2011MY Toyota Land Cruiser Receives Updated 3.0L Diesel with 190HP

Even though the latest generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser (sold as the Lexus GX in the States) with a fresher design and updated engine lineup was only introduced into the market last fall, the Japanese automaker is already getting ready to roll out a new model year version for Europe and other markets.

The important news for the 2011MY Land Cruiser is the presentation of a tweaked version of the popular in the European market, 3.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that is not only more powerful but now also meets the requirements of the Euro 5 emissions regulations.

The uprated D-4D unit, which comes equipped with a newly developed diesel particulate filter system, produces 190-horsepower and 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft) of peak torque between 1,600-2,800rpm, an increase of 17HP and 10Nm over the outgoing diesel engine

Despite the increase in power, fuel economy remains the same at 8.1lt / 100km (29mpg US) as the 2010MY, according to Toyota.

Also new for the 2011MY Land Cruiser is the introduction of an optional Executive package that includes a glass sunroof. At least in Europe, sales of Toyota's updated 4x4 are scheduled to start in December.

2010 Lexus GX460: Mega Photo Album and Pricing of Lexus'... Re-Grilled Toyota Land Cruiser

Sans a new grille, some minor styling/trim enhancements inside and out, and most importantly, a V8 engine, the new 2010 GX460 is in essence the U.S.-spec version of Toyota's 2010 Land Cruiser that was recently launched in Europe and other markets. Featuring a standard 7-seat configuration, Lexus positions the new GX between the brand's LX 570 premium luxury utility vehicle and unibody-based RX models.

In the States, the GX470's replacement is fitted with a new 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of peak torque, and coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift.

It comes equipped with standard full-time four-wheel drive using an electronically controlled transfer case and a TORSEN torque-sensing center differential that distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip.

The new Lexus GX also offers a low gear range for off-road driving while the Japanese automaker claims that it retains the same 6,500-lb. towing capacity as the 263HP GX470 offered,

According to the automaker, the new GX460 returns an EPA-estimated 15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined (2009 GX 470: 15 mpg).

For the first time, the GX will be offered in two trim levels, with the base carrying an MSRP of $51,970 and the higher-spec Premium, $56,765. To that you'll have to add delivery, processing and handling fee of $875.

The new GX will make its first public outing in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December with sales starting towards the end of the month.