Tag Archives: reinvented

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser: A Luxurious Reinvention

The Toyota Land Cruiser is set to undergo a radical transformation for the electric era, as evidenced by a stunning new concept that will be showcased at the Tokyo Motor Show. Known as the Land Cruiser Se, this futuristic SUV with three rows of seats will be one of the highlights on Toyota’s stand in Tokyo, along with the highly anticipated FT-SE sports car and FT-3E crossover.

The design of the concept represents a departure from the traditional Land Cruiser, which is known for its ruggedness. The production version of the Land Cruiser, scheduled for release in early 2024, will retain its ladder chassis and combustion power, but will also feature a retro look inspired by older Land Cruisers. In contrast, the new concept emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency and incorporates Toyota’s modern design language.

With its sleek roofline, angled bonnet, and sculpted sides, the concept showcases a more contemporary aesthetic. The slimline wraparound light bars, rear-view cameras, and low-profile tires suggest a focus on luxury.

Electric Toyota Land Cruiser concept drives through a city

There are stylistic similarities between the Land Cruiser Se and the FT-3E SUV concept unveiled last week, such as the creased haunches, kinked window line, and contrasting lower trim. This suggests that the two may share styling cues, interior arrangements, and performance statistics, making them technical siblings.

Toyota’s Tokyo Motor Show stand will also highlight the brand’s future lineup of electric cars, set to launch from 2026. The Land Cruiser Se, FT-SE, and FT-3E are expected to evolve into production models as part of this electric vehicle range. Toyota has previously mentioned that its next-generation cars will have slimmer battery packs, resulting in increased interior space and improved aerodynamics, while still offering an impressive range of 621 miles thanks to advanced lithium-ion technology.

Dacia Sandero to be Reborn as Affordable Electric Hatch for 2027

The popular Dacia Sandero is set to undergo a transformation in its fourth generation. It will become a rugged, raised supermini with a pure-electric powertrain, while retaining its reputation for affordability. Dacia’s CEO, Denis Le Vot, has revealed that the new Sandero will be launched in 2027 or 2028 and will serve as a flagship for the brand’s low-cost approach to zero-emission vehicles.

Starting from 2024, all Dacia models (excluding the Spring) will be based on the Renault Group’s CMF-B platform. The electric variants will adopt the closely related CMF-BEV electric platform. This means that the electric Sandero will be Dacia’s interpretation of the Renault 5, with added focus on utility and practicality. The company has hinted at incorporating ruggedness and off-road capability, building upon the success of the popular Sandero Stepway.

To maintain its position as one of the most affordable cars in its category, the electric Sandero will not prioritize headline EV performance figures. Le Vot explained that it will offer a shorter range and longer charging times compared to its electric rivals in the B-segment. The aim is to achieve a lower price point for customers. This approach is driven by the rising entry prices of mainstream electric cars, which hinder widespread adoption. Dacia is committed to providing a more accessible alternative.

Minimizing weight will be crucial for cost reduction, possibly leading Dacia to equip the Sandero with a smaller battery than its platform siblings. Le Vot confirmed that Dacia will not strive for a range of 500-600 km (311-373 miles) and 20-minute charging. In addition, Dacia is exploring ways to make the battery chemistry as affordable as possible. Le Vot mentioned the possibility of using sodium-based batteries, despite their limitations in terms of energy storage and weight, because of their cost-effectiveness.