V8

Those holding out to order a new V8-power Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series are out of luck.Orders of the V8-powered version of the legendary tough truck have been paused for about two years and the chances of them opening are slim, according to Toyota Australia’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley.“At this stage I have no clear vision of that order bank opening again anytime soon. We’ve still got a way to go to clear what we’ve got,” said Hanley.“So I don’t foresee that order bank for V8 LandCruiser 70 Series opening any time soon.”The good news, for those with an existing order, is the company is now starting to fill that large order bank.“We are filling the orders as we speak, which is good for customers that have been waiting and we expect to be able to fill those orders,” said Hanley.The Federal Government's impending New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which will come into effect next year, had put a shadow of doubt over these long-standing orders being filled.Under the NVES, carmakers will be fined for every vehicle they sell that produces CO2 over a certain level. This level gets lower and lower every year and an old V8 diesel motor will not meet this new standard.Toyota has brought in a new four-cylinder version to help prolong the life of the rugged four-wheel drive.This four-cylinder version uses the same 2.8-litre turbo-diesel motor found in the HiLux and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.Hanley said at the time of the four-cylinder’s launch it would broaden its appeal even further, making it more accessible to a wider cross-section of customers than ever before.Now it appears customers will have no choice but to take the four-cylinder.Hanley indicated customers haven’t warmed to the smaller-engined 70 Series but he said the take-up rate for the four-cylinder was improving by the day.

Ram Trucks Australia has confirmed a final run of 130 units of its top-spec, wicked TRX variant of the 1500 truck are coming for Australia.