellipse has been replaced by prominent TOYOTA lettering (similar to the Hilux GR-S and Land Cruiser GR-S) to create a signature look.   

Another nostalgic touch is the bespoke Land Cruiser badge reminiscent of the iconic 40-series, which the celebration model wears proudly on its side doors.

The rest of the package focusses on equipping the model with features which not only play the visual part, but deliver when the going gets tough. Here, the heavy-duty front steel bumper, integrated winch and towbar equip the LC 70th anniversary model with the tools required for the job. 

An overview of the unique specification enhancements are as follows:

Interior:

  • unique grey seat covers with 70th edition embroidery
  • Land Cruiser branded floor mats
  • Touchscreen audio system with Navigation & Bluetooth

Exterior:

  • Heritage-inspired mesh radiator grille with TOYOTA lettering
  • Heritage logo on side door
  • 70th Anniversary emblem
  • Tubular rear step bumper with detachable towbar
  • Inner load-bed protector
  • Rubberised load bed (3mm)
  • Tubular front steel bumper
  • Integrated winch preparation

The Colours  

The 70th Anniversary model will be offered exclusively in Ivory White and Sand Beige. 

The Model line-up  

Land Cruiser 79 S/C 4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition – R 889,700

Land Cruiser 79 D/C 4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition – R 943,100

A 3 year / 100 000 km warranty is included and customers can purchase various service plan packages from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 outlets nationwide). Service intervals are every 12 months/ 10 000 km.

Much-Anticipated Toyota Land Cruiser 300 coming soon

The eagerly awaited Land Cruiser 300 is set for an August debut on local soil.

Following months of speculation, concept renderings and spy-shots, the first production models are ready to be shipped to eager buyers.

On the design front, the ‘300’ features a dramatically different profile to its ‘200’ predecessor.  The front façade features a large and prominent radiator grille with sculpted rectangular headlamps on each side, that blend seamlessly into the grille.

U-shaped radiator openings underpin a strong design while the bonnet features the signature Land Cruiser ‘channel’ down the centre. The rear features large trapezoidal taillamps with stylised light guides which are complemented by large Land Cruiser lettering and the Toyota Insignia.    

New Platform

The Land Cruiser 300 serves as the flagship to the Toyota SUV-range, and carries an enviable reputation as the ‘Master of Africa’. The ‘300’ model is a ‘ground-up’ design, featuring an all-new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform designated as TNGA-F. The F indicates the first ladder-frame execution of TNGA – a fact that should find favour with off-road enthusiasts.

New Engines

An all-new engine line-up propels the newcomer; buyers have the choice of a 3.5-litre V6 Twin Turbo petrol engine or 3.3-litre V6 Turbodiesel. Both powerplants focus on delivering increased efficiency, improved torque output and elevated levels of refinement versus the outgoing V8-variants.

The petrol V6 offers 305 kW @ 5200 rpm with a stout 650 Nm available from 2000 rpm, while the new diesel delivers 225 kW @ 4000 rpm with a ‘stump-pulling’ 700 Nm available between 1600 and 2600 rpm. Top speed is pegged at 210 km/h for both variants. The new engines are mated to a new slick-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission with low-range functionality.  

Fuel consumption figures are listed as 12.1 l/100 km for the Petrol and 8.9 l/100 km for the diesel – with CO2 emissions checking in at 291 and 238 respectively.

New Grades

The Land Cruiser 300 also introduces a new grade line-up, namely GX-R, ZX and GR-S. GX-R remains the utility-focussed model and serves as the entry point to the range, while the ZX replaces the VX-R as the luxury model.

For the first time on Land Cruiser, a GR Sport (aka GR-S) grade will be offered which serves as the off-road performance model. As such the GR-S features bespoke exterior styling and trim, rugged 18″ alloy wheels, while adopting an off-road-biased specification list – without skimping on any comfort or convenience. This model joins the other Gazoo Racing (GR) products, and expands the GR brand into Land Cruiser territory for the first time.  

The ZX model in turn takes on a more ‘image-focused’ persona, with unique 20″ alloy wheels, chrome detailing and luxury-oriented interior trim. The Land Cruiser 300 range thus offers three distinct character profiles to choose from – Utility, Luxury and Sporty.

Specification Highlights 

All models boast a comprehensive specification level including LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, keyless entry with auto-door-lock, park distance control, an electric parking brake, climate control with rear zone, power driver-seat adjustment, Multi-Information Display (MID), built-in Navigation (with Tracks 4 Africa support on GX-R), multiple power outlets with charging port, Crawl Control and Drive Mode Select.

The ZX and GR-S additionally feature power fold-down third-row seating, a power-operated back door with hands-free function, heated steering wheel with wood accents, JBL 14-speaker audio system with DVD playback and 12.3″ screen, Multi-Terrain Monitor with Panoramic View, seat heating & ventilation for first- and second-row passengers, a wireless charger and tyre pressure monitoring. All models have Apple CarPlay/Android Auto functionality.

