The new Toyota Land Cruiser GDJ76 has been unveiled. This vehicle is known for its association with the United Nations. The new model is based on the enhanced Land Cruiser 70 series, which was introduced shortly after the American version of the Land Cruiser was released.
Designed by TGS, a Toyota agency specializing in building vehicles for humanitarian aid organizations, this vehicle is primarily used by the United Nations, though it's also purchased by organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the World Food Program.
The GDJ76 is essentially the same as the Land Cruiser 70 WorkMate sold in Australia. All comfort features have been removed, including a luxurious 6.7-inch touchscreen that works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
These vehicles are often directly sent to conflict zones, hence the complete focus on reliability. Key features include part-time four-wheel drive, various ventilation openings, manually locking axles, and seating for 10 people. It is only available in a very basic white, to the point where the car doesn't even have its name on the back.
Instead of the six-cylinder 1HZ engine, the GDJ76 is powered by a Toyota GD-6 four-cylinder turbo diesel engine. This is the same engine used in the Toyota Hilux GR Sport, albeit with a power output of 201 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
According to TGS, it uses 30% less fuel than six-cylinder models, saving millions of dollars in operational costs for the United Nations and similar organizations. It also meets all emission regulations in the countries where it will operate.
Currently, the HZJ76 with the six-cylinder engine will be sold alongside the new model. The main reason is that the older model is so reliable that customers will take some time to accept the change. This is also why the civil Land Cruiser remains available with a turbocharged V8 diesel engine, even though the GD-6 four-cylinder engine is superior in every regard.
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