Toyota may soon go ahead with a Land Cruiser lite after the Japanese automaker trademarked the Land Hopper name with speculation mounting that it will be a compact version of the recently unveiled off-roader.

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At the beginning of August, Toyota submitted an application in Japan for “Land Hopper” which was made public by authorities just over a week later. The automaker made the application of the category encompassing automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. Devoted enthusiasts, this discovery was made by a user on the Toyota Land Cruiser Forum and further speculation ensued as to what it could be.

This is all unfounded but during the Land Cruiser presentation recently, images portraying a variety of vehicles could fit the bill. The first option could be a Compact Cruiser or Land Cruiser lite if you will, pictured below. Alternatively, the Land Hopper name could signify the scooter pictured in the middle, Toyota is not a motorcycle manufacturer but the patent was filed for motorcycles and bicycles too. If this is the case it will likely remain a product to remain in the country of its trademark origin as a mobility device: Japan.

Should it be the former, the small SUV featured in the teaser bears a notable resemblance to the Compact Cruiser concept introduced in 2021, during Toyota’s unveiling of various electric vehicle concepts. However, no technical details about this particular model were provided at that time.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser Chief Engineer, Keita Moritsu, had previously mentioned that the company was exploring options for the new SUV, including plug-in hybrid, fuel cell, and full electric versions. Adapting the ladder frame for PHEV or electric powertrains would require modifications. However, the TNGA-F platform is capable of accommodating conventional hybrid powertrains, such as the turbocharged 2,4-liter four-cylinder I-Force Max engine found in the latest Tacoma.

Related: Toyota Promises 1 000 km Range With Next-Generation Battery Tech

As for the final model teased on the image during the presentation, it seems to be a larger, three-row electrified SUV that Toyota has in the pipeline and intends to commence production by 2025 in the United States of America. Which model would you be most excited to see?

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The post Toyota Trademarks Land Hopper Name as a Potential Compact Cruiser appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Toyota

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We know that Toyota is planning on introducing a new bakkie for South Africa in the coming years. It will likely continue the legendary Stout nameplate as a Baby Hilux but all other information is still speculation. While the details on this all remains hazy, the Japanese automaker has displayed its Rangga concept at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in Indonesia.

Related: A rebirth of the legendary Stout may be Toyota’s “Baby Hilux”

What was showcased is a versatile commercial vehicle concept that can be customized according to individual preferences – more on this later. The Rangga seems to be available solely in single cab guise although current technical specifications and physical dimensions are scarce. This won’t remain a concept since Toyota has plans for a production version of the model although no details surrounding a launch date have been divulged.

To demonstrate its versatility, Toyota in Indonesia is running a contest which allows participants to create specific variants of the Rangga which include an ambulance and mobile cafe for example.

Image: Toyota

Being launched in Indonesia, the name “Rangga” draws inspiration from the Javanese term “Ronggo,” signifying a heroic figure associated with strength and resilience, as per Toyota’s official announcement. Indonesia is another country that produces and uses vehicles for left-hand driving, like South Africa, which means the model could easily be adapted for local roads, or even production at the Prospecton plant in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

In the near future, the model is planned for production in the island nation but from these prospective renders, we can see that it certainly fits the bill for something like the Stout. In the past, the This Rangga was rebadged and sold locally as the highly utilitarian Stallion bakkie.

Image: Toyota

Toyota South Africa has no comment on the Rangga at the moment so this does remain pure speculation but would this perform well as an entry-level bakkie offering for the automaker locally?

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Image: SRK Designs

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Earlier this year we showcased a few images of what appeared to be a test mule for the Korean firm’s upcoming bakkie model. Now, by way of information supposedly from the mouths of Kia Australia senior executives, we have word that the newly dubbed Tasman will enter into production and reach Australian showroom floors by mid-2025. Additionally, production is said to begin in Q2 2025.

Related: Kia’s ladder-frame double-cab bakkie likely to be unveiled in Q2 2024

Aside from this new timeline, details and official information regarding the underpinnings of the “Ute” are slim. Australian automotive outlet, Drive, suggests that the Tasman may be capable of a towing capacity of 3 500 kg and a payload capacity just shy of one tonne. In a conference with Australian dealers, it was stated that this anticipated double cab would be a rival to the market’s domineering models such as the Hilux and Ranger. Its main motivator is yet to be confirmed, but dealers were reportedly told that the Tasman will utilise a diesel powerplant.