The ZX model adds a Wi-Fi enabled rear-seat entertainment system with wireless headphones, while the GR-S model features a high-tech E-KDSS* system to maximise off-road capability. Both variants also feature additional drive mode select modesand a Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system for superior vehicle control.

*E-KDSS is an evolution of the acclaimed Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which links the wheels via hydraulically-supported stabiliser bars – providing excellent wheel articulation and body-roll control. 

Toyota Safety Sense is fitted to both the ZX and GR-S grades and offers a full suite of active safety aids with autonomous driving technologies such as Lane Trace Assist and all-speed radar cruise control. The usual supporting functions such as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) with braking, and Adaptive High Beam are also included.

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Active Traction Control (ATRC) and Hill Assist Control (HAC), join Trailer Sway Control (TSC), Downhill Assist Control (DAC) and the obligatory ABS, EBD and Brake Assist (BA) driver support systems.

Colours & Trims

The GX-R is available with two textile interior trims, Black or Neutral Beige. 

The ZX model offers buyers a choice of three interior colour schemes with Black, a Black & Dark Red combination or Neutral Beige being the options. 

The GR-S features GR-specific interior trim with a choice of either Black or a Black & Dark Red combo. 

Exterior hues are as follows;

Colour GX-R ZX GR-S
Glacier White X X X
Pearl White Metallic X X X
Satin Silver Metallic X X  
Graphite Grey Metallic X X X
Raven Black X X X
Attitude Black X X X
Ruby Metallic X X X
Avant-Garde Bronze X X  
Moonlight Ocean X X  
Classic White   X X

Model Line-up

Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D     – R 1 283 200

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.3D          – R 1 765 500

Land Cruiser 300 ZX 3.5T          – R 1 797 100

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.3D     – R 1 811 900

Land Cruiser 300 GR-S 3.5T      – R 1 842 900

* Petrol ZX models will go on sale early August with the diesel and GR-S derivatives following shortly thereafter.

Peace of Mind

All LC300 models are sold with a 9-services / 90 000 km service plan with service intervals set at 12-months or 10 000 km (whichever occurs first). A 3-year/100 000 km Warranty is included across the board. Customers can also purchase service, maintenance plan and warranty extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser 300 breaks cover

Dubai, UAE – The much anticipated Land Cruiser 300 made its global debut in a YouTube-hosted worldwide premiere. As the successor to the ‘200-series’, the all-new flagship Land Cruiser 300 ushers in a new design direction – accompanied by all-new petrol and diesel powertrains.

Featuring a very distinctive profile, the exterior design employs an attractive rectangular theme with a prominent front façade – reinforcing Land Cruiser’s Master of Africa status.

Stylised light guides, alongside large horizontal slats with either black or chrome accents (model dependant), maximise the visual impact. The U-shaped front radiator openings form an integral part of the design and create a strong, solid appearance. In the rear, trapezoidal LED lamps help enhance the athletic look.

Amidst much global debate and speculation, the LC300 also introduces two all-new engine options.

A 3.5- litre twin-turbo Petrol V6 and 3.3-litre turbodiesel V6 are on offer. Both engines feature the latest technology and promise excellent performance, NVH-levels and exemplary refinement.

The Petrol V6 is borrowed from the Lexus LS500 (an engine praised for its velvety smoothness and strong, linear power delivery). It delivers a substantial 305 kW of power and 650Nm of tractive effort. While the new oil-burner is poised to deliver even greater levels of performance and efficiency. Outputs are quoted as 227 kW and a whopping 700Nm – representing a 32 kw increase and 50 Nm hike (versus the outgoing 4.5 turbodiesel V8).

Both engine options are coupled to a 10-speed automatic transmission (with obligatory low-range included).

Underneath, the new model adopts a new Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform, the first body-on-frame execution thereof.

By using key TNGA design traits, pioneering new welding techniques and reconfiguring the drivetrain placement, the Land Cruiser 300 offers increased torsional rigidity while also being significantly lighter compared to its predecessor.

The development team focussed on not only improving off-road capability, but on-road performance and driving comfort too.

Three grades will be offered locally; utility-minded GX-R, the urban-focussed ZX (replacing the VX-R) and off-road biased GR Sport. Each variant will feature a bespoke specification line-up, in accordance with usage and customer requirements.

Local introduction is set for August 2021. Detailed specification, pricing and model line-up will be issued at launch timing.

Toyota Land Cruiser 300 – World Premiere

One of the most anticipated new vehicles of 2021, the Land Cruiser 300, will break cover on the 9th of June, 2021. Following months of rumours, speculation and spy-shots, Toyota’s all-new flagship SUV will officially be showcased during a ‘live event’ press conference. 

The Land Cruiser 300 serves as the pinnacle in Toyota’s Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) line-up, and represents the latest in powertrain development and off-road technologies. It also signifies the largest member of the Land Cruiser family (alongside the utility-focused 70-series and ‘mid-size’ Prado stablemates).

The World Premiere will share more detail on the development concept, design, new engine options and tech features.

We’ll share all the details soon.