2009 Land Cruiser = Turbo Diesel! MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!

[SOAZ]

:eatchicke :eatchicke :eatchicke I want to eat it up! I'll be able to afford one of these just a skoesh after 2015.http://bp1.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/RedAveUvJRI/AAAAAAAAEqc/378XuQJlmdE/s1600-h/2009LC.jpg
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2007/03/2009-land-cruiser-scooped.html
http://bp1.blogger.com/_FoXyvaPSnVk/RedAveUvJRI/AAAAAAAAEqc/378XuQJlmdE/s1600/2009LC.jpg

[adventureduo]

Yeah, like it will come here....... im not getting excited at all - yet.:coffee:

[DaveInDenver]

I think it will be a nice ride, hopefully we get them available with diesels.

BTW, what MTB race are you doing? Yes, I surfed over to your blog...

[pskhaat]

Despite the fact that it looks like a fat Highslander, the diesel at torque peak of 1200 rpm is quite nice.

[ChuckB]

Man, you got me all excited when i read the title! But its not confirmed yet for the US with the diesel? :088:

[SOAZ]

I'm going to do the white tanks race. Its called the white tanks Whirlewind.
http://www.mbaa.net/racing/index.html
Should be fun. I just tuned up my bike a little. I've never done a mtn bike race before.
Have you?


I think it will be a nice ride, hopefully we get them available with diesels.

BTW, what MTB race are you doing? Yes, I surfed over to your blog...

[SOAZ]

Yah, I doubt we'll ever see the diesel too, but i know that you land cruiser guys would love to get one. So would I... when my 4runner falls apart someday.

[4Rescue]

really in all likelyhood, we should see a slew of Diesel rigs next year with all the talk about the regulations finaly making European motors smogable here in the states. Bout time too since I've been home from Australia I've been missing my TD HJ75 quite alot.

SOAZ: Is this Mt. Bike race DH? IF not skip it, Spandex and Skinny tires are for Euro's :26_7_2:

[slooowr6]

SOAZ: Is this Mt. Bike race DH? IF not skip it, Spandex and Skinny tires are for Euro's :26_7_2:

:REExeSquatsHL1: going up is the fun part. :elkgrin:

[calamaridog]

I'll settle for the 5.7L V8 and 6spd transmission:steak:

We can all dream right?

[whitethaiger]

It doesn't look likely that we'll see the Toyota diesels soon. Here is what a company spokes man was quoted saying in a recent SA article about new clean diesel technology:

"Toyota is not looking to promote diesels soon in North America. Although we continue to develop advanced diesels for the European and Asian markets, we don't think that the US market is receptive to the technology and won't be for some time."

[pskhaat]

Completely doesn't suprise me that statement. I swear it's a Toyota USA executive bias or bigotry. I don't know why that bias exists, but there's no business reason of which I can possibly think to not bring them here, especially now.

[haven]

I think USA Land Cruisers will have a diesel option in the 2009 model year. That's when diesel emissions standards in Europe and USA will be very similar.

Toyota needs to have a diesel option for the Tundra to keep pace with its competitors. Chevy (Duramax/Isuzu), Dodge (Cummins), and Ford (Navistar, presuming the two companies stop filing lawsuits against each other) are all planning to add V6 or small V8 diesel engines to their light pickups (i.e.,, the non-HD versions) in the next few years. The primary reason is to increase fuel mileage.

Toyota is supposed to be working with Hino on such an engine. Hino provides the 3 liter I4 diesel that Toyota uses in the HiLux pickups and Innova vans sold in Asia and Europe, and the 4.2L I6 diesel used in the Land Cruiser everywhere except North America. These engines will need to meet the European emissions standards in 2009, too.

Chip Haven

[DaveInDenver]

I think USA Land Cruisers will have a diesel option in the 2009 model year.
That's pretty optimistic, do you have anything to base that on? I've always heard the Toyota party line, that the US does not want diesels. I imagine they have to stick to that story rigidly because if the rumor got out that in 2009 or '10 or whatever we'll be able to get 1KZ or 1HZ, the current sales would probably take a hit. Toyota is a very conservative company and they aren't gonna do anything until they are sure the market will be there. We within the 4x4 enthusiast community tend to not really be a good indicator of the market as a whole, where most people could care less as long their car starts and it's not too expensive to fill it. The infrastructure right now has diesel higher than gas and adding a huge surge of new cars and trucks would make diesel prices go even higher. I think Toyota is probably right, if it costs you an extra $10 per tank, people are too short sighted to see that they are getting 5 or 10 MPG better. Do a random sample of people next time you're filling up. Ask them what the mileage was on their last 5 tanks. Most won't have a clue. Ask most people what they think about diesels and they are going to say slow and stinky, that's the real market opinion. It's changing and probably rapidly, but it's gonna take a few years and my guess is Toyota will let everyone else take the risk of getting the US market to accept diesels.

[pskhaat]

Toyota will let everyone else take the risk of getting the US market to accept diesels.

But...what business-wise is the risk today of having a diesel option with parts and processes that already exist?