Image: Autospy

In that same conference, it was stated that Australia serves as the key staging and proving ground for the Tasman model which is where it has assumably derived its name. Kia Australia will reportedly have a big role to play in the development of the new double cab.

Earlier this year, we approached Kia South Africa to enquire about the possibility of a new double cab being introduced in the local market. “Kia South Africa is continuously evaluating the feasibility of new and future models that are or may be available to the South African market. We are not in a position to comment on the potential production and/or introduction of a bakkie at this point.”

Related: 2024 Kia Picanto unveiled: Design upgrades take centre stage

This sentiment from the local branch of the Korean manufacturer has not changed yet but we will continue to provide updates on the  Tasman model as information becomes available.

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Image: Juan Carlos Trejos

Rumour has it (a phrase that will come up a fair amount in the next few hundred words) that Alfa Romeo is taking a step into the past to honour their storied nameplate before delving into a very different future. What is meant by this is that it may rebirth the legendary ’33’ badge with its supercar, which will arrive on the 30th of this month as potentially the last piston-powered model from the Italian firm.

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Now, the 113-year-old brand has a healthy collection of models to source inspiration from, which is no exaggeration but the platform underneath is rumoured to be from Italian stablemate Maserati. If true, it would mean that its platform would be the same as the MC20 but rumours report that it would incorporate a hybridized version of the potent and sonorous Quadrifoglio motor.

Related: Alfa Romeo Rumoured to Rebirth ’33’ Badge with 6C Supercar on 30 August

This all means it could deliver somewhere around 522 kW and 600 kW! In the context of Maserati’s compact and lightweight MC20, it would likely be a machine to be reckoned with! All of this is unlikely to come cheap though, independent Alfa Romeo publication Alfattiude reports that production will be strategically limited to 33 units and cost around €1 million for each.

Now, we have only had the most subtle of teasers from Alfa Romeo displaying what is likely the Scudetto detailing, but project of Juan Carlos Trejos displays a similarly proportioned MC20 derivative wearing Alfa styling. The project which went live a few days ago is titled “Alfa Romeo Racing Concept”.

Personal Project I did to showcase a next gen racing car from Alfa Romeo where i tried to implement classic design and blend it with contemporary and get a very entertaning shape, also with congruent aerodynamics and even implementing active front aero flaps. – Trejos

Being unofficial, it is unlikely the model being unveiled on the 30th of August will look like this. We will have to wait and see.

Watch the historic launch live here. 

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The post This is what Alfa’s New 6C Supercar Could Look Like appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Theottle

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Adding to the excitement, imaginative renders have surfaced, showcasing various potential body styles while still preserving the Land Cruiser’s distinct front-end appearance. These renders, crafted by the skilled digital artist Theotlle, provide a creative glimpse into the possibilities. Leveraging images of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado, Theotlle has masterfully reimagined what a Land Cruiser Bronco might look like.

In case you missed it: Toyota’s 2024 Land Cruiser 250 Debuts with Two Retro Faces

The meticulous rendering process involves several steps. The wheelbase is shortened, and the greenhouse is removed to transform the vehicle into a convertible. Drawing inspiration from the Wrangler, a rollbar is seamlessly integrated and painted in a matching shade to complement the Land Cruiser’s aesthetic. The removable roof from the Wrangler is skillfully incorporated, along with the rear seats and tailgate-mounted spare tyre. Even the wheel design is thoughtfully adjusted to align with Toyota’s signature style.

Image: Theottle

These renders serve as an exceptional tool for envisioning potential future iterations. Manufacturers can leverage such creative renderings to explore new design directions and assess market interest before committing to production. By allowing designers and engineers to experiment with different concepts in the digital realm, these renders can facilitate informed decision-making and streamline the design process.

Also read: Land Cruiser 70 Receives Styling Upgrade and New Turbodiesel

Toyota’s commitment to upholding the Land Cruiser legacy while embracing modern advancements is evident. Although the traditional naturally-aspirated V8 engine has given way to a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, this shift underscores Toyota’s dedication to staying relevant in an evolving automotive landscape.

