Next-gen Toyota Land Cruiser LC 200, Lexus LX to go hybrid

    The automaker will drop its trademark petrol V8 engine in both cars in favour of a cleaner petrol V6 hybrid set-up.

    Published On Feb 06, 2019 01:05:00 PM

    26,241 Views

    The Toyota Land Cruiser and its fancier cousin, the Lexus LX, are full-sized seven-seat SUVs that have been extremely popular in the luxury SUV segment – both globally and in India. Having been around for the better part of a decade, the two SUVs received a mid-life facelift a few years ago; but a brand-new model has been in the works for a while now. Now, according to news reports, a new-generation Toyota Land Cruiser and the equivalent new-generation Lexus LX are said to be due for a public debut sometime in 2020, sporting a new look and a more modern powertrain.

    The new-generation Land Cruiser and LX will continue to be based on the same ladder-frame chassis seen on both models today; but there are expected to be a fair few changes under the skin. The new generation of these two SUVs will drop the trademark V8 petrol engine in favour for a more modern, more fuel-efficient and cleaner petrol V6 hybrid powertrain. According to reports, the SUV twins will get the same powerplant currently available in the Lexus LS500 sedan, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.

    The hybrid powertrain is a perfect fit for the Lexus LX; which, incidentally, is currently one of the only global Lexus models (and the only one in India) which is not offered with a hybrid powertrain. Meanwhile, the loss of the V8 engine in the Lexus Land Cruiser is sure to make the purists cry foul. That being said, with the additional benefits of instant torque being offered by the hybrid powertrain, the Toyota Land Cruiser should continue to do well, both on and off the road.

    Expect an India launch of both models sometime in 2021 as a CBU and with prices well above the Rs 2 crore-mark (ex-showroom).

    CYRUS DHABHAR

     

    IMAGE SOURCE

    Toyota Cars

    Copyright (c) Autocar India. All rights reserved.

    Comments

    ×
    img

    No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

    Ask Autocar Anything about Car and Bike Buying and Maintenance Advices
    Need an expert opinion on your car and bike related queries?
    Ask Now

    Search By Car Price

    Poll of the month

    The Creta will be the third Hyundai N-Line model in India. Should more mass-market brands have sporty sub-brands?

    Yes, it's something special for enthusiasts

     

    17.51%

    Yes, but only if there is increased performance

     

    44.33%

    No, it's just a gimmick to increase the price

     

    30.06%

    It doesn't always work; just look at Tata JTP

     

    8.10%

    Total Votes : 988
    Sign up for our newsletter

    Get all the latest updates from the automobile universe