Toyota has announced that it will be phasing out the V8 engine from its LandCruiser 70 Series in Australia by next year, marking the end of an era for the iconic off-roader. This decision comes as a response to the upcoming Federal Government emissions standards, which the current V8 turbo-diesel engine cannot meet. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia's head of sales and marketing, confirmed to the media that the final production of the V8-powered models, including the Wagon (LC76), Troop Carrier (LC78), and various pick-up versions (LC79), will conclude in September. These vehicles are expected to reach customers by late this year or early next year.
Interestingly, production of the GXL-trim single and double cab 79 Series utes will continue until the end of 2025, despite the discontinuation of the V8. Instead of removing the manual transmission option altogether, Toyota will adapt the five-speed manual transmission from the V8 to fit the new 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, which is shared with the HiLux, Prado, and HiAce. This new manual option will be available from October across all body styles and grades, except for the single-cab utes and the WorkMate Wagon.
The phasing out of the V8 engine has been anticipated for several months, with orders for this engine already paused for two years. Despite the high demand for the V8, many orders have been shifted to the alternative powertrain. Toyota hopes that the new five-speed manual transmission will appeal to customers who are hesitant about switching to an automatic transmission. The new gearbox is designed for higher torque and features shorter first, second, and third gears for improved off-the-line performance. It also includes a triple synchronization mechanism for smoother gear changes and a longer fifth gear for better fuel economy and reduced engine noise at highway speeds. A new flywheel compatible with a 12-inch clutch ensures excellent power delivery, while a dust seal on the rear end plate prevents foreign matter from entering the release bearing.
The latest version of the 70 Series, launched in Australia in November, introduced the 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 203hp and 500Nm of torque, which produces slightly less power but more torque than the outgoing V8. Toyota has been working hard to convert V8 deposit holders to this new engine to ensure all orders can be fulfilled. The 4.5-litre diesel V8, first introduced in the 70 Series in 2007, was also featured in the LandCruiser 200 Series with twin turbochargers and an automatic transmission. The newer LandCruiser 300 Series, launched in 2021, replaced the V8 with a 3.3-litre turbo-diesel V6.
The LandCruiser 70 Series has been a staple in Australia since 1985, and the V8 has powered almost half of them. But with the new, stricter emissions rules looming, it's clear that even this rugged icon can't escape the green tide. Toyota's also going all-in on hybrids, ditching petrol-only options across its range.
The Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will take effect in January 2025, aims to enforce stringent CO2 limits. The V8 in the LandCruiser 70 Series emits three times more CO2 than a Corolla hybrid and 35% more than a HiLux SR5 diesel ute, making it a prime target for these new regulations. To comply with the new rules, Toyota Australia has also decided to sell only hybrid versions of its models that offer hybrid power, discontinuing conventional petrol-only versions.
This transition marks a significant shift for Toyota and its customers, emphasizing the company's commitment to meeting new environmental standards and adapting its product lineup to align with future regulations.