The 1VD-FTV 4.5-litre V8 turbo-diesel, a fixture in the LandCruiser 70 Series since 2007, is headed for retirement. Toyota Australia confirmed on 8 July 2024 that order-taking for the V8, which has been paused for nearly two years, will not be reopened, and that final production runs are now being scheduled across all body styles.
Alongside the farewell news, Toyota announced a new five-speed manual gearbox for most four-cylinder 70 Series variants, available from October 2024 production.
At a Glance
- Final V8 production for the Wagon, Troop Carrier, and WorkMate and GX pick-ups is scheduled for September 2024, with deliveries expected late 2024 or early 2025.
- V8 production for the 79 Series GXL single and double cab variants continues into 2025, with dealer deliveries expected through to the final quarter of 2025.
- The new H153F five-speed manual is derived from the V8's H150F unit, reworked with unique gear ratios for the 1GD 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.
- The 1GD produces 150kW at 3200-3400rpm and 450Nm of peak torque across a 1600-3000rpm band, 20Nm more than the outgoing V8.
- Since its 1985 introduction, Australians have purchased 346,742 examples of the 70 Series, with almost half (171,010 vehicles) powered by the V8.
Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the V8's retirement had been made inevitable by shifting regulations and community expectations. "Bidding farewell to the V8 marks the end of one chapter and the start of another for the go-anywhere 70 Series, a vehicle that's renowned for its ruggedness, reliability and simply getting the job done," Mr Hanley said.
Mr Hanley said the only alternative to investing in the four-cylinder future of the nameplate would have been to discontinue the model entirely. "That was not an option," he said, noting that both Toyota Australia and its Japanese production team had committed significant resources to keeping the 70 Series in the line-up for years to come.
The new H153F manual gearbox is the centrepiece of that investment. Adapted from the V8's H150F five-speed, the unit features shorter first, second and third gears to improve off-the-line performance, plus a triple synchronisation mechanism on first gear for smoother changes. Fifth gear runs longer than on the V8 unit, helping reduce engine noise at highway speeds and improving fuel economy.
A newly adopted flywheel compatible with a 12-inch clutch ensures strong engagement and maximum power delivery. A dust seal fitted to the rear end plate prevents foreign matter from entering the release bearing, a durability measure specific to manual variants. Toyota noted that a front console box and Downhill Assist Control remain exclusive to automatic variants.
The new manual will be offered across all body styles and grades from October production, with the exception of single cab and WorkMate Wagon variants. Pricing and fuel economy figures are to be released closer to the on-sale date.
For the roughly 171,000 Australians who have owned a V8-powered 70 Series, and the many still waiting on allocation, the confirmation brings some clarity on timing, while the manual gearbox news offers a meaningful mechanical upgrade for four-cylinder buyers who prefer to row their own gears.
