"Development is at a standstill": Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series with 3.3-litre diesel V6 launch pushed back - reports

The Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series will need to power on at least until next year, with fresh reports out of Japan suggesting the new 300 Series won't debut until April 2021.

There were solid reports the updated version would appear later this year, ahead of an on-sale date in 2021. But new reports out of Japan suggest the coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on that vehicle's launch schedule.

The key issue is international testing, with the brand unable to complete its hot and harsh weather testing in overseas markets, with strict travel restrictions in place for Australia and other markets.

As a result, the launch of the new 300 Series has been pushed back, with the unconfirmed reports suggesting we will now get out first glimpse of the new model around April of next year, ahead of an on-sale date later in 2021 at best.

In fact, Japanese media is referring to 300's development as "at a standstill" as executives wait for business travel restrictions to be lifted.

The news follows reports that the new 300 Series will be equipped with a 3.3-litre V6 diesel - replacing the venerable V8 in our market - as well as the previously reported petrol and hybrid engine choices.

The reports, though unconfirmed, marry with news first reported in CarsGuide that the locally-delivered Toyota LandCruiser 300 would swap the 2.8-litre diesel offered in international markets for a punchier V6 diesel to satisfy our towing and off-road requirements.

CarsGuide understands the engine, which will be a new offering from Toyota, will out-punch the 200 Series on both power and torque, which should mean outputs in excess of 200kW and 650Nm.