300 Series Announced

[Madtiger]

View attachment 2699788
High spec aus/nz cruiser with better front bumper and no low hanging running boards.

Thanks. This reminds me of the situation here in USA with the 4runners. 4runner base model and TRD Off-road gets good clearance bumpers and TRD also gets rear locker and off-road electronic goodies. The most expensive 4runner is the Limited…and that gets low hanging front bumper and no off-road goodies, but more luxury goods.

So, at least in Euro/Aus, Toyota is seemingly doing the same thing to LC300.

My guess is that the Lexus LX-300 will get the “low-hanging“ high end treatment…and is augmented by some form of AHC?

I see “electronic” KDSS mentioned so far. Is AHC not available anymore in any market????

 

[WCDAVE]

I'm sure ARB or AluCab or ........ will make a fold down table that deploys when the rear hatch is open. You get a bigger cover with the full hatch and likely an even more useful table/surface. Maybe wont support as much weight as the current tailgate but likely more feature-full.

 

[Big Timber]

If they offered the GR sport in NA, I'd buy one today. WTF Toyota?

 

[WCDAVE]

If they offered the GR sport in NA, I'd buy one today. WTF Toyota?

I think it's not as simple as just adding the 200-300 units per month they'd sell here to the boat full of Camries. US market vehicles come with a whole slate of compliance items not required elsewhere. These take time and effort to implement and can stall a rollout. Not a move Toyota will likely take for the LCs smallest market. I'll bet that once the more robust LC markets absorb the new vehicle we'll see it here in 3-4 year's time with the engine and running gear more fully vetted.

Having said that: WTF Toyota!?

 

[DenverLX]

First thing is, the 300 is coming to North America, it just will have an L on the front of it. I personally don’t care because I have now had 2 LX470’s and now an LX570. When buying used it always seems the the LX’s were always far more available, in better shape and literally cheaper. So Lexus/Toyota, I don’t care. That being said it’s sad in a sentimental way, it’s the flagship vehicle of the worlds largest automaker, just sell it everywhere!

The fold down tailgate is the best part of LC/LX’s and missing that is a huge disappointment. I’ve actually never understood how come all suvs don’t have the tailgate.
Besides that, the presentation of this thing was pretty bad. I watched the Ford lightning premiere and Toyota should have taken some notes. The styling isn’t exciting but expected. Power and performance are also not exciting but expected. Interior is the same. I suppose I’ll probably end up owning one at some point.

 

[Climbingnut]

I dig the flat 3rd row. That engine bay looks mighty cramped for having a V6 under hood. Gonna be interesting to see how all the aftermarket guys shoehorn their stuff under that hood. Bumpers don’t bother me. Off-road enthusiasts will likely replace them anyways. Not a deal breaker.

 

[CharlieS]

First thing is, the 300 is coming to North America, it just will have an L on the front of it. I personally don’t care because I have now had 2 LX470’s and now an LX570. When buying used it always seems the the LX’s were always far more available, in better shape and literally cheaper. So Lexus/Toyota, I don’t care. That being said it’s sad in a sentimental way, it’s the flagship vehicle of the worlds largest automaker, just sell it everywhere!

The fold down tailgate is the best part of LC/LX’s and missing that is a huge disappointment. I’ve actually never understood how come all suvs don’t have the tailgate.
Besides that, the presentation of this thing was pretty bad. I watched the Ford lightning premiere and Toyota should have taken some notes. The styling isn’t exciting but expected. Power and performance are also not exciting but expected. Interior is the same. I suppose I’ll probably end up owning one at some point.

I suspect that the marketing message that resonates and sells units in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia is different than what works in the US.

 

[DenverLX]

Seems like there are so many new vehicle announcements that contain groundbreaking technology, innovative powertrains or never before seen features and performance. And here Toyota is bragging about welding a frame…

I mean, I’m sure that frame is cool, but how am I supposed show off my 100k truck’s frame

 

[linuxgod]

I want to use the new KDSS/front sway bar in my 200.

 

[TeCKis300]

On the whole, this is an evolution rather than a revolution. Telling as they kept the same 112.2" wheelbase since the 80-series which they describe as the golden ratio. I don't disagree. Not unexpected given the vehicles heritage and mission, and it's likely the right thing for its traditionalist following. I'll say I dig the new styling and its appealing right off the bat. Which for most new generations, takes a bit to grow on me.

The split hatch/tailgate is going to be missed. I likewise think it was a great feature. Though there's advantages to the new large hatch configuration too. Jumping on the tailgate to reach deep into the trunk does get old. Especially when seriously lifted. This is probably where they they saved a chunk of weight from as less structure is needed for the tailgate, and separate tailgate/hatch. The 3rd row folding looks awesome. No longer folding to the side. Looks like they scalloped the chassis deeply to allow the 3rd row to fold down and in. While preserving the rear floor aperture without an additional lip like the GXs. That's goingto make huge gains in rear storage volume while keeping a 3rd row.

