Toyota Land Cruiser Mini

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This has to be one of the most anticipated cars for 2025. Originally slated for a late 2024 release, it has been pushed back and details are still scant, but some pictures and photos have emerged speculating on its size and shape. All very exciting, and it is more than a scaled down Land Cruiser. It promises to bring the retro look, the capabilities and the Toyota reliability reputation to a more managable size and introduce this series to a new buyer pool.

""This suggests that the LandCruiser FJ will use the same Toyota iMV ladder-frame underpinnings as the Champ, albeit with a four-wheel-drive transfer case as opposed to the Champ’s rear-drive platform.


With a wheelbase of between 2745mm and 2750mm (depending on application) the Toyota platform is longer than the new five-door Suzuki Jimny XL at 2590mm."



So as we await more info on this, I've been doing a lot of viewing of the videos and whilst most are largely AI generated, some shed a tad of truth.

But why so little info and the delay? News on the launch was meant to be released last year, but it's been radio silence.

Allow me to indulge in my own speculation..

The recent Honda and Nissan merger has struck deep into the Japanese car industry. This drastic move has all the makings of a panic setting in as the reality of losing the entire car industry to the Chinese sets in. The EVs from the Middle Kingdom are killing a lot of ICE cars, and even EVs and other types of cars from everywhere else. No doubt, this is partly supported by the government, but the rapid evolution of the Chinese car industry from just making cheap, flimsy and poor quality replicas of other Asian or Conti car into a tour de force of innovation and sheer automotive might has taken place at the speed of a Blitzkrieg and the Kamikaze attacks have made previous plans look embarrassing.

Take the Japanese idea of making older generation cars in Thailand with many features removed, or just outdated designs at slightly lower prices for a grateful buying public. This has been torn apart by the latest EV offerings from China. These offer snappy acceleration, cool features, and decent build, all at affordable prices. You don't get cars that go from 0-100 in 15s, two airbags only and no other safety features. No, you get the full suite of safety features, instant response from an electric motor and pretty much the same car offered in other markets. 

So if the idea of the Land Cruiser Mini was originally meant to be an older model based on a truck meant for the Thai market, slap on a new model and make it retro cool, then use an existing old diesel engine, maybe someone was brave enough at the C suite back in Japan to suggest a rethink.

Perhaps they will use the latest chassis, maybe start off with an existing engine, get it onto the market, but introduce hybrid and even EV versions soon after. They may even include the latest safety features but keep that trusty Toyota reliability? 

I wait with abated breath, and whilst some may laugh at my optimism, but hope springs eternal and may the year of the Snake slide in a really exciting Land Cruiser Mini and delight us with the style, the function and win back some street cred for the venerable Toyota company.




** I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.

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