The Toyota Land Cruiser 250 / Prado may be available with a conventional or electrified gasoline engine, but this generation also marks the first time it gets the option of an electrified diesel.
Sharing the same 48-volt mild-hybrid tech found in both the Hilux and Fortuner, the Land Cruiser Prado gains the 1GD-FTV 2.8-liter diesel engine and Direct Shift automatic transmission. The alternator has been chucked in favor of an electric motor-generator while a DC-DC converter controls the energy flow between the battery and motor.
Speaking of the battery, the lithium-ion battery features 13 cells and a capacity of 4.3 Ah—about the same size as the Corolla Cross’. This supplies 16 horsepower (12 kW) and 65 Nm more torque when fully charged.
Both the hybrid battery and the low-profile DC-DC converter are protected against water ingress (wading depth is rated at 700 mm), and as much cooling air as possible is drawn into the battery from the front of the vehicle, with a lower temperature than the cabin air. Meanwhile, a filter helps prevent the build-up of dust in the battery’s cooling paths and fan helps prevent battery performance deteriorating in high temperatures.
Toyota says the adoption of the 48-volt hybrid tech on the Land Cruiser Prado is one born out of simplified integration. Being more compact than a full hybrid system, it can be more easily fitted to existing powertrains without requiring significant redesigns or re-engineering. In fact, the only change here is a revision to the deck layout.
Benefits include a smoother, quieter, and more responsive engine stop-start system and smooth, linear, and powerful acceleration from start-off.
There’s also a regeneration function, recovering energy every time the driver comes off the throttle using engine braking. This is then used to provide the engine’s stop-start function and support acceleration, minimizing waste. It improves efficiency, makes driving easier and produces natural-feeling deceleration. In on-road driving, acceleration when pulling away and deceleration are smooth and linear, contributing to a more composed and comfortable ride.
On rougher, off-road surfaces, the motor-generator adds to the Land Cruiser’s ability to tackle obstacles. For example, when it finds itself on an uphill gradient, the stop and start system will maintain the brake pressure until sufficient drive torque is generated, to achieve a smooth start-off. Also, when the vehicle is on a level surface, the system offsets any excess drive torque produced on restart.
For now, the Land Cruiser Prado Hybrid will be offered in Toyota’s European markets. No word if availability will expand to other markets as well.
This is the drivetrain (w/ or w/o mild hybrid supplement) that we want here in PH. Bring it please. Currently if you want a diesel, you'd have to import and those are prohibitively priced, even from our LHD Asean neighbors.
ReplyDeleteMore compact than a full hybrid system so they say but you still end sacrifice the same cargo space as the iForceMax US models.
ReplyDeleteKasing haba na naman ng kumukuha ng ayuda ang wait list neto if ever dadalhin ito sa pinas. :D
ReplyDeleteIt's a garbage 4 cylinders.wake me when Toyota stick to v6 inside 4x4 cars
ReplyDeleteIt's only meant for the European market and likely priced at 5 Million Pesos
ReplyDeleteDoes TMP bother with listening to what the market wants or? This seems like the answer to many of the Prado buying market who are still on the sidelines.
ReplyDelete