Toyota celebrates 30th anniversary of Land Cruiser 70 with Japan rerelease [w/videos]

Tue, 26 Aug 2014

It's a common refrain among auto enthusiasts to bemoan the current models being sold for being overly complex and expensive and to wish that automakers would just make vehicles like the old days. Sure, they might not have been as safe or efficient, but there was often a certain rugged simplicity that's gone today. Well, Toyota is actually doing it and thinks there's enough demand to put the Land Cruiser 70 back into production in Japan for its 30th anniversary. Sadly, it's only for one year.

The original Land Cruiser 70 served a long life in Japan from 1984 to 2004. Even today, the proven model remains in production in some regions abroad. People in its home country still love the vehicle though, and Toyota is brushing off the mothballs to give customers what they want. For the first time ever there, it's also offering the double-cab pickup version in addition to the traditional enclosed body. The company thinks that it can move about 200 of these classic trucks this year, which isn't too shabby for a vehicle that's three decades old.

Looking at the pictures above, these look like the same old Land Cruisers, but Toyota is updating them slightly to meet modern safety rules. The grille, hood and headlights are all tweaked, and they now come with airbags and anti-lock brakes. A 4.0-liter V6 is under the hood making 228 horsepower (170 kilowatts) and 266 lb-ft of torque (360 Newton-meters), and the only available gearbox is a five-speed manual. Part-time four-wheel drive is standard. If you're really afraid of getting stuck in the wilderness, locking front and rear differentials and a winch are available as options.

Prices for these throwbacks start at 3.6 million yen ($34,600) for the SUV or 3.5 million yen (33,700) for the truck. Scroll down to watch some videos of these awesome "new" models showing what they can do off-road, and to read Toyota's official announcement.

Toyota Celebrates 30 Years of "Land Cruiser 70" Series
Aug. 25, 2014

Special Editions, "70" Series Re-release Commemorate Toyota's Longest-running Nameplate

Toyota City, Japan, August 25, 2014-Over the 30 years since its launch, the "Land Cruiser 70"-a milestone model of Toyota's longest-running nameplate-has gained devoted fans worldwide. Sales in Japan ended in 2004, but to respond to widespread domestic requests for its return to sale and to commemorate its 30th anniversary, Toyota is re-releasing the Land Cruiser 70 in Japan for roughly a year1. Additionally, two special edition versions of current models will go on sale at dealers throughout Japan.

The Land Cruiser 70, first launched in Japan in 1984, has heavy duty specifications adapted for off-road driving. The Land Cruiser 70 will go back on sale today at dealers throughout Japan, and Toyota expects to receive 200 orders a month for the one year period it will be sold. In addition to the four-door van model previously available, for the first time in Japan customers will also be able to choose a double-cab pickup truck. The vehicles will be produced at Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.'s Yoshiwara Plant.

The Land Cruiser 70's ladder-frame construction gives it its legendary robustness and durability. These features are combined with a V6 4.0-liter engine and part-time four-wheel drive to reproduce the Land Cruiser's classic features, including its excellent drivability. The vehicle incorporates modern interior and exterior design elements and safety features to meet today's needs.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

Body type	Engine	Transmission	Driveline	Occupancy	Price*
Van	1GR-FE (4.0 liter V6)	Five-speed manual	Part-time 4WD	5	3,600,000
Pickup					3,500,000
*Includes consumption tax, does not include recycling fees and differs in Hokkaido and Okinawa

Vehicle description

1. Superior performance to conquer any road

Chassis/Body
The Land Cruiser 70 draws on the heritage of previous models. It has been designed to far more demanding standards than regular passenger vehicles and also leverages 30 years of improvements to realize superior robustness and durability since it launched. The traditional closed ladder frame mounting with cross braces provides a high degree of rigidity for traveling on rough roads, while also offering superior safety and comfort. Generous approach, break-over and departure angles for travel on rugged roads and over obstacles enable the vehicle to drive on grueling terrain beyond the capabilities of a regular passenger vehicle.

The four-door van has a typical Land Cruiser form and offers excellent riding comfort. The Japan-first double-cab pickup truck provides sturdy deck space, and can bear up to 600 kilograms of cargo.

Driving Performance
The V6 4.0-liter 1GR-FE engine is the first of its kind in Japan. The use of VVT-i2 provides high intake efficiency, while a light aluminum cylinder block and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) enable a 6.6 km/L fuel efficiency (under the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's JC08 test cycle) along with high power performance of 170 kW (231 PS) maximum rpm and 360 N/m (36.7 kgf/m) maximum torque.

The five-gear manual transmission uses triple cone synchros on the second and third gears, achieving superior maneuverability and durability. The vehicle is equipped with a part-time four-wheel drive system (with dual-mode automatic locking hub) which allows the driver to select driveline using the transfer lever bar. This offers the option of quiet and fuel efficient two-wheel drive driving in town and on the freeway, while switching to four-wheel drive provides comfort and driving performance on uneven ground and slippery roads.

An optional extra electric differential lock (front and rear) prevents the vehicle getting stuck due to wheel-spin. Switch-operated locking of the differential gear transfers driving power to the grounded wheels, improving the vehicle's capability to traverse mud and holes. An optional extra electric winch for the front bumper bar assists in moving the vehicle if it gets stuck, in removal of obstacles and for moving heavy loads.

2. Evolved to Meet Today's Needs

Design
While the exterior inherits the Land Cruiser's signature sturdiness, the front takes on a more modern design. In addition to an updated front grille and hood, the modern headlights incorporate turn indicators.

The interior also maintains the signature strength of the Land Cruiser while incorporating modern design features. The instrument panel is highly functional, featuring a straight horizontal design to help the driver stay aware of the vehicle's position when driving off-road.

A 30th anniversary commemorative emblem is featured on both sides of the vehicle. A special leather key case and leather maintenance record holder are also included.

Safety Equipment
Modern safety adaptations include SRS airbags to assist in passenger protection in the event of a collision, and ABS to ensure greater control in an emergency by preventing the wheels from locking during braking.

Key Specifications

		Van	Pickup
Length/Width/Height		4,810 mm*/1,870 mm/1,920 mm	5,270 mm*/1,770 mm/1,950 mm
Wheelbase		2,700 mm	3,180 mm
Engine	Model	1GR-FE
	Displacement	3,955 cc
	Maximum output	170 kW [231 PS] / 5,200 rpm
	Maximum torque	360 N-m [36.7 kgf-m] / 3,800 rpm
Transmission		Five-speed manual
Fuel efficiency	(Under JC08 test cycle)	6.6 km/L
*Length 40mm longer with electric winch equipped

Special Editions of Current ModelsTo further commemorate the 30th anniversary of the launch of the Land Cruiser 70, Toyota will release two new special edition models, the "Land Cruiser ZX Bruno Cross"3 and the "Land Cruiser Prado TX Argento Cross"4 in Japan.

The Land Cruiser ZX Bruno Cross is based on the Land Cruiser ZX (of the "200" series currently sold in Japan and elsewhere). Special features include super chrome metallic paint, aluminum wheels and premium nappa leather seats. Additional touches, such as plated side mirrors, emphasize the vehicle's luxury feel.

The Land Cruiser Prado TX Argento Cross is based on the Land Cruiser Prado TX (of the "150" series currently sold in Japan and elsewhere). The vehicle's stylish features include a silver and black color scheme on the seat covers and roof railing, an exclusive dark gray metallic paint for the wheels, and a geometric instrument panel.

In addition, both special edition models will come with exclusive smart keys, a leather key case and leather maintenance record holder.

By Chris Bruce