Toyota South Africa Motors has rolled out the refreshed Hilux’s 2,8-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine to its Land Cruiser Prado range.

Yes, the Prado has gained the Hilux bakkie’s uprated 2,8 GD powerplant, tuned to deliver 150 kW between 3 000 and 3 400 r/min plus 500 N.m from 1 600 to 2 800 r/min. All models ship standard with a six-speed automatic transmission (with paddles on the VX-L variants) and permanent all-wheel drive.

The Prado 2,8 GD TX starts at R939 900 (that’s around R29 500 more than the outgoing 3,0 DT TX model), with the 2,8 GD VX-L topping the range at R1 105 800. The naturally aspirated 4,0-litre V6 petrol engine soldiers on, still offering 202 kW and 381 N.m in two variants. Check out full range pricing at the bottom of the story.

The familiar 2,8-litre oil-burner – which replaces the old 120 kW/400 N.m 3,0-litre unit that powered three of the five variants in the local Prado range – has gained a new ball-bearing turbocharger with a larger turbine and impeller, along with improved engine rigidity and cooling.

According to Toyota, it boasts better fuel economy than before (a figure of 7,9 L/100 km is listed) thanks to “optimised” pistons and piston rings, along with changes to the cylinder block and head, a higher fuel-injection flow rate and the adoption of “high-performance” materials for the exhaust manifold. In addition, the braked towing capacity increases to 3 000 kg (the 3,0-litre was rated at 2 500 kg).

Inside, the touchscreen infotainment system now boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Expect Toyota SA to release more details about specification upgrades (perhaps including fresh driver assistance technology) in the coming days…

Pricing:
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2,8 GD TX: R939 900
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4,0 VX: R1 029 000
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2,8 GD VX: R1 060 600
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4,0 VX-L: R1 072 600
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2,8 GD VX-L: R1 105 800

Original article from Car