Toyota trifled with all sorts of design directions for the new model, including a ‘hexy-time’ theme

ONE impression gained from pre-release engagement with the next-generation Land Cruiser two months ago is how, for all the obvious re-styling effort, it’s still very much reminiscent in look to the one it bumps. And, indeed, the one before that.

That’s fine. Heritage very much fuels Toyota’s largest and arguably most competent off-roader wagon. They’ve been doing it for 70 years; the family has a remarkably loyal following. Everyone knows what they like. Toyota obliges.

Still, it seems that styling a new icon is far from being a matter of taking out the old blueprints and making a few revisions to accommodate a new-look grille.

That much becomes clear from checking out the cache of concept design sketches Toyota Japan has just shared.

The portfolio shows that the studio tarried with all sorts of interesting design directions for a model Kiwis will get to properly see from the start of October in seven-seater $124,990 VX and $138,990 VX Limited form, as well as new-to-type sports-flavoured five chair $144,990 GR.

Insight into what was considered for a vehicle almost a decade in the making starts with drawings from the project’s very early days.

The portfolio suggests there was quite a concerted effort to reference classic Land Cruisers, using the cab-back profiles of the 60, 80, 100, and 200-series to inform the new model’s design and features.

Likewise, the front graphic, with headlamps forming a wide T with the grille, show a lineage dating back to the 60-series of the 1980s.

One idea that has been gaining attention represents a significant departure from what was eventually ticked off. Hexagons were the main theme here, with the Japanese marque even saying “HEX for GEN-Y” and “Oh baby, you're so HEX-Y.”

Who’s to say it won’t yet gain traction? The futuristic-looking SUV has references that, some are now suggesting, would conceivably befit the yet-to-be unveiled Lexus LX version. For evidence they point to the split headlights with four-point LEDs and the separate spindle grille design.

There’s another, ‘world runner’, that seems closer to the actual model. Though it, too, looks more modern with the sleeker headlights and taillights. It has a cleaner side profile without bulging wheel arches.

Various other sketches envision the Land Cruiser as a fully-fledged off-roader with a snorkel and roof-mounted auxiliary lights. Significantly slimmer headlights and taillights are in some of the design proposals; are these ideas being reserved for a future facelift?

There’s a lot to fascinate fans, that’s for sure.

(our first drive review of the Land Cruiser 300: https://www.motoringnz.com/firstdrive/2021/6/10/land-cruiser-300-series-first-drive-review-new-still-familiar)