@hammerheadfistpunch looks you have folks interested in what you learned the other week.
300 series rumors??? (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Rando Kuruza
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afgman786
SILVER Star
Jonathan Ward's 1hr speech is up on oppo if anyone cares to listen to it..
Ward's speech at cruiserfest
Ward's speech at cruiserfest
I listened to it. Mostly about how he got to where he’s at, how TLC and Icon became what they are, and how Toyota relies heavily on focus groups and largely ignores the specialty market as well as its heritage, not just in the US but around the world.
I don’t really see how he disproves there will be a 300, but from his discussion I can certainly see how the 300 could conceivably be vastly different than the 200.
I don’t really see how he disproves there will be a 300, but from his discussion I can certainly see how the 300 could conceivably be vastly different than the 200.
Sac Cerevisiae
Reid
How objective is Jonathan? I've heard (rumors only) that he and Toyota had a falling out after their "collaboration" on the FJ Cruiser. He claims more input / having more a hand in designing than what actually happened. Again, all hearsay.
Well if I recall, Jonathan veers off a little in discussing his help with the fj cruiser and talks about the rumor on social media of the land cruiser being killed off and how toyota corporate called him about his negative social media comments. Then they offer him a chance to modify the last 1000 units(land cruisers). So from that, it sounds to me like Toyota may indeed be killing the land cruiser. But on the plus side, they just came out with a sweet new BMW.
He quotes his own IG post about Toyota killing the LC. Maybe he has an inside scoop, or maybe the (purported) leak is incorrect, but a video of his discussing his own social media post is questionable reporting (not that he’s a reporter).
Given Dave’s comments about the LC sharing a platform with the Tundra, Sequoia, and Tacoma and his comment about how it hasn’t been decided if they would call it the 300, it would not shock me if Toyota does something different with the LC for the US market - e.g. a 250 platform (like the 70 or 120) for abroad and a shared platform with other non-cruisers for the US. All my personal speculation of course. Whether or not a shared platform would qualify as a “Land Cruiser” to purists is TBD.
Given Dave’s comments about the LC sharing a platform with the Tundra, Sequoia, and Tacoma and his comment about how it hasn’t been decided if they would call it the 300, it would not shock me if Toyota does something different with the LC for the US market - e.g. a 250 platform (like the 70 or 120) for abroad and a shared platform with other non-cruisers for the US. All my personal speculation of course. Whether or not a shared platform would qualify as a “Land Cruiser” to purists is TBD.
Or Possibly this is a marketing ploy by Ward to prove to toyota that marketing the LC can drive more sales. He does mention that if toyota would even place an LC in the back ground of a car add it would be beneficial. If true I applaud his tactics.
All the reports so far have said the land cruiser will be done after MY 2022. What do you guys expect will happen forMY 2021 and 2022? It seems odd they would have a heritage edition this year then two more model years before finally getting the axe. I thought I remember reading somewhere that there may be some changes to the LC for 2021 although it all seems odd that would be the case.
I considered that as well.
HDJdreams
SILVER Star
I found his comments about Toyota NA and Toyota in general listening to “focus groups” not understanding the U.S. 4x4 enthusiast market and ignoring their heritage and brand spot on.
I have passionately HATED Toyota NA for 20 years for destroying the Land Cruiser brand! I have been extremely frustrated to see what is available in Oz and Globally (diesels, manuals, simple interiors, 105 and 70 series, etc.) that we can’t have.
I have owned 4 80s, 2 100s, and a 200. The 200 is an electronic abomination and the last newer Land Cruiser I will buy. Mine has some sort of electrical gremlin, a nonsensical emission code (like P0401 for an 80, something that doesn’t actually affect the engine), that I am chasing that throws a CEL, that would be annoying but the fact that the vehicle is overzealous about going into limp mode and DISABLING low range on what is supposed to be their premier off road flagship is unforgivable in my book. It’s the antithesis of the reliability of the FJ40s that built the brand.
That and the lack of a diesel in a market where all their European “competitors” and soon even the Wrangler have one is a game ender. My wife, who has driven TLCs for 18 years is so sick of filling the 200, it’s noticeably worse than the 80 and 100.
At a time when off road “halo” vehicles are proliferating (Raptor, ZR2, Rebel, Power Wagon, Wrangler, Gladiator, soon a “Defender” and Bronco) the fact that Toyota NA can’t sell Land Cruisers is an indictment of how clueless they are.
I agreed with his comments about less content, a $60k starting price point. I thought they were spot on.
I have passionately HATED Toyota NA for 20 years for destroying the Land Cruiser brand! I have been extremely frustrated to see what is available in Oz and Globally (diesels, manuals, simple interiors, 105 and 70 series, etc.) that we can’t have.
I have owned 4 80s, 2 100s, and a 200. The 200 is an electronic abomination and the last newer Land Cruiser I will buy. Mine has some sort of electrical gremlin, a nonsensical emission code (like P0401 for an 80, something that doesn’t actually affect the engine), that I am chasing that throws a CEL, that would be annoying but the fact that the vehicle is overzealous about going into limp mode and DISABLING low range on what is supposed to be their premier off road flagship is unforgivable in my book. It’s the antithesis of the reliability of the FJ40s that built the brand.
That and the lack of a diesel in a market where all their European “competitors” and soon even the Wrangler have one is a game ender. My wife, who has driven TLCs for 18 years is so sick of filling the 200, it’s noticeably worse than the 80 and 100.
At a time when off road “halo” vehicles are proliferating (Raptor, ZR2, Rebel, Power Wagon, Wrangler, Gladiator, soon a “Defender” and Bronco) the fact that Toyota NA can’t sell Land Cruisers is an indictment of how clueless they are.
I agreed with his comments about less content, a $60k starting price point. I thought they were spot on.
He nails it right here. Ive been saying it for a long time, many of us have. Anyone who doesnt think there is a market for this type of vehicle is as clueless as Toyota seems to be. Exhibit A: Four Jeep Wranglers at every intersection.
HDJdreams
SILVER Star
With $5-40k of accessories! (I can’t believe how many I see with front and rear Dana 60s! $$$$$)
I think the Japanese culture barrier prevents Toyota from understanding old/simple is good. Perhaps it needs to be explained to them in a way they will understand. Would you rather have a new fancy samarai sword, or a old legendary sword?
I see tons of 4Runners and Tacomas as well, which in reality is the counter-market for the Jeep Wrangler. I can see how Toyota thinks they are doing just fine (not that i have to agree with them)
indycole
GOLD Star
Agreed. Upon hearing the rumors a few weeks ago I thought back to Dave’s comments and realized nothing he said would rule out a dramatic change in direction for the line in the US.
In related news, I think Land Rover did a great job with Defender in terms of specs.
was wondering why that page was blowing up.
yeah I don't want to get peoples hopes up that there is any concrete information in that keynote. its mostly just a window into Toyota's thought process.
afgman786
SILVER Star
When I posted the link I had quickly read the article and it made it seem like this might be his insight on the 300 series. After listening to it I was regretting posting it up here and making it seem like he shed insight on that.
Sorry fellas.
Sorry fellas.
I agree..
