V8 Cruiser finally finished 

Toyota New Zealand has confirmed the death of the Land Cruiser 70 V8. Concrete pumpers and Southern farmers were seen wiping away the odd tear today as the news broke. Although they say it was merely a bit of dust on the retina causing their watery eyes. 

Toyota NZ has now reduced the LC 70 range to four core models, all powered by the 1GD four pot 2.8-litre diesel. This makes a similar amount of power as the V8 (150kW) and a lot more torque (500Nm v 430). 

But don’t worry old timer, it’s not a hybrid. However, it only comes hooked to an auto, which might not sit well with some. That the four cylinder LC emits less carbon dioxide per km will likely be lost on those living in the manosphere who think it’s irrelevant what New Zealand does in the scheme of planetary emissions.  

Andrew Davis, Chief Strategic Officer, said the time had come to finally retire the V8-powered Land Cruiser 70.

Read more 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 LT Double Cab review

“We acknowledge it was a legendary powertrain, but we are confident the complete switch to the 1GD four-cylinder and auto transmission gives a better option for customers. This powertrain will offer better in-use performance with a smoother operation and better ride quality which customers have been quick to praise” he says.

The four grades of the LC 70 line up are the LT ute with either a two-door single cab or four-door double cab, the LX double cab ute and the LX wagon.