To celebrate 30 years since the launch of the Land Cruiser 70, Toyota has announced it will build the original model for one year in Japan. That’s because there is still strong demand from Japanese customers for this model, which was discontinued in 2004 in Toyota’s home market.

Toyota expects to receive roughly 200 orders a month for the off-roader, which goes on sale today at dealers throughout Japan. The Land Cruiser 70 will be available as a four-door van and, for the first time in Japan, as a double-cab pickup truck. Both variants will be built at the Yoshiwara plant in Japan.

First launched in Japan in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 has heavy duty specifications adapted for off-road driving, with its ladder-frame construction making it a robust and durable model. Both variants are offered with a 4.0-liter V6 petrol engine and part-time four-wheel drive. The engine has an aluminum block and VVT-i technology, producing 231 PS (228 hp) and 360 Nm (265 lb-ft) of torque. Toyota says the Land Cruiser 70 averages 6.6 km/l (15.1 l/100 km or 15.5 mpg US). The engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Fans of the Land Cruiser 70 will no doubt notice that Toyota has added some modern touches to the original model, both internally and externally. The front end of the off-roader features an updated grille and hood, while the modern headlights incorporate turn indicators. Toyota also added a 30th anniversary commemorative emblem on both sides of the vehicle. All vehicles are offered with a special leather key case and leather maintenance record holder. Modern safety features include airbags and ABS.

Alongside the Land Cruiser 70 re-release, Toyota has also launched two special editions of the current models, the Land Cruiser ZX Bruno Cross and the Land Cruiser Prado TX Argento Cross, both available only in Japan. The former is based on the Land Cruiser ZX and features super chrome metallic paint, aluminum wheels, premium nappa leather seats and plated side mirrors.

The latter is based on the Land Cruiser Prado TX and features a silver and black color scheme on the seat covers and roof railing, an exclusive dark gray metallic paint for the wheels, and a geometric instrument panel. Both special edition models come with exclusive smart keys, a leather key case and leather maintenance record holder.

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