 

[linuxgod]

Really wish in giving up the split hatch that they would've gone with the 4Runner's ability to open the rear window. That was my favorite feature of my old 3rd gen.

Edit: @TeCKis300, I really think the MY 2016 was supposed to be the 300, as IMO that was a larger exterior and interior facelift. But I think the drivetrain wasn't ready so Toyota called it a 200 refresh and pushed it until now.

 

[molanginaeda]

Apple CarPlay and Andriod auto. Game changer technology compare to LC200.

 

[Itsky]

Any word on the size of the gas tank?

 

[HighRanch]

Toyota announced the new 300 series today. Thoughts?

Looks like they have moved the fuel door to the drivers side on the 300.

 

[Madtiger]

I still have not seen any official word on axle lockers. Where are you guys seeing this??

Toyota UK | New Toyota Cars, Prices & Reviews

Looking for a Toyota? Explore the Toyota model range, read expert reviews on the latest Toyota cars, and find the right Toyota for you.

www.carwow.co.uk

This article mentions GR Sport as an appearance package. No lockers.

 

[TeCKis300]

Really wish in giving up the split hatch that they would've gone with the 4Runner's ability to open the rear window. That was my favorite feature of my old 3rd gen.

Edit: @TeCKis300, I really think the MY 2016 was supposed to be the 300, as IMO that was a larger exterior and interior facelift. But I think the drivetrain wasn't ready so Toyota called it a 200 refresh and pushed it until now.

Right? I do miss that feature from my 4-runner. Or the powered rear vent windows on my 100-series.

I don't disagree on the MY2016 and there is some truth there based on the original 10 yr or less cadence: 60-series (1980), 80-series (1990), 100-series (1998), 200-series (2007).... 300-series (2021)

Any word on the size of the gas tank?

Oh man. I'm with you on that one. I really really hope that Toyota doesn't take the strategy - V6 more efficient, let's reduce tank size accordingly to save weight and improve payload. Especially crappy in the US as we get dinged further in range with piss grade ethanol fuel that has less energy content by volume.

 

[Madtiger]

Toyota's New Land Cruiser Makes World Premiere | Toyota | Global Newsroom | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Toyota unveiled the new Land Cruiser to the world (in a Middle East-centered online reveal).

global.toyota

“The frame itself was redesigned to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Various steps were taken, such as the reduction of the total weight of the vehicle (by 200 kg) including the frame and the body, lowered center of gravity, weight distribution, and improved suspension structure.

To further improve the traditional off-road performance, the following developments and new technologies have been adopted

• Improvement in the basic suspension performance (wheel articulation: a number indicating the ability of a tire to stay on the ground)
• Improved road-holding performance through the adoption of the E-KDSS (Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) (first in the world)
• Adoption of the Multi-Terrain Monitor, which instantly displays obstacles as viewed from the driver's viewpoint
• Adoption of the Multi Terrain Select, which automatically judges the road surface and selects the best driving mode

As for the package, placing priority on off-road performance, the vehicle size including the total length, total width, and wheelbase, as well as both the departure and approach angles have been kept the same as the previous model (excluding some grades).”

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

So, basically LC300 has a lighter body & frame and with more rigidity. Off-road benefits: lighter curb weight and stronger engine…and 2nd gen KDSS with more cameras all over the place. No axle lockers mentioned at all.

I would bet that gas tank is probably same size (since length, width, etc are same as LC200). More range is accomplish by being lighter (400 lbs) and more efficient engine.

And as i bolded above, the approach and departure angles are indeed different among the trim levels. So, it is likely that the “luxury” version will have bad approach angle due to bigger Escalade-like face. So, i am assuming that the Lexus LX300 will continue tradition of bad approach angle.

Another oddity: NO AHC mentioned at all in any trim. Is Toyota dumping AHC after 2 gens of LC?

 

[Jurwin]

I still have not seen any official word on axle lockers. Where are you guys seeing this??

Toyota UK | New Toyota Cars, Prices & Reviews

Looking for a Toyota? Explore the Toyota model range, read expert reviews on the latest Toyota cars, and find the right Toyota for you.

www.carwow.co.uk

This article mentions GR Sport as an appearance package. No lockers.

All your questions are answered here.

 

[Madtiger]

All your questions are answered here.

Now, THAT is awesome!! That is the biggest off-road upgrade over LC200! Sadly, in USA, we may never see this.

 

[linuxgod]

All your questions are answered here.

Didn't answer *all* my questions (how does eKDSS work? and is this coming to the USA as a Lexus?!?!), but it does look like front and rear lockers are part of the deal.

I do hope they make the GR version as a Lexus. I'm not exactly holding my breath, but if they do I might be able to afford one in the latter part of this decade.