No one would argue that the naturally aspirated oilburner found in the 70-Series Land Cruiser wasn’t rugged and reliable, but it did leave quite a bit to be desired when it came to performance. Traditionally, the diesel Cruiser was, well, a tad lethargic. That has finally changed with the introduction of Toyota’s much-vaunted 1VD-FTV diesel mill to the 70-Series range.
It is a 4461cc V8 engine with a water-cooled turbocharger that uses a variable nozzle vane to improve engine output and reduce emissions and fuel consumption. The engine develops a healthy 151 kW of power at around 3400 r/min. More importantly, though, it generates 430 Nm of torque as low down as 1200 r/min. Moreover, this engine boasts the flattest torque of any of Toyota’s engines, ensuring that peak torque is created all the way to 3200 r/min.
Overall, the new V8 diesel engine generates 55 kW more power and 145Nm more torque than the traditional naturally aspirated, indirect-injection, 4,2-litre, straight-six diesel engine. And despite this massive increase in performance, the engine promises to be fairly economical. Claimed fuel consumption is 11,55 litres per 100km.
The new V8 is predictably matched to a five-speed manual transmission with two-speed transfer case, and a part-time 4WD system with manual free-wheeling front hubs. Three 70-Series models will be available with this new engine: The 79 single cab, 79 double cab and 76 station wagon. The fact that the 76 will have this engine is particularly good news, since this will be the first time that the 76 will boast a properly powerful engine under the bonnet (the 79 models have at least had the petrol V6 to satisfy those with a need for power). A V8 76 station wagon, though, promises to be a very tempting offer. In keeping with its role as a people carrier, the 76 station wagon boasts such interior extras as carpeted flooring, on-board satellite navigation, a stereo system incorporating a CD player and an auxiliary USB port. The Cruiser 79 is more basic, but the double cab does have satellite navigation and a sound system with USB port.
The 70-Series remains pricey if you consider the level of specification (and the new engine has increased the price even more), but this new V8 promises to add a healthy dollop of refinement to the Cruiser range.
Pricing
Land Cruiser 76 Station Wagon 4.5 V8 D R587 500
Land Cruiser 79 Single Cab 4.5 V8 D R527 000
Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab 4.5 V8 D R567 600