As these renders spark the imagination of enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, they serve as a testament to the power of creativity in shaping the future of automotive design.

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Watch here:

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Image: Land Rover

Recent reports by Autocar suggest this compact 4×4, also known as the “Baby Defender” has recently received the green light and is anticipated to be the fourth model in the Defender lineup, following the 90, 110 and the Defender 130.

The upcoming model will likely bear the “Defender Sport” badge, aligning with JLR’s utilisation of the “Sport” tag for smaller SUVs in their Range Rover and Discovery series. The vehicle will be built on Jaguar Land Rover’s new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, designed to accommodate electrification. This platform is also set to underpin the successors of the Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Velar, and Discovery Sport.

Image: Land Rover

Also read: This is Land Rover’s Classic Defender Works V8 Islay Edition

According to Autocar, Jaguar Land Rover’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, confirmed the arrival of the smaller Defender during an investor conference, mentioning that the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands will share this platform. Despite its nickname as the “baby” Defender, the vehicle won’t be notably small, its dimensions are estimated to be similar to a Toyota RAV4, measuring around 4,6 metres in length and 2 metres in width.

Image: Land Rover

Incase you missed it: Land Rover introduces Defender 130 Outbound with glorious V8

While specific powertrain details are yet to be revealed due to ongoing development, Autocar speculates that the model will feature an 800-volt electrical architecture and offer rapid 350-kilowatt charging. The batteries are expected to be more power-dense than those currently employed by Jaguar Land Rover, resulting in a thinner profile.

The entry-level Defender model is projected to hit showrooms in 2027, possibly arriving as a 2028 model, according to Autocar’s report. Pricing details have not been disclosed, but it’s anticipated to be more affordable than the current-generation Defender.

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Image: Theottle

Let’s talk theoretically for a moment following the arrival of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado last week. The Japanese firm has never produced a bakkie for the nameplate and based on their success with their other utilitarian models revered in South Africa and around the world, it may actually be worth a shot.

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Well, for those wondering what it would look like, digital artist Theottle has curbed that imaginative thought with his latest work which does exactly this. Using images of the all-new Land Cruiser Prado which was launched last week, front and rear images of the open bay model preview what could be a more luxurious, and subsequently expensive version of the popular Toyota Hilux.

Image: Theottle

Almost exclusively achieving the top spot for bakkie sales locally each month and with a slightly larger Tacoma available in North America, it would be unnecessary. Locally, the Toyota Hilux serves as the firm’s entry-level bakkie, while those wanting a model renowned for its ruggedness would be able to part ways with over R750 000 for a Land Cruiser 70 series.

Related: Toyota’s 2024 Land Cruiser 250 Debuts with Two Retro Faces

With the all-new Land Cruiser boasting more modern styling and the turbodiesel four-cylinder from the Hilux, this will more than likely remain 2D images but it left us thinking, could the new Hilux and Fortuner, expected in the next few years borrow some styling elements from the retro-inspired Land Cruiser?

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The post Toyota’s all-new Land Cruiser Prado Imagined as a Bakkie appeared first on CAR Magazine.

Image: Mercedes-Benz

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The once-mighty AMG C63, known for its thunderous V8 has now inherited a hybridized turbo-four engine, and the upcoming top-of-the-line E63 will settle for an inline-six plug-in-hybrid setup. While the powertrain provides impressive combined outputs, the news left enthusiasts far from thrilled. Some argue that the downsized powertrains may not be sufficient to compete with the BMW M3, boasting a twin-turbo inline-six, and the future BMW M5, rumored to have a hybrid twin-turbo V-8.

Read our review here: Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance – capable of wearing the badge 

In the corner of Audi, the RS5 and RS7 have both adopted on a V-6 hybrid engine however, a potential lifeline for AMG enthusiasts has emerged. According to two reliable sources reported by Car and Driver, the M177 4,0-liter V-8 engine is set to make a comeback in the C and E-Class AMG models by 2026, after being modified to meet EU7 emissions standards. This powerful engine is already utilized in the AMG GT63 S E Performance and AMG S63, both equipped with hybrid setups.

