Description
The Japanese automaker stepped up its game when it introduced the 2007 Land Cruiser, which was no longer just a capable offroad-er but also a luxurious vehicle.
While heavy is not good on an offroad trial, big is appreciated on luxurious vehicles. Toyota noticed that SUVs were trending and produced the 200 series of the Land Cruiser with deep-pockets customers in mind. Moreover, it even went over the edge and offered this behemoth with a V8 turbo-diesel powerplant for those who liked to spend more for a vehicle while saving some pennies for refueling it.
Its massive front fascia was clearly in a different league than the rest of the Land Cruiser series. Its broad grille with chromed horizontal slats created a powerful image for the vehicle. In addition, the swept-back headlights were tall enough to cover the entire area between the hood and the bumper. From its profile, the four-door bodywork was the only option and was granted with an additional set of windows behind the rear doors.
Inside, there was plenty of room for up to seven passengers since the automaker installed a pair of jump seats in the trunk area. At the front, Toyota installed a wide center console, which was more of an extension of the center stack that dominated the dashboard's design. An integrated infotainment system was placed atop it, providing the driver with additional information taken from the onboard computer or from the navigation system.
Under the hood, Toyota installed a choice of two V8 engines: one with gasoline available worldwide and a turbo-diesel for selected markets. Both were paired with an automatic transmission that sent the power in all corners via a two-speed transfer box.
Press Release
The new Land Cruiser V8, Toyota's top of the range model, is to make soon its debut on the European market. This eighth generation retains all the world-beating off-road capability of its predecessors but adds more refinement, comfort and superior driving quality.
Land Cruiser chief engineer, Sadayoshi Koyari, explains the development theme of this new generation as follow: "For more than 50 years now three key words have been the basis of each generation of Land Cruiser: strength, durability and reliability. Therefore, rather than opting for revolutionary change, we decided to carry on the sense of trust in the Land Cruiser as the basic concept. With the