While Toyota never put it into limited production, which is a shame, word has it plans are afoot for a retro-styled Land Cruiser replacement. And this may be a good thing. With the resurgence of classic designs that have allowed manufacturers to play their heritage trump cards (every marketing executive loves to sell a story), Toyota would do well to remind the world how its 4x4 roots were planted.
The Land Cruiser has one of the most loyal followings that any vehicle could ever hope to have, with "real" off-road aficionados buying up good examples as soon as they hit the classifieds. Few alternative 4x4s can climb up as steep an incline, traverse as rocky a ridge or dig as deeply in the dirt as an old FJ, and something new available at the dealership that resembled the Retro Cruiser could only tie old positive memories in with Toyota's new vehicle brand image.
Let's hope that Toyota wants to build on this history, and a new Land Cruiser that pulls from the past is in our future.
Specifications (LS):
- Body Type: 5-door SUV, ladder-frame
- Layout: front engine, 4WD
- Engine (estimate): 235 hp, 320 lb-ft, 4.7-L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Ground Clearance: 305 mm (12.0 in)
- Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 15.5 / 11.5 L/100 km (18 / 25 mpg)
- Web Site: www.toyota.ca or www.rodmillen.com
