Maintaining the off road prowess that has enamored fans but making it more efficient and easier to drive, Toyota has fitted the iconic Land Cruiser Prado with a new 48V mild-hybrid system. The update is being undertaken in the European markets and highlights the move of Toyota towards cleaner diesel galloping.
The fine print: What is Mild Hybrid Technology?
This update has the Prado power, but it centers to the familiar 2.8-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that churns 204hp and 500Nm of torque. It is fitted to the same motor as the Fortuner SUV that Toyota has sold in India, but this time combined with the addition of 7.6kg 48V hybrid systemed into it consisting of three parts: an electric motor-generator, a 48V battery made of lithium-ion, and a DC-DC power converter.
This light-hybrid system substitutes the conventional alternator and makes auto start-stop operation more convenient, the low-speed acceleration smoother, and recovers the energy as engine braking re-charges the battery.
Toyota states that during take-off, it can give an intermittent surge of 16hp and 65Nm, increasing driveability in stop-start urban and off-road starts.
Nothing Is Cut in Off-Road Performance
Although the car is electrified, new Toyota says that the wild off-road Prado bloodshed remains intact. This is because the SUV retains the 700mm most water wading ability and this is because the motor-generator has its high-positioned and water proof slot on the engine block.
According to Toyota, the hybrid assist can also be of assistance even in crawling over slow obstacles, which makes it more competent on rough terrain. The multi-information cluster provides real-time status of the system in the CHG (energy regeneration), ECO (efficiency) or PWR (power assist) mode.
In the Future India Launch in the pipeline
Though Toyota India is yet to set a date on the relaunch, the Prado, also called the LC 250, should be back in India toward the end of this year. Upon reaching the market, it will be placed under the flagship Land Cruiser LC 300, probably aiming at customers who were interested in a balance between maximum comfort and down-to-earth off-road performance.
Land Cruiser Prado with the 48V MHEV system not only remains relevant in a rapidly electrifying World but also does not compromise and dilute what it is, a go-anywhere luxury SUV.
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