According to an unofficial source who may have previewed some upcoming promotional materials, it looks like the diesel-powered version of Toyota's off-road brute may be landing in North America this fall. The recently redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser offers a new 4.5L diesel V8 in overseas markets, but North America has had to be satisfied with the gasoline-fueled variant. Unfortunately for Americans, it appears that only our northern neighbors will access to the compression ignition Land Cruiser for now since they are not subject to Tier 2 Bin 5 standards. However, a cleaner version of this engine should arrive stateside for use in the Sequioa and Tundra about a year from now. According to our source the new V8 is rated at 280hp and 520lb-ft of torque. The fuel mileage of the diesel Land Cruiser is expected to be about 22.4mpg, which makes it comparable to the Chevy Tahoe hybrid. The low volume is Land Cruiser is quite a bit pricier though starting at about $77,290 Canadian (roughly $78,000 U.S.).

[Source: Jim]

Baby steps, baby steps, are what will make SUVs cleaner and cleaner.

Toyota Motor Europe has announced minor improvements to its Land Cruiser SUV lineup: lowered CO2 emissions, Euro IV compliant across the board and slightly more power for the 3.0 liter D-4D.

The better fuel economy means the three-door V6 now emits 288 grams of CO2 per kilometer (the five-door puts out 291 gm/k). The new numbers are due to fitting a flex lock-up system to the automatic gearbox, giving the V6 "increased lock-up clutch operation range by maintaining controlled slip." The 3.0-liter D-4D, which Toyota calls "already one of the most technically advanced diesel engines in the world", received an upgrade to 127 kW at 3,400 rpm, with the maximum torque band widened across 1,600 rpm to 2,800 rpm. This increase in power comes even with the Land Cruiser's improved fuel economy.

[Source: Toyota via Green Car Congress]