Why Can't We Get These Here?

[commostud]

Well I went looking at Toyota's Australian website and low and behold they have a LC70 series landcruisers. Look at this picture, It looks just like a MODERN FJ60. The rear passenger windows looks the same. Nuts is all I have to say about this. I am willing to move to Australia if I can find a job down under so I can live in Landcruiser Heaven.
Does this LC look like a MODERN FJ60 or what? It even comes factory with a snorkel....What more can you want?

 

[terranceeriley]

Yep. Next door neighbours dad got one.
had a look and theyre really basic inside. like the old cruisers.
under the hood theres a V8 Turbo Diesel.
I think he said the Troopys come out twin turbo. not sure. It sure is nice though.

 

[bergerob]

Features

and not to mentions the specifications:

• 4.5 litre V8 turbo diesel engine
• Variable vane turbocharger with intercooler
• DOHC (Direct Over Head Camshafts) with 32 valves with common-rail direct injection
• 151kW power – Over 20% better than the previous Turbo Diesel
• Fuel economy (L/100Km)* – 11.9L Troop Carrier & Wagon, Cab Chassis 11.5L

• Class-leading 430Nm of torque
• Meets strict Euro IV emission standards
• 5 speed manual transmission with High/Low range
• Over 1500km range for vehicles fitted with 180L tanks (Cab Chassis and Troop Carrier)
• Extended 8-model line-up

 

[chukardog]

Toyota is out of touch with its American market. I'd buy that today if it were available here in the US.

 

[JJS]

Unfortunately, if it were to hit US shores, it would probably be as reasonably-priced as the 200 series.

 

[High Desert]

Here is the link to the 70 series from Toyota Australia

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series Australia: Specifications, Brochure, Test Drive: 4WD LandCruiser 70 Series

 

[bigDcruiser]

one major issue...

...it needs round headlights. other than that it's a fine looking rig.

 

[Hilux]

A VERY, drool worthy rig. Even if its as basic on the inside as a school bus, and would cost more than 200 series.

 

[Spike Strip]

Yup, all we can do is look and drool... Instead, they give us the FJ Cruiser...

 

[RredFJ40]

Toyota is out of touch with its American market. I'd buy that today if it were available here in the US.

Actually, I think it's not available here because Toyota is IN TOUCH with the American market. Remember that we are a VERY small segment of the population.

 

[Juntura]

Notice the one shown is at the basic end of the range and still costs $52,000+/- US dollars.

 

[commostud]

I still say nuts, it is not fair! They have not even tried to sell them here. Since I could not afford one new so I would wait a couple of years, and whammmmm shopping time I would go. LC70 in my garage. But that is still in my dreams and I don't want to wake up and face my jealousy.

 

[villajoe]

Notice the one shown is at the basic end of the range and still costs $52,000+/- US dollars.

yeah...i dont think that would fly over here! $42k maybe

 

[chukardog]

ctually, I think it's not available here because Toyota is IN TOUCH with the American market. Remember that we are a VERY small segment of the population.

you could'nt be more wrong. Oh no you're right, SUV's don't sell well in America I forgot.

 

[Happy Trails]

Unfortunately, if it were to hit US shores, it would probably be as reasonably-priced as the 200 series.

I'd buy it nonetheless! We really are getting "hosed" here in the states by
Toyota. What a beautiful rig. Curious as to what the MPG figures would be.

 

[worshhim]

Actually, I think it's not available here because Toyota is IN TOUCH with the American market. Remember that we are a VERY small segment of the population.

x2, Think about the FJ Crusier...here in SoCal I can't even count the number of soccer mom's who drive it. Whenever I pass another cruiser on the road here, I wave or smile or something, and I always get a response from the other cruiser. With the FJ Cruisers, I get nothing. I think that the a great number of them out there are driven by people who have no clue about the legacy behind them. No offense to those true cruiserheads that do own them. I think the US market would not allow for a true profit for TOYOTA if they were to sell the LC70 here.

Hans

 

[High Desert]

I'd buy it nonetheless! We really are getting "hosed" here in the states by
Toyota. What a beautiful rig. Curious as to what the MPG figures would be.

"Combined (L/100km).....11.9)"

Dunno what that works out to..?

 

[5280Hawk]

Actually, I think it's not available here because Toyota is IN TOUCH with the American market. Remember that we are a VERY small segment of the population.

Just by Sheer numbers they'd sell more of those here than in Australia,

How many people live in Australia? - about 20 Million


US - about 280 Million.


I'd Buy one in a Heartbeat. Maybe even trade in the Tacoma....maybe

 

[Spike Strip]

Why can't we get these here?

I'd buy one in a heartbeat

 

[REKCUT]

Dont believe it just up to Toyota. They would have to redesign the engine to pass our stanards on air quality and its not worth the money spent. Thats why we only have diesels in heavy duty trucks which for the moment have exceptions. But they are changing every few years. This is why Ford had to get rid of the 7.3 powerstroke for the junk 6.0 and other future engines.

Found this quote in a toyta forum

At present, there are two sets of quality rules. One set which governs most of the country -- the EPA rules -- and another (stricter) set which governs five heavily populated states -- the CARB rules. At present, the former rules allow certain diesel models to be sold, while the latter rules pretty much exclude all current-technology diesels. However, automakers hesistate to introduce diesels if they cannot sell them in several of the country's largest market, to we've seen very few diesel passenger cars around here over the years. VW is one of the few companies that has continued to sell small diesel cars in permitted markets. In a year or two, the two sets of rules will largely converge on a very stingent set of air quality requirements which even Euro 4 diesels will not meet. There is maybe one car on the drawing boards -- a Mercedes -- which would make the cut.

There are exceptions which cover large vehicles, such as buses, frieght trucks and enormous pickup trucks. Those are subject to relaxed standards which are designed to allow a modern clean diesel engine to pass.