Leaked Docs Suggests Gazoo Racing Land Cruiser is Coming

According to a Japanese dealer bulletin, a beefed up Gazoo Racing edition Toyota Land Cruiser is on the way.

Other than the fact that it’s — quite regrettably — not coming to the United States, there isn’t a lot of hard intel on the next generation Toyota Land Cruiser just yet. But last week, we got a look at some technical drawings which suggest that the 300 Series will drop the current V8 and offer a choice between two V6 engines. And now, we have some even more interesting news. Because while industry insiders have been expecting that change for some time, this latest rumor was a little more unexpected. So hang on to your pants, because it sounds like a Gazoo Racing edition is on the way.

This intriguing info comes courtesy of our friends over at CarBuzz, who cite a dealer bulletin posted to Japanese “word-of-mouth” forum Kakaku as the source. Somewhat predictably, there won’t me more power on tap in the Gazoo Racing model, but there will be a host of improvements designed to make it even more formidable when the going gets tough. Most importantly, there will be front and rear locking differentials, along with Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, which can automatically disconnect the Land Cruiser’s front and rear sway bars, and allow for more articulation on challenging terrain.

Those seem to be the biggest takeaways, but it’s worth noting that the Gazoo Racing version will also roll on 18-inch wheels, as opposed to the 20-inch units which will come standard on the Land Cruiser. You know, because sidewall. Obviously, the big question for American Land Cruiser fans is whether any of that kit will be available on its Lexus twin, the LX. At this point, it’s not even clear if that rig will be available stateside. But if I had to bet? I’d say it’s a done deal. There’s just too much money on the table in the segment for Toyota to not compete.

Right now, all signs point toward Toyota releasing details about the next-generation Land Cruiser on August 1st, but I think it’ll be a bit longer before domestic fans get any word about the LX. Stay tuned for more news about the 300 Series, and let me know if you think Lexus will offer Gazoo Racing package on its version of the truck. Personally, I think it would make sense, as the tuning arm has already worked with Lexus on sports cars like the LFA and LC, but only time will tell…