The report adds, the next-generation Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is expected to have the option of a new turbo petrol-electric hybrid system. An insider claims the hybrid system could combine a 2.4-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motors - as seen in the Lexus RX500h SUV - with an output of approximately 350 horsepower (261 kW) and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
There may be three trim levels, including a "Launch Edition". Toyota is hoping to sell about 30,000 Land Cruisers a year, which is significantly higher than the last model which only sold around 3,000 units in the US.
The next model is expected to be underpinned by a smaller version of the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series frame, as the Japanese car giant aims to streamline its heavy-duty body-on-frame models. At the same time, it is unclear if the planned Toyota Land Cruiser US revival will be a carbon copy of the next-generation Toyota Prado bound for other markets - or if it will be reworked for the US market with new sheetmetal among other styling changes.
The current Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is not sold in the US; but its luxury V8-powered twin, the Lexus GX, has been on sale in North America for two generations.
Source: Fast Lane Car