Toyota axes V8 for LandCruiser 70 Series

After months of speculation and a pause on orders that’s run for more than two years, Toyota has finally confirmed they will no longer offer the 4.5-litre turbo-diesel V8 in the LandCruiser 70 Series. According to Toyota Australia, “changing regulations and community expectations” are behind the decision, but they say its loss will be offset by the imminent availability of a five-speed manual transmission for 70 Series ‘Cruisers with the 1GD 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine.

Production of GX and Workmate grade utes, wagons and Troopcarriers with the 1VD-FTV V8 will end in September, ahead of local deliveries before the end of this year, but 79 Series GXL single and dual cab V8 utes will be built into 2025.

While not committing to meeting all of the existing pre-orders for the 70 Series V8, Toyota Australia say they will deliver to as many customers as possible, with priority given to the oldest orders.

Despite being introduced in 2007, 22 years after the LandCruiser 70 Series launched, the 4.5 t/d V8 has gone into almost half of the 346,742 units sold in Australia to date. While the V8’s loss will be felt, Toyota points out that the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that was introduced for the 70 Series last year offers almost identical power and more torque – 150kW and 500Nm for the four (with the six-speed auto), versus 151kW and 430Nm for the V8.

At the same as they announced the V8’s demise, Toyota Australia confirmed a five-speed manual transmission will soon be available for the 70 Series. This has been developed from the transmission used with the V8, but re-engineered for the 2.8’s greater torque. A new flywheel and “additional components” make it more durable, with shorter first, second and third gears, but a taller fifth gear to improve fuel economy and reduce engine noise.

Maximum torque drops from 500Nm to 450Nm with the five-speed manual, and it loses the Downhill Assist Control and front console box that come with the auto.

Production of the LandCruiser 70 Series 2.8 manual commences in October. Australian pricing will be announced closer to release.