Latest news with #LC300
NDTV
04-07-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Modified Toyota Hilux With Land Cruiser 300 Body Kit Is Dividing Internet: Video
The Toyota Hilux is one of the most versatile pickup trucks in India. However, the brand has not yet introduced any major updates for the pickup, although it did introduce the Hilux Black edition in March 2025, featuring a blacked-out theme, accentuating the cosmetic appeal with no changes to the profile. Nonetheless, it is one of those vehicles in the Indian automotive scene that comes with no top ceiling when it comes to modifications. We recently came across an example that gets its face from the flagship Toyota Land Cruiser 300. The video shared by Autodaddy on its Instagram page shows that the car modifier has tweaked the Toyota Hilux pickup with an LC3000 body kit. The modified pickup carries the form of the Land Cruiser 300, and the rear section is joined by Hilux's cargo bed. While there have been many changes in the profile, the integration of the LC300 kit into the Hilux has given it a completely new profile. Also, it gives an enhanced road presence to the pickup. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐲 𝐂𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐬 (@autodaddycustoms) Since this is a cosmetic modification of the Hilux with an LC300 body kit, the mechanical aspects remain the same as those of the pickup truck. The Toyota Hilux is powered by a 2.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. It still delivers 201 hp and a maximum torque of 500 Nm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and transfers power to all four wheels via a permanent 4x4 system. The off-roading capabilities of the vehicle are aided by an electronic differential lock, an automatic limited slip differential, hill assist control, and downhill assist control, and its water-wading capability of 700 mm. Also Read: Volkswagen Announces Annual Autofest Exchange Carnival In July 2025 Also, Toyota has updated the safety suite for the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 with 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera, Level ADAS, adaptive headlights, autonomous braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and more. Currently, the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 is available at a starting price of Rs 2.31 crore. The Toyota Hilux's price begins from Rs 30.40 lakh (ex-showroom).
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Lexus GX: Prado's fancy cousin not too larny for a street fight
The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine from the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 gives this SUV serious oomph. As great as the latest Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is, there is no scope for greater performance in the seven-seater SUV. Only sold locally in GD-6 2.8-litre turbodiesel guise, the customary outputs of 150kW of power and 500Nm of torque it shares with the Hilux and Fortuner without 48V assistance is as good as it is going to get. The 2.4-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 207kW/430Nm, and 243kW/630Nm with mild hybrid assistance, that is offered in other markets, is off-limits to the Southern tip of Africa. Lexus GX finally in Mzansi But that gap has now been bridged by not Toyota but rather Lexus, the Japanese carmaker's premium division. In existence for over two decades but only introduced locally in April, the Lexus GX is the Prado's private school cousin in the same way the Lexus LX is to the Land Cruiser 300. The Lexus brand is operated separately from Toyota, but hardware is shared across model ranges and the GX is in essence a punchy, premium Prado at a very respectable price. There is no mistaking the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from the Lexus GX in terms of styling. The GX features aggressive and sharp lines along with the very Lexus-like front grille which is a real head-turner. Built on the TNGA-F platform like the Prado and Land Cruiser 300, the Lexus GX drops the former's 2.8-litre diesel mill for the latter's peach of a 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol engine. It is also hooked up to 10-speed automatic like in the LC300 and produces 650Nm of torque, although power is slightly down from 305kW to 260kW. The game-changer. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Boulevard vs bush The Citizen Motoring tested the Lexus GX 550 SE. It is the more 'boulevard' model alongside the bush-ready GX 550 Overtrail. At R1 829 000, the SE comes at a R343 700 premium over the VX-R Prado. This sticker makes it an enticing offering as buyers would have gladly forked out the difference for the V6 mill in a Prado, nevermind the additional luxury the Lexus badge brings to the table. We did not run the new Prado against the clock as both the lighter 2.8-litre Hilux and Fortuner failed to reach 100km/h from a standstill in under 12 seconds without 48V assistance. But even if we are generous and gives the Prado a sprint time of 12 seconds, it pales in comparison to the Lexus GX's impressive time of 7.68 seconds. This just 0.86 seconds slower than the LC300 fared and exactly why the engine will be such drawing card for the GX. The six-cylinder soundtrack on offer in Sport S+ driving mode under hard acceleration proves that this privately schooled cousin is up for any street fight should the opportunity arise. It might be down on power on the LC300, it has ample low-down pull which along with the generous torque makes it feel faster than it is. ALSO READ: Lexus GX shows its credentials as more than just a 'fancy' Prado Smooth ride Like the LC300, the Lexus GX can prove to be rather thirsty leaving it in Sport+ for too long, which will make you consider trying the other driving on offer; Eco, Normal, Comfort, Sport and Custom. The Lexus GX 550 SE rides on 22-inch alloys. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe The ride is every bit as refined as you'd come to expect in a Lexus, with the 10-speed box exceptionally smooth. While the SE does not feature all the hard-core off-road feature as the Overtrail, standard permanent all-wheel drive with low-range transfer case and Adaptive Variable Suspension should put you in good stead on the pavement in Sandton. ALSO READ: Butch or bling? Lexus LX gets bush alongside boulevard SUVs Superior craftsmanship While the Prado features a very plush interior, in Toyota terms anyway, the Lexus GX raises the bar even further by means of the brand's renowned Japanese craftsmanship. Our tester's cabin featured a combination of semi-aniline black leather with contrast stitching, black wood veneer, brushed aluminium touches and soft-touch rubber. The Lexus GX features a different dashboard to that of the Prado which includes a new housing for the 14-inch infotainment system and 12.3-inch digital cluster with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The GX SE further comes standard with 22-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, front seats massagers, head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, wireless phone charger, refrigerated centre console cooler box, electric tailgate, rear roller blind, panoramic sunroof and 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system. The cabin features trademark Lexus craftsmanship. Picture: Jaco van der Merwe Enticing offering The latest Safety Sense system features all the advanced safety goodies to keep occupants safe along with the standard systems. The introduction of the Lexus GX is a masterstroke and it's easy to see why it instantly became the best-selling local Lexus in ages. It offers just the right amount of oomph to place it in a different league to the Prado, while bringing all the Lexus goodies to the table for less than a Land Cruiser 300. And for the same price, you can only get an entry-level Land Rover Defender 90, which is according to Lexus the GX's biggest rival. Lexus GX 550 road test data
