A sneak-peek at Toyota’s upcoming vehicle timeline

KUALA LUMPUR: Amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, all we get to hear, read, and talk about is how the virus is spreading and what the government & other bodies are doing to fight it. We aren’t saying it’s not essential, but every now and then, there’s no harm to refresh your mind with other sets of information.

In a rear set of events, during a company meeting, someone leaked Toyota’s timetable for upcoming vehicle lineup. Thanks to the leak, we now know what’s in store for the next few years!

The Toyota next-gen lineup extends from 2020 to 2024, with a few key models scheduled for launch. However, it is important to note that Toyota might adjust the leaked list due to the ongoing pandemic.

The list starts with Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series. The SUV was initially slated for a 2020 launch. But given the current situation around the globe, its arrival has been shifted to 2021. Not much is known about Toyota’s new SUV; however, it is rumoured to get a 2.8-litre turbo diesel mill along with a hybrid unit. The Land Cruiser 300 is said to arrive in first-half of 2021 in Japan and is known to shed most of its luxuries and become more off-road focused.

Next, a few existing models in Toyota’s lineup will get a few tweaks. The first on the list is the Camry sedan that is in the middle of its lifecycle and is due for a facelift. Other models that’ll be getting a facelift are the Lexus LS and ES.

Minor refreshes and facelifts are all good, but the real fun comes with the arrival of new models. Another, hyper-up nameplate that is said to arrive in the future is the second-gen GT86. The new GT86 is said to get a new, powerful engine. Details about the design and feature updates are still unknown. This entry-level sports car is expected to arrive in mid-2021.

We expect Toyota to release an all hybrid model range for its Sienna minivan sometime this year. Also, the automaker can come up with a new crossover model. The launch date for the Sienna is not specified, but it would be interesting to see a minivan get a hybrid mill for the first time in the brand’s lineup. As for the all-new Toyota crossover, it was scheduled for March 2020 debut, but due to the COVID-19, the launch seems to have got postponed.

It's time now to discuss Toyota’s 2021 plan. The Japanese automaker is in plans to launch at least four new cars, including - the Land Cruiser 300 series, all-new CUV, and new Tundra pickup. While the LC 300 will arrive in the first half of 2021, the full-size Tundra pickup will be launched in the second half. The all-new Tundra pickup will ride on the new TNGA-chassis and get a twin-turbo V6 unit and not the old V8 mill.

Towards the end of 2021, we’ll get to see the Sequoia, Tundra’s full-size SUV sibling. Moving on, we expect the full-size Toyota SUV and the 4runner to be launched in 2022.

Again, thanks to the leak, we now know what’s in Toyota’s bag, and it all looks pretty exciting.

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