Last month, one of the world’s first SUVs, Ford Bronco, applied for a sales permit in China. This is one of the last steps before the legendary car starts production in China. Last week, it was revealed that the Bronco will be joined by another automotive legend, Toyota Prado.
Made-in-China Toyota Prado
Based on the teaser that Based on the teaser that has been circulating on Chinese social media, Toyota’s joint venture with First Auto Works (FAW) will manufacture the car in the Chengdu factory next year. The Made-in-China version might offer a retro version with rounded headlights.
However, judging from the teaser photos, the future MIC Prado might offer two versions – square and round headlights. The size of the domestic version of the model has stayed the same. The chassis still measures 4920/1980/1860 mm on a 2850 mm wheelbase.
The exterior and interior will also continue the design of the overseas version. The configuration includes an external power supply, multi-terrain monitor, wireless charging, digital key, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, JBL speaker system with 14 amplifiers, etc.
The powertrain of the future MIC model has a hybrid system consisting of a 2.4T turbocharged engine and an electric motor, with a combined maximum power of 243 kW (330 hp) and a maximum torque of 630 Nm. The transmission system will feature an 8-speed manual gearbox.
As for the car’s off-road features, Prado has a Torsen limited-slip center differential, lockable center differential, electronically controlled mechanical rear axle differential, multi-terrain control, crawl mode, etc. The vehicle has a maximum approach angle of 31 °, a maximum departure angle of 22 °, and a ground clearance of 221 mm.
About Toyota Prado
The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is a full-size four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle in the Land Cruiser range produced by the Japanese automaker Toyota. Depending on the platform, the Prado may also be referred to as Land Cruiser LC70, LC90, LC120, LC150, and LC250.
In some markets, it is known simply as the Toyota Prado or the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Prado has a ladder frame chassis, two-speed transfer boxes, and rear beam axles. The J70 platform has a front beam axle, while the J90, J120, J150, and J250 platforms have front independent suspension. As of 2023, the Prado is available in every Toyota market except Mexico, South Korea, and some Southeast Asian and South American markets.
“…auto legend to be made in China……”
But the Prado has been manufactured at the Sichuan FAW-Toyota JV plant in Chengdu for some 20 years, albeit not as an NEV, but rather as big displacement polluters. In fact in 2020, MIIT cited the joint venture for a higher than other makers, negative NEV credits.