[DaveInDenver]

But...what business-wise is the risk today of having a diesel option with parts and processes that already exist?
Toyota's aware of the stigma of underpowered and stinky cars, even though that was mid 1980s Rabbits, Mercedes and 2L powered trucks. Their reputation here is efficient, eco-friendly cars and my guess is their market research indicates that the problems from the 1970s and 80s are still casting a negative opinion of diesels to enough people.

I mentioned converting my truck to a 2L-TE to my wife and her first questions were will it make it up the hills and is it gonna be loud. I think the idea of diesels to many people is still bad, between the old VWs and testosterone-fueled lugheads with 6" exhausts and 36" Swampers on their crew cabs. I know that VW has done well with the TDI, but mostly I'd bet the average person wouldn't recognize them as a modern quiet, powerful and fuel efficient diesel as it drove past.

Toyota is doing fine in NA and the increased marketing time and effort along with adding complexity to your options lists and model outfits means less time selling the vehicles they already offer. They are focusing on domestic production and any diesel engines brought in would be made at first in Japan. Maybe they don't have the production capability to support the demand? I dunno, Toyota doesn't do anything unless it's gonna sell more cars at increased profit. If the market is there, they will offer cars and trucks with diesels, but very rarely do they really direct the market. Hybrids are a good example, GM and Honda pushed them, Toyota followed and refined them. They didn't make the market, they just exploited it. My guess is they will let Ford or Nissan make the first move, let them spend the money selling the advantages and then open the gates.

[pskhaat]

Dave, all valid points. I argue still however that it'd be no risk to Toyota USA. I doubt that a 10 minute overview of engine options to a luxo buyer would cause that much overhead on comission. Even if they made them available through order only and thus higher prices.

I come back to the grocery store example. Just because natural peanut butter may net a smaller margin, does that mean the store doesn't carry the product? instead just sell `regular' peanut butter? The grocery store actually could be just fine selling regular PB. No! They sell both kinds because you want all consumers in the door to be loyal customers, and you'll sell other things too.

It'd be one thing if Toyota really had to go through R&D or if diesel LHD vehicles weren't even produced. For Toyota, that just isn't the case. Repeat argument on Hiluxen, 70 series', Camry wagons, et al.

[DaveInDenver]

You make a good argument, my main point is I guess mainly that Toyota is a very conservative company and not prone to taking many risks. It didn't go well the first time and I think the market has to be proven for them to try again. Toyota NA is held under pretty tight reigns by Japan. The FJ Cruiser was something California saw a market for and Japan agreed to try it. So maybe it's a question of trust by the top brass? The idea of an by-order only option is intriguing. If you come in and ask for a diesel, it's available, but not something pushed or necessarily marketed heavily. Then there's the question of parts and service chains, I think to convert the system to support diesel is not a cheap decision.

[navara-au]

They have just released the new 70 series Landcruiser with a V8 turbo Diesel In Australia.
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/toyota-landcruiser-70-series.htm

[pskhaat]

I'd still rather have the good 'ol I6, but total drool over that 70 series!

[98roamer]

I was thinking about the hiden cost of service and parts for a very small market. We all know that Toyota is retooling most of their service bays for the larger Tundra, I'm sure that will have to finish before they would bring in a whole new class to service and stock parts for.
I would really like to see the option, now that the US is coming up to standards of low-sulfur diesel.

I can wish in one hand and and spit in the other and see which one fills up first. :costumed-smiley-007

[SOAZ]

really in all likelyhood, we should see a slew of Diesel rigs next year with all the talk about the regulations finaly making European motors smogable here in the states. Bout time too since I've been home from Australia I've been missing my TD HJ75 quite alot.

SOAZ: Is this Mt. Bike race DH? IF not skip it, Spandex and Skinny tires are for Euro's :26_7_2:
Hahaha! I love passing the DH guys on the trail trying to go up hill and the most fun is passing the ones that suck on the down hill!
If I could have several bikes I'd definately have a DH bike, but its WAY to impracticle to ride every day after work.

[navara-au]

I'd still rather have the good 'ol I6, but total drool over that 70 series!

Yep a lot of people over here have been drooling over the V8 turbo diesels as well.
Maybe there testing them out in preparation to release them in the states? For the Tundra that is I dont think you'll be getting the 70 series any time soon.

[pskhaat]

I dont think you'll be getting the 70 series any time soon.

Bloody shame isn't it?

[navara-au]

Bloody shame isn't it?

I dont think I'll getting one soon. I would imagine they cost around the 60 grand mark (aussie dollars).
I'll go ask the handbrake now...........when they roll there eyes and dont answer you....that means no....doesn't it:( ?

[devinsixtyseven]

They have just released the new 70 series Landcruiser with a V8 turbo Diesel In Australia.
http://www.webwombat.com.au/motoring/news_reports/toyota-landcruiser-70-series.htm
There's a guy at TS with pics of dune bashing in UAE with one of those rigs, username is Sandcruiser...really nice looking!

Too bad they don't bring them here :(...

[Diesel Joe]

That will never come here. Toyota dosent give a **** about the United States. I give to you the FJ Cruiser! RALPH!