Toyota to introduce mild-hybrid tech in Aussie-spec Land Cruiser Prado

MANILA: The upcoming Toyota Land Cruiser Prado for the Australian market will receive a new Altitude variant, which comes with the brand’s V-Active mild-hybrid technology. 

Per the Japanese carmaker’s arm from the land down under, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude is an off-road-oriented trim fitted with a 2.8-liter turbocharged diesel engine. 

The said V-Active technology consists of a 48-volt lithium-ion battery, a direct current converter, and motor generator. 

According to Toyota, the motor generator helps provide extra assistance when accelerating from a standing start. On the other hand, it recouperates energy and feeds it back to the 48-volt battery when decelerating. 

It is mounted high in the engine bay to help retain the nameplate’s strong 700-millimeter wading depth, and is driven by a high-strength belt with a two-arm tensioner as well as a layer of fabric on the rib side to help prevent slippage in wet conditions.

Some of its benefits offered by the mild-hybrid V-Active system include improved fuel economy (estimated average of 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers) and the introduction of a new stop/start function. 

In addition, it adopts AdBlue, which is a fluid additive that when mixed with exhaust gasses as they enter the catalytic converter, burns at very high temperatures to help break down harmful nitrogen oxide emissions.

Other notable features of the Australian-spec Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude include a stabilizer disconnect mechanism (which provides the sport utility vehicle with enhanced traction and grip), 18-inch wheels with 265/70 series Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, a suite of off-road-oriented drive modes, advanced driver-assist features, as well as a locking Torsen center differential.

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Altitude is expected to arrive in Australian dealerships by the end of the month and is priced at $92,700 Australian dollars or approximately P3.5 million. 

“Australian buyers have always appreciated the rugged off-road performance of the LandCruiser Prado, which has proved to be the perfect overlanding platform for customers who want to travel all over the country without breaking the bank,” Toyota Australia Vice President Sales for Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said. 

“The new Altitude grade enhances the performance of the LandCruiser Prado, allowing customers to venture further off-road than ever before,” he added.

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