1 Mar 2007
THE 2007 LandCruiser 70 Series featured a new 4.5-litre common-rail direct-injection intercooled turbo-diesel V8 and a wagon variant of the workhorse range (which continued in cab-chassis and troop carrier guise as well) also became available for the first time.
Replacing the previous 4.2-litre naturally aspirated and turbocharged six-cylinder oil-burners, Toyota’s first turbo-diesel V8 engine met the Euro IV emissions standard and produced 151kW at 3400rpm and 430Nm from 1200rpm to 3200rpm.
The new turbo-diesel V8 engine, which became standard across the 70 Series range, had 23.7 per cent more power and 13.1 per cent more torque than the previous six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
Fuel economy also improved slightly for the respective models over the superseded straight-six turbo-diesel.
Other mechanical changes to the range included a wider track, revised suspension and improved steering feel.
The full range of cab-chassis, wagon and troop carrier models also gained an engine immobiliser, CD player with MP3 compatibility and a new grille, headlamps, front fenders and front bumpers.
September 2009 saw the 70 Series range receive a technical upgrade led by a new 200-Series LandCruiser-style dashboard to house standard driver and front passenger airbags - but still no anti-lock brakes.
Also included was a reach-adjustable four-spoke steering wheel, revised instruments with adjustable illumination, interior bottle holder, new head restraints and an upgraded sound system with USB interface and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Outside, the 70 Series ute, wagon and Troopie were differentiated by revised front bumpers and a new chromed V8 badge instead of the current ‘4500 V8’ decal.
Fuel consumption reduced by almost half a litre per 100km, from 11.9 to 11.5L/100km.
