New engine for 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Apparently ‘Prado’ means ‘meadow’ or ‘field’ in Portuguese. With more power and more torque than the previous engine, it seems the Prado will tear up said field or meadow. Perhaps both. The new for 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado features an advanced 2.8-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine with improved performance, fuel economy and quietness.

The all-new direct-injection turbo diesel engine features the “world’s first” use of Thermo Swing Wall Insulation Technology (TSWIN). The thermal barrier technology helps the engine achieve a maximum thermal efficiency of 44 percent.

Despite smaller engine displacement in comparison to the current Land Cruiser Prado 1KD engine, the maximum torque is superior by 9.8 percent, the low speed torque is improved, and fuel efficiency is a creditable 5.9 percent up, due to increased combustion efficiency and reduced friction.

Fuel filtration, an important point in common rail diesel engines, has been enhanced with the addition of a secondary high pressure fuel filter to protect expensive and precise fuel system components.

These changes have helped the engine meet the tough Euro 5 emissions standards with six percent lower CO2 exhaust emissions.

Toyota New Zealand’s General Manager of Product, Spencer Morris says the new 2.8-litre diesel engine will bring even higher levels of performance and driving pleasure to Prado.

“The new Prado diesel engine is better in every way – it will provide confidence inspiring reliability and robustness proven through extensive and rigorous testing.

“By starting with a clean sheet of paper the Toyota engineers were able to use new materials and innovative thinking. For example a more rigid block allowed the number of head bolts to be reduced freeing up space to optimise head port shape for better fuel flow,” said Mr Morris.

“Higher engine outputs make it easier to drive, especially with new levels of low-down torque that promote strong traction, acceleration and pulling power when needed,” he added.

Another highlight of the new engine is noise suppression, with significant work undertaken to tune the sound of the engine and reduce decibel levels.

The range opening GX, mid-range VX and flagship VX Limited receive the diesel engine, while the VX petrol variant will continue with the proven 4.0-litre V6 engine.

All four variants are equipped with the new six speed automatic, sequential shift All Wheel Drive transmission designed to allow brisk acceleration at low-to-medium speeds.

Engine comparison between current generation and new model

www.drivelife.co.nz is currently testing the 2015 Land Cruiser Prado 2.8 diesel, and initially impressions are that this is one quiet and smooth diesel engine. The extra torque is noticeable over the previous model – an extra 40Nm is a decent increase, especially when you line that up with more power and better fuel economy.