General News
25 July, 2024
End of line for V8
It's powered the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series since 2007 but soon the venerable V8 will be no more.
In its place the company says it's investing in the long-term future of the popular workhorse by announcing the introduction of a five-speed manual gearbox for most four-cylinder variants.
Order-taking for the 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre turbo-diesel engine, which has been paused for almost two years, will now be permanently closed as Toyota works to deliver V8-powered vehicles to as many customers as possible.
Final production of the V8 Wagon, Troop Carrier and WorkMate and GX pick-ups will take place in September, and it is expected that all vehicles expected will be in customers' hands either late this year or early in 2025.
Production of the bent-eight is scheduled to continue well into next year, enabling Toyota dealers to provide customers with high-demand 79 Series GXL single and double cabs through to the final quarter.
The new five-speed gearbox, which is engineered for higher torque than its V8 sibling, will be available from the October production cycle on all body styles and grades except for single cabs and the Workmate Wagon.
Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the decision to bring down the curtain on the V8 had been inevitable due to changing regulations and community expectations.
“Bidding farewell to the V8 marks the end of one chapter and the start of another for the go-anywhere 70 Series - a vehicle that’s renowned for its ruggedness, reliability and simply getting the job done,” Mr Hanley said.
“We continue to work closely with our production team to receive the maximum possible V8 allocation so that we can fulfil as many local customer V8 orders as possible."
Mr Hanley said he would encourage any enthusiasts who might lament the V8 decision to join the growing number of drivers who had found the four-cylinder alternative was even more capable.
Ordering of these variants was not affected by the V8 decision, he said.
"Both here and in Japan, Toyota was determined to return the loyalty of our customers by devoting significant resources to ensuring the 70 Series remains a vital part of our line-up for years to come.
“The only alternative was to walk away from this model - and that was not an option.”