Fortunately for fans, incorporating the twin-turbo powerplant, PHEV battery, electric motor, and auxiliary equipment into the C and E-Class appears to be a feasible task with only minor bodywork adjustments required. As these models are being evaluated for life-cycle extension beyond 2028, it seems that the hardcore AMG versions will continue production well into the next decade. The eagerly anticipated 2024 Mercedes AMG S 63 E Performance is another step in the evolving landscape of high-performance luxury vehicles.

If this does emerge as the truth, it would refute Mercedes’ intentions to continue downsizing ahead of European mandates for electrification. Is it a smart move?

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In June 2020, Toyota introduced the Corolla Cross which has proven to be one of the firm’s more popular passenger vehicles on the local market. Not long after it burst onto the scene, an independent artist named Kleber Silva used Photoshop to envision the compact crossover as a bakkie – shown below.

Image: Kleber Silva

Related: A rebirth of the legendary Stout may be Toyota’s “Baby Hilux”

Now, in August 2023, there are reports suggesting that this imaginative truck might actually become a reality someday. According to Automotive News, Toyota is contemplating the idea of a small pickup based on the Corolla family of models.

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The project is said to be in its early stages, and a final decision has not been made yet. Automotive News indicates that a “Corolla-based pickup remains a possibility, but its appearance is a work in progress.” Even if the project gets approved, it is not expected to hit the market before 2027 which would be after the next-generation Corolla sees light of day in 2025. If the timeline holds, it is likely to be based on this future model rather than the current version so what we see in these renders, would likely never become a reality.

Image: Kleber Silva

Official: Nissan is Putting the NP200 Bakkie to Pasture After 16 Years

The proposed smaller bakkie would fill a slot below the Hilux, allowing Toyota to compete with the likes of the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz in the US market. Similar to these models, a Corolla pickup would likely have a unibody construction instead of a sturdier ladder frame. It is anticipated that the truck would be manufactured in Mississippi alongside the regular Corolla, while the Corolla Cross is being produced in Alabama at the joint factory with Mazda.

Related: Unibody Bakkies that Could Replace the Nissan NP200

Contesting the American market and being built within their borders, it is unlikely this potential Corolla Cross will be on offer in South Africa – in the same way the popular Maverick and Santa Cruz are not sold abroad. This means that Toyota’s baby Hilux which is rumoured to be built in the next few years could be a separate model for the African market.

Image: Kleber Silva

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The post Toyota Corolla Cross Bakkie Could be a Possibility appeared first on CAR Magazine.

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It seems that there’s quite a stir in Mahindra’s stables. The 15th of August will serve as the global debut of the firm’s new Scorpio N bakkie on and its five-door Thar sibling. Adding fuel to the fire, Autocar India suggests that an unveiling of an all-electric concept of the five-door Thar is on the cards as well.

Image: Mahindra

There’s very little information regarding its foundation. Speculation suggests that it may utilise the same ladder-frame chassis as its ICE stablemates or could pioneer the firm’s EV platform that serves as the base of its sub-brand (BE) electric concepts. While its underpinnings may differ from the combustion variant, it could retain its relatively compact frame, which is 3 985 mm long, 1 820 mm wide and would stand tall at 1 850 mm.

Related: Mahindra Scorpio N Bakkie Teased Ahead of Local Arrival

As for its alleged offerings, the electrified Thar is expected to utilise a quad-motor powertrain mated to the firm’s signature 4X4 architecture. This alleged quad-motor setup may allow it to perform a crab walk or crab steer. This crab steering ability could likely allow each wheel to have a near-45-degree angle and might even allow it to perform a 360-degree tank turn as has been previously seen with Rivian and Mercedes EV models.

Image: Mahindra

Related: Mahindra Thar 5-door SUV set to debut on the 15th of August 2023

While information regarding this electric Thar offshoot must be taken with a pinch of salt, the firm has confirmed that its rougher and more rugged Scorpio N bakkie concept will be unveiled on the same day. Stay tuned for updates on the latest offerings from Mahindra stables.

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The post Mahindra Might Unveil All-Electric Thar on August 15 appeared first on CAR Magazine.