Toyota unveils special Land Cruiser variant for the United Nations

Toyota has unveiled a specially designed Land Cruiser for the United Nations. The United Nations is one of the biggest users of the Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs globally, and uses multiple versions of the SUV, including the civilian LC200, the LC300 and their specially modified versions. It also uses the traditional LC70 range of SUVs in various body styles.

The new Land Cruiser GDJ76 is based on the recently unveiled updated Land Cruiser 70 SUV, and has been prepared by Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings (TGS), which specialises in customised SUVs for special operations. The new GDJ76 will replace the popular Land Cruiser HZJ76 that's based on the pre-facelift LC70.

Toyota Land Cruiser GDJ76 is as basic as it gets

The Land Crusier GDJ76 is essentially a back-to-basics version of the already utilitarian Land Cruiser 70. The GDJ76 sticks to its formula of being a reliable traditional ladder frame-based SUV with proper four-wheel drive gear and steel wheels.

It does get creature comforts like power steering, air conditioning, and heated and power windows as an option. The Land Cruiser GDJ76 gets seating for 10, and has locking hubs and a snorkel as standard equipment. It does not get any infotainment system as such, thanks to its built-to-purpose nature.

Toyota Land Cruiser GDJ76 powertrain

The Land Cruiser GDJ76 looks quite similar to the recently unveiled Land Cruiser 70. As far as powertrain goes, the Land Cruiser GDJ76 gets Toyota’s tried and tested 2.8-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine, known as the GD6, which is the same 2.8-litre unit used on the Fortuner SUV. It churns out 201hp and gets a six-speed automatic as standard.

Toyota says this engine is 30 percent more fuel efficient than the in-line six diesel used by the outgoing specially purposed Land Cruiser HZJ6. Toyota will, however, continue selling the HZJ6 until the existing orders are exhausted.

The Land Cruiser GDJ76 will not be sold to individual customers and will be provided in bulk for humanitarian agencies only, with specially customised cabins by TGS depending on the order. The options list also includes a made-to-order bulletproof variant, if needed. Individual customers can buy the Land Cruiser 70, which gets more creature comforts and is sold in multiple markets overseas.

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