Iconic car firm brings back ‘legendary' SUV with a twist making it ‘smoother, more comfortable & perfect for off-road'
A JAPANESE manufacturer is set to launch a hybrid version of one of their legendary models, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride with a 48V mild-hybrid system.
Toyota have shared plans for its new electric Land Cruiser, which is set to compete with rival off-road motors.
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According to Autocar, the SUV uses the same electrified diesel powertrain as the mild-hybrid Hilux, combining a 2.8 litre four-pot with an electric motor-generator and a 48V battery.
Toyota said: 'The benefits include a smoother, quieter and more responsive engine stop-start system and smooth, linear and powerful acceleration from start-off.'
The manufacturer continued by explaining that this set-up takes up less room than the full-hybrid arrangement seen in their other models, meaning neither the Land Cruiser's bodywork nor drivetrain needed significant modification.
They added: 'The system in no way compromises the Land Cruiser's ability to operate in extreme conditions and rough terrain.
'The all-new Land Cruiser combines the model's long-established strengths of quality, durability and reliability with new technologies.
"Built on a new Toyota Global Architecture body-on-frame platform, it has even greater strength to tackle challenging conditions while delivering composed, reassuring on-road behaviour."
It also emphasised that the high-mounted and waterproofed motor-generator means it can still wade through water up to 700mm deep, making the SUV ideal for off-roading.
The motor recuperates energy under deceleration to charge the 48V battery, which can then supplement the engine under acceleration and power the stop-start system.
According to Toyota, this results in smoother acceleration, improved efficiency and enhanced ability to tackle off-road obstacles.
While prices are yet to be confirmed, the first examples are reportedly due at the end of the year.
Toyota explained that all Land Cruiser models will use the new MHEV powertrain in the UK, including the freshly revealed Land Cruiser Commercial.
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The new motor will initially use the non-electrified version of the diesel powertrain and is differentiated from the passenger car only by the absence of rear seats to make way for a 2000-litre load bay.
The Land Cruiser is set to rival the Land Rover Discovery Commercial, which is set to hit the market in August with a starting price of £52,729.17.
Toyota has also recently hinted that it is finally bringing the long anticipated GR Corolla to the UK.
The motor is reportedly expected to go into production next year at the manufacturer's Derbyshire plant, in a bid to satisfy lengthy wait lists.
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