In this week’s post:
- Toyota, Mazda and Subaru build next gen hybrids;
- We’re disqualified from Land Cruisers because we call them “Land Cruisers?”; and
- Some folks lambasted me for moving back to California?
Toyota, Mazda and Subaru have announced their intentions to build the next generation of hybrids.
Q (AskNathan@TFL.com) RE: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru are working together?
Hi Nathan!
After all these years following you guys I finally have a good enough reason to contact Ask Nathan with a genuine question! I am very excited! I think the first video I watched of yours was like 2011 or 2012. I’ve been a fan ever since and I was so happy to see the team grow and grow! You guys are the definition of hard work and you never hide what you are doing or thinking.
I know I am a fan boy so I better get to the question! I saw that Toyota, Mazda and Subaru are in talks to work together in order to build the next generation of hybrid cars. I’m not sure about Mazda. But Subaru only uses Toyota technology with their hybrids. So does this mean that all three will just use a Toyota engine and hybrid system?
I wanted you and the guys to know that my favorite videos are your adventure stuff that you film with old cars and trucks. And I love the fact that you guys often buy the cars you have used from Roman. It sounds like you’re serious about buying the Ford. Just when I thought you didn’t like old Fords, you go and buy one!
Thank you for all the years of hard work, fun and education!
Sincerely,
– J. Lue Los Alamos
A: The way it’s being framed: Toyota, Mazda and Subaru may have unique powertrains – sort of…
Let me explain. Toyota, Mazda and Subaru, who have all worked together on joint ventures in the past, are working on building powertrains that are far more aggressive with minimizing polluting carbon. It looks like a two-pronged approach, with all three automakers refining their technologies through “friendly competition.” That is to say, they will work on systems that will work with electrification and alternate fuels, AND build new hybrids that are far cleaner, and more efficient.
“In order to provide our customers with diverse options to achieve carbon neutrality, it is necessary to take on the challenge of evolving engines that are in tune with the energy environment of the future. The three companies, which share the same aspirations, will refine engine technologies through friendly competition.”
Koji Sato, President, Member of the Board of Directors and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation
Because it’s a combined announcement from each automaker, it’s safe to assume that they may share tech, and push each other with innovation. Toyota’s next generation hybrid tech may be a common element in each vehicle. This could open a world of new possibilities, such as a next-gen rotary/hybrid, or boxer/hybrid that’s supper efficient, and powerful.
For consumers, this is outstanding news!
— N
The next series of questions and comments spring from the minds of viewers who are displeased that we call the new Toyota Land Cruiser a “Land Cruiser.”
Q: (Via: YouTube) [RE: Relating to the original Land Cruiser] I’m sorry Toyota fanboys…I just don’t see it! @thadlem2964
- Sure it’s cheaper than the old land cruiser, but it’s also not even comparable so I don’t know why you keep comparing the price. Also ‘Base Model’ doesn’t give a free pass to cheap out on stuff. a $60k base model should have components and finished that are commiserate with spending $60k. @coryrood
- Every time someone says it “used to cost $90K” is not comparing apples and oranges. Toyota de-contented the land cruiser to get you in this $55k model. It used to be a much more luxurious interior as standard at $80k. This looks like a 1990’s Rav-4. @ScoobyFermentation
- Ok, it’s not cheaper compared to the outgoing Land Cruiser. They aren’t the same wheelbase at all. The name is the same. That’s it. Good video. @gqami
- There is no way that is a Land Cruiser! It’s just a new 4Runner with a different body! @NevadaCoinOp
- I was really interested in a US version of the Prado. But first hand impressions are disappointing. So much cheap material for such a premium price? Hard no. @shiftymcgee9359
- That’s a nice Prado @josemuniz2878
- we tell them that is actually the lighter variant of the Land Cruiser called the Prado but for the US market it’s simply called Land Cruiser? The 300 series is what Doug DeMuro reviewed that has been fitted with armor @HyperVanilo
A: Yes, we know that there are more Land Cruiser choices overseas.
Our market’s Land Cruiser only comes as a four-cylinder turbo, backed up with a hybrid system. This means it packs a punch both on and off road. Now that I’ve experienced the new Land Cruiser in person, and behind the wheel, I think I get what Toyota was trying to do.
Rather than allowing a third row seat, which would be difficult with the hybrid’s battery living over the rear axle, they gave us a five-seater, and called it “good.” Then, to thrill those who wanted to go back to when the LC was less luxury, and more off-roadish, they gave us the 1958 model. I suspect the price will settle after a few years, but this model can come in the mid $50,000-zone.
Yes, that is way less than the previous LC in our market, but it has way less luxury. Maybe that’s the point? I got to say, despite my love of spending less on vehicles (compared to my co-workers), I think having hard plastics on every part of the door panel is a bit much for over 50K. Still, I think that Toyota was looking at the LC as a filler between the upcoming 4Runner, and the all-new Lexus GX.
I think that Toyota will bring the top-of-the-line new 4Runner to slot in in the same place where the Land Cruiser starts. That makes sense, marketing-wise. Still, cheaping out on basic materials on an LC is hard to get my head around.
I will say this: after taking it to Moab, (the video will drop soon) I think the new Land Cruiser is remarkably comfortable, on and off road. Anyone who says it isn’t as off-road-capable as the former LC is full of shitake mushrooms. Even with simple street tires, the LC danced over everything we threw at it. It has a much better power-to-weight ratio, and its more efficient.
Is it a fat Toyota 4Runner? Maybe, but I suspect we’ll see a difference in driving characteristics, seating position, comfort and efficiency.
Time will tell.
– N
The last question is a mix of many comments I’ve received about moving back to California.
(Via: YouTube and Twitter/X) Nathan is outta his damn mind for moving to Kalifornia! No jobs, too expensive, gas is over the moon and the government is terrible. Good luck! @Erick.L>
- To me, Nathan moving to L.A sounds like Nathan being Punished. @tritchie6272
- Happy for Nathan; while SoCal is not the ideal place to live, he will be close to where his family is from. Good luck Nathan can’t wait to see the future Videos. @scotturich
- How bad is Colorado if Nathan is choosing to move to LA @ss4jarmon
- I hate to hear Nathan is moving to California. The videos you three do together are the best. Hopefully you’ll find a way to continue to make that happen. Good luck with the move Nathan @dalejones4322
- Nathan to LA seems like an odd pairing. Makes more sense to send one of the younger guys like Case or Tommy.@andyleo8418
- You bought a giant SUV that guzzles gas to own in LA? Are you crazy? @TunkaMeister
A: Ah yes, it will be expensive, but it must be done.
First of all, if all goes well, you’ll still be seeing me on a variety of videos with a minor time gap. I’m still doing solo videos like before, and press events. It’s just that teaming up for videos will happen a bit less, but it will still happen. I will be focusing on vehicles we do not, or cannot get in the Rocky Mountain region.
I’m moving to be back with family, and friends – along with giving TFL Studio access to vehicles you rarely see on our channels. In addition, there are a lot of press events, automakers, and enthusiasts in SoCal… so I’ll be all over that too!
California is my home, and I know I can make it work for you viewers. For now, it will just be me and a video/editor/producer on the West Coast. At some point, we may expand from there. We’ll see how things pan out over time.
I’ve been lucky enough to not only live in different cities, but different countries too. As such, I adopted a lifelong philosophy: home is what you make it. So, despite the higher prices, crime and SoCal environment, I will do my best to make it a great place to shoot videos for TFL!
I’m heading west at the end of the month.
Thanks everyone for your support!
— N
