All-new LC 300 still on its way despite production delays

September 16, 2021

The LandCruiser, Toyota’s longest-running model in Australia, is the embodiment of durability and reliability when it comes to automobiles. The first LandCruiser units made their way into the market a little over seven decades ago, and the model has impressed throughout the years.

The Japanese automaker celebrated the off-road vehicle’s platinum anniversary at the beginning of last month, throwing in a little surprise in the form of a special edition of the rugged 70 Series. The announcement detailed that only 600 units of the legendary LC70 Series would be produced in three variants – 80 wagons, 200 single cabs, and 320 double cabs. The special edition off-roaders are exclusive for the Australian market and are available in three colours Merlot Red, Sandy Taupe, and French Vanilla.

That, however, isn’t the only confirmed fresh ride coming from the carmaker. Toyota earlier this year announced it was calling it a day on its LC200 Series in favour of the new LC300 Series. The latter is set to take over and continue cementing LandCruiser’s solid off-road reputation.

Saying Goodbye to the LandCruiser 200 Series

The 14-year-old iconic LandCruiser 200 Series is gradually going off the market, but it leaves a great legacy behind. Sales of the LC 200 have remained high notwithstanding the saddening news of its departure. Toyota already ceased production of more units, which led to price surges as fans of the top-selling flagship SUV rushed to buy the remaining stocks.

The current low stock figures seem to suggest that the hugely popular 4×4 off-roader is drying out, and some model grades have reportedly been sold out in some dealerships. The Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series features the last turbo-diesel V8 engines absent in the yet to arrive successor.

The 200kW/650Nm diesel V8 was made the sole engine choice for the sport utility vehicle at the end of 2019, following the elimination of the petrol V8 one.  This 4WD legend ranks as one of the best from the automaker and has rightfully earned the reputation of a dependable road companion. It goes off in style, having won the Drive’s 2020 Car of the Year in the large sport utility vehicle category.

If you are interested in buying the last of the LC 200, we recommend checking out Chadstone Toyota and inquiring about the availability of the different grades.

Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series on its way to Australia

The new generation LC 300 Series is set to arrive later this year, replacing the 200 Series. This highly-anticipated ride comes as arguably the safest and most advanced LandCruiser, thanks to a wide range of features onboard.

Changes in the Line-Up

Unlike the LC200 that had four variants, the all-new LC 300 is available in six model grades. Two of the high-end grades will be making their debut, while the other four are direct successors.

The entry-level variant is a 5 seat GX that comes with a 10-Speed Automatic Transmission. It includes as standard: 17″ wheels, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, 9″ infotainment touchscreen, LED headlights with auto high beam, and single-touch power windows.

Just above this is the 7-seat GXL that has extra third-row seating for more capacity. It gains a couple of features like Rear cross-traffic alert, auto-dimming rear view mirror, blind spot monitor, Qi wireless phone charging, front & rear parking sensors, and multi-terrain select (to handle off-road terrains) that are absent in the base model.

Third on the list is the VX variant, with more features, including a 12.3″ multimedia display, 8-way power-adjustable seats for the front row, and vehicle dynamics integrated management. It also gets a 10 speaker audio system, remote power windows, quad-zone automatic climate control, heated & ventilated front seats, panoramic view monitor, top-end interior finishes, and power-adjustable steering wheel.

It is followed by the new Sahara, which is no longer the crown of the range. The Sahara comes with a couple of impressive additions, including a 14 speaker JBL premium system, a leather interior, head-up display, ventilation for the second-row seat, and a heated steering wheel. It also has dual rear-seat entertainment and a power-folding third row.

Below the premium offering is the GR Sport that can be identified by the GR Sport badges on the ignition button, tailgate, grille, doors, steering wheel, and front-seat headrests. It sports a carbon-look interior and black 18-inch wheels, wheel arches, door handles, side steps, mirror, and window trims. Notably, the front and rear bumpers are unpainted. Another unique feature at this level is the electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.

A carbon-look steering wheel, unique 20″ wheels, front scuff plates, rear mudguards, body-coloured wheel arches, illuminated side steps, and door trim define the 5 seat range-topping Sahara ZX. Toyota additionally set a hands-free tailgate with kick sensors, upmarket headlights & taillights, four heated & ventilated seats, and a rear-torque sensing limited slip differential to add to the luxury of the ride.

Powertrain

The LC 300 is powered by an F33A-FTV V6 3.3-litre Diesel twin-turbo engine that develops up to 227kW of power and 700Nm of torque. The delivery represents a 27kW/50Nm improvement over the predecessor’s 4.5-litre, twin-turbo V8 diesel engine. The fuel economy has improved as well, decreasing by 0.6 litres for every 100 kilometres.

All the variants are covered by a 5-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and have Toyota’s Safety Sense suite.

Parts and chip shortages dent initial delivery plans

Toyota’s local arm recently confirmed that the LC300 wouldn’t arrive as planned due to delays caused by global production shutdowns. The automaker suspended production across 14 plants in Japan at least until next month. The decision to throttle global production affected other Toyota models, but LandCruiser suffered the biggest blow.

As things stand, only a limited number of press vehicles and demonstrator units will be delivered. The October delivery date for the LC300 has now been pushed to December at the earliest. Aussie LandCruiser fans have always adored the model, and the delay probably won’t affect the automaker’s sales significantly. Still and all, you can contact trusted Toyota dealerships like Chadstone for when exactly the LC300 arrives.