TOYOTA has discovered a workaround to pending side-impact crash rules by elevating the gross car mass (GVM) of chosen LandCruiser 70 Collection (LC70) variants.
The up to date LC70 utility and wagon, which can go on sale from November, will supply an elevated GVM (of greater than 3500kg) and heightened payload capability that may successfully reclassify the mannequin as a medium-segment truck.
The adjustment means the LC70 will keep away from the costly reengineering required to enhance the side-impact safety supplied by the now 37-year-old mannequin, whereas, on the similar time, providing clients what Toyota describes as “helpful will increase in payload”.
Adjustments to the 70 Collection apply solely to utility and wagon variants. The one-cab model of the utility is the one variant that has acquired a five-star ANCAP security score (albeit in 2016). Different variants – together with the favored Troop Provider – are untested, and supply solely a driver and passenger airbag, anti-lock braking, and traction and stability management.
From November 1, mild industrial automobiles with a GVM of lower than 3500kg might be topic to stricter facet affect crash rules underneath Australian Design Rule 85/00 (ADR 85). The adjustments have already impacted a number of passenger automotive fashions and require vital structural adjustments to scale back severe accidents and fatalities from facet impacts.
The excellent news for LC70 utility and wagon consumers is that extra security gear is on the way in which. Toyota will improve the variants with a pre-collision security system incorporating autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and bike owner detection) from November however has but to verify whether or not the adjustments spell a rise in value for the vary.
The LC70 utility and wagon vary is priced from $67,400 to $78,500 plus on-road prices.
“The upcoming adjustments are designed to make sure that the legendary LandCruiser 70 Collection will proceed to be obtainable for the foreseeable future within the Australian market, the place its recognition resulted in additional than 13,900 gross sales final yr,” stated Toyota Australia vice chairman of gross sales, advertising and marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.
“The rise in GVM is certain to enchantment to house owners who use the 70 Collection as a software of commerce or are looking for an excellent larger capability as a heavy-duty leisure off roader.
“Mixed with heavy-duty suspension and three,500kg towing capability, these upgrades will improve the flexibility and rugged repute for this legendary car.”
Mr Hanley stated additional particulars of updates to the LC70 might be confirmed nearer to the mannequin’s native launch. Regardless of the vary’s less-than-stellar security credentials, Toyota Australia has offered 3367 examples of the LC70 utility to this point this yr.
The mannequin, which competes within the Choose-Up/Cab-Chassis 4×4 section, competes with smaller utility fashions, together with Toyota’s best-selling HiLux, in addition to bigger American fashions such because the Chevrolet Silverado and Silverado HD, and RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 ranges.
