Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series V8 to live on! For now

The Toyota LandCruiser turbo diesel V8 is not dead. At least, not yet.

While the new-generation Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – due to be unveiled next week on June 10 – is expected to have turbo diesel V6 power, the hardcore Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series range will continue with turbo diesel V8 grunt.

The Toyota LandCruiser twins switched to turbo diesel V8 power in 2007.

The 70 Series gained a single-turbo version of the 4.5-litre V8 (151kW/430Nm) while the 200 Series was equipped with a twin-turbo version of the 4.5-litre V8 (200kW/650Nm).

It was originally thought V8 production would end when the new-generation Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series arrives.

However, Toyota Australia has confirmed to Drive the V8 remains in production for the LandCruiser 70 Series and there are no immediate plans for that model to switch to turbo diesel V6 power.  

“On the 70 Series … we don't have any plans to discontinue the engine that’s currently in the LC70. We don't have plans to discontinue that,” said Toyota Australia senior product manager Rod Ferguson.

However, the V8 in the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series may eventually be killed off by stricter emissions standards.

“Clearly a time will come for that particular engine when it comes to (the introduction of) Euro 6 emissions standards, and other things where decisions will have to be made about the direction of that engine,” said Mr Ferguson.

However, for now it's here to stay – and has not been stockpiled.

“The V8 turbo diesel engine in the LC70 is currently still in production,” Toyota Australia confirmed in a statement.

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