The J70 Series Land Cruiser, first introduced around 1984, has kept rolling off production lines for select markets. Recently, Toyota had to ditch the V-8 engine option due to changing regulations and community expectations. This change led to a temporary loss of the manual transmission option.
Now, Toyota's giving the Land Cruiser 70 a new lease on life with a five-speed manual gearbox. It'll pair with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that puts out 201 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque. While it's got four fewer cylinders than the old V-8, it matches up pretty well in the power department and even offers a bit more torque.
Toyota's engineers have put some serious thought into this new gearbox. They've beefed it up to handle the tough conditions Land Cruisers often face. The gear ratios are unique, with shorter first through third gears for better get-up-and-go, and a longer fifth gear to save fuel and cut down on engine noise at higher speeds. A new flywheel was also installed.
To make room for the manual shifter, Toyota had to make a few changes to the interior. They've taken out the front console box and removed the downhill assist control. But for many Land Cruiser fans, the trade-off for a manual transmission will be worth it.
If you're not into shifting gears yourself, don't worry. Toyota's still offering a six-speed automatic transmission. It's got a bit more torque at 500 Nm, and you'll get all of that pulling power at lower engine speeds - 1,600 rpm compared to 2,400 rpm for the manual.
"The manual transmission gives drivers more control and a more engaging driving experience, especially in off-road situations," a Toyota spokesperson said. "We know many of our customers have been waiting for this option to return."
If you're in Australia, you can already get your hands on one of these manual Land Cruisers. Prices start at around $50,000. The vehicle's also available in Japan, and if you're in the United Arab Emirates, you can even pick up a short-wheelbase, two-door model.