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Getting to Know All New Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series

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In June this year, Toyota Motors Cooperation unveiled the newest generation of its legendary Land Cruiser SUV.

The LC300-generation 2022 Land Cruiser, which will not be sold in North America, sits on an all-new platform, gets new looks, and receives two twin-turbo V-6 engine options.

This isn’t just a heavily redesigned version of the 200-Series Land Cruiser,  which debuted back in 2007.

Toyota’s gone back to the drawing board, using its modular GA-F platform as a base for the new LC300 model.

The new chassis saves 440 pounds over the old SUV while improving weight distribution and providing a lower center of gravity.

Toyota’s also added more wheel articulation for better off-roading performance and a new electronically controlled version of its trick KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) that adjusts the connection of the anti-roll bars.

Additionally, Toyota’s added two new pieces of off-roading tech to improve performance.

There’s a “Multi-Terrain Monitor,” which displays obstacles at the front of the car so the driver can see them more easily, and “Multi-Terrain Select,” which automatically selects the best driving mode base on road conditions.

The naturally aspirated V-8 in the 200-series Land Cruiser has been abolished for the LC300 model, replaced by two choices of twin-turbo V-6.

The first is a 3.5-liter gasoline model making up to 409 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the next is a 3.3-liter diesel-powered motor good for 304 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines send power to all four wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Toyota says there will also be a naturally aspirated V-6 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission available in some markets, but did not disclose details on that powertrain.

Looks-wise, the LC300 gets splashes of modernity inside and out, with a new fascia sporting a massive grille and a headlight design that reminds us somewhat of the GR Yaris hot hatch and Supra.

The cabin was arguably the most dated aspect of the outgoing model, and we’re happy to report it’s been given a huge overhaul for this newest generation.

There’s a massive touchscreen on the dashboard and a redesigned center console, as well as a reworked gauge cluster with its own digital display.

Though Toyota did not release any information on a GR-specification Land Cruiser, it did release a handful of images of the SUV, which sports a different front end, a different wheel and tire setup, more black plastic cladding, and a metal skid plate.

According to previous rumors, it’s possible this variant could also sport locking differentials and a wider track.

Toyota says it plans to launch the new Land Cruiser to markets “all over the world” starting this summer, though we’ve confirmed with Toyota North America “all over the world” does not include the United States or Canada.

Though the 200-series truck represented one of the most capable and reliable cars in Toyota’s lineup, slow sales couldn’t justify the company spending the money to bring it stateside.

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