The Land Cruiser 70 Series.
Among the many events on the motoring calendar, the annual Toyota State of the Motor Industry, where the Japanese manufacturer presents an analysis of the local market and its outlook, remains important.
It also looks at the overall position of the brand locally, customer behaviour and the vehicles that it will be launching throughout the year.
Speaking of the latter, at this year’s event held at Kyalami, Johannesburg, last week, Toyota South Africa hinted at which vehicles the country can look forward to this year.
Land Cruiser 70 Series
Set to launch this month, the facelifted Land Cruiser 70 Series will be available in single-cab, double-cab and station wagon guises.
According to Toyota SA, the 2.8‑litre GD-6 turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine that powers the Hilux, Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado models will join the LC 76 station wagon and 79 single- and double-cab variants, delivering the same 150kW and 500Nm of torque.
As for the 78 Troop Carrier, it will continue to be powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.2-litre straight-6 turbocharged diesel engine that powers the 79.
The 70 Series is also expected to get a revamped cabin as well as a new infotainment system.
Land Cruiser Prado
Boasting the traditional square silhouette and based on the capable LC300 platform, Toyota is expected to launch its new Land Cruiser Prado in April.
The model will pack a 2.8-litre GD-6 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The Land Cruiser Prado will also boast the brand’s modular design, which, according to Toyota, makes it easy to replace parts if they are damaged off-road.
Toyota South Africa president and CEO Andrew Kirby at the State of the Motor Industry event.
Toyota Hilux 48V
As much as electrification seems to have caught up in the bakkie segment, Toyota plans to launch a hybridised Hilux model next month.
The 48-volt mild hybrid system will work in tandem with the aforementioned 2.8-litre GD-6 engine and will add 12kW of power and 65Nm of torque for short bursts, courtesy of a motor generator.
While specifics remain unclear at this stage, Toyota promises an advanced stop/start system, improved acceleration, fuel efficiency and regenerative braking.
When it launches, it will rival the Ford Ranger Wildtrak PHEV.
Hilux GR S III
The Hilux GR-S is a legend in its own right, as a product that excels both on and off the beaten track, but an even more elite model is on its way.
Slated to launch next month, the Hilux GR-S III is essentially a wide-body model, boasting a front fascia inspired by the Tundra as well as customised Dakar-bred styling cues.
With the Ranger Wildtrak X in its crosshairs, the Hilux GR-S III features wider tyres and body enhancements to give a more butch look than the standard Hilux.
The GR-inspired interior has a black theme with red accents — red seatbelts and paddle shifters, aluminium sport pedals and black suede-and-leather sports seats with silver stitching.
Like the regular GR-S variant, the wide-body is powered by a 2.8-litre GD-6 engine with 165kW and 550Nm — 15kW and 50Nm more than the standard model.
Toyota bZ4X
After its global debut in concept guise in 2021, Toyota will officially introduce its bZ4X model next year, as it pushes towards a sustainable future.
As the first vehicle to be based on the eTNGA dedicated battery electric vehicle platform, the bZ4X is Toyota’s first battery electric vehicle.
It comes with 400km of range, courtesy of a 71.4 kilowatt-hour battery pack that feeds power to a 150 kilowatt front-axle mounted electric motor. An all-wheel drive model will probably be offered as an option.
Lexus RZ
On the premium side, Lexus will launch its new RZ next year as its first bespoke battery electric vehicle, which will use the same eTNGA platform. The RZ will be offered exclusively with dual-motor all-wheel drive, thanks to a 150kW motor on the front axle and an 80kW motor at the rear for a combined power output of 230kW and 435Nm.
It will cruise silently for up to 450km between charges.
Performance? Well, it’s no slouch and will go briskly from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds, before maxing out at 160km/h.
Sales forecast
The State of the Motor Industry also provided the perfect platform for president and CEO Andrew Kirby to give his sales forecast for the year.
The brand anticipates 540 000 total sales — a significant uptick over last year’s 532 098 sales.
The sales are predicted to consist of 355 871 passenger vehicles, 152 827 light commercial vehicles and 31 301 other products.