Bringing back the 70?

[MrMoose]

For all you cruiserheads...
http://news.yahoo.com/toyotas-most-rugged-land-cruiser-085725988.html

A new troopy with what sounds like FJC drivetrain components?


After reading the line about the UN using 70 series, it reminded me that I saw one at Alan's Automotive when I picked my truck up after repairs. It even had the UN markings on the side. Matt, does you friend that works there know anything about it?

We had a troopy when we first got to Afghanistan, but we had to turn-in it. I loved it! Instead we had Tata's, a crappy van, and some Land Rover Defenders (which were a pain in the ass to drive).

 

[karas]

I will try and remember to ask him when I talk to him next time. I would get one if they come out with one.

 

[EricG]

That price point of $35K is interesting. I've seen a few threads over in chit chat claiming that a 70 series in the US would be north of $70K

$35K for a new 70 series - I'd have to strongly reconsider my stance on never buying another new vehicle.

 

[MrMoose]

Yea. They really need to bring it to the US. The rest of the world gets all the good stuff.

 

[Springs505]

Hmmm...The FJC is on it's way out now. I wonder if the 70 could hit the US as a replacement? It's also interesting that the article mentions a "V6" engine. That's a bit of a departure for a 6-cyl powered LandCruiser.

 

[black95]

The article doesn't mention anything about U.S. sales, don't get your hopes up.

 

[Fitzgerald]

The article doesn't mention anything about U.S. sales, don't get your hopes up.

Party pooper.

 

[EricG]

The article doesn't mention anything about U.S. sales, don't get your hopes up.

Yea, I'm not holding my breath

 

[black95]

Party pooper.

Sorry dude. That vehicle is 35K in Japan because they probably don't have to have them fitted with complex ABS systems, backup warning detection monitors, traction control computers, 5 catalytic converters, airbags that pop out of every nook and cranny, tire pressure monitoring systems.... By the time you add in all that stuff for domestic sales, you have a 70,000 dollar vehicle.

You see, every government in the world but ours relies on this thing that was lost in America years ago called "common sense and accountability", that was back in the old days when we had choices.

 

[CO_Hunter]

..... this thing that was lost in America years ago called "common sense and accountability", that was back in the old days when we had choices.

Yuuuup!! We live in a Nanny state gone wild...

 

[EricG]

It's been my impression that European safety standards are at least as strict as US - don't know about Japan. And I think I read recently that Australia has changed the safety standards recently and moved to make commercial off-road vehicles (which is a large market for the 70 series) conform as well. This may be behind the 70 series redesign.

Here's an interesting article on the issue - it's focusing more on European sub compacts, but I'm guessing the same issues apply.

http://jalopnik.com/a-simple-explanation-why-america-doesnt-get-european-h-1493377285

They're suggesting that the international standards that Europe uses are at least as strict, but they're different. Possibly as a way isolate our market and protect US auto makers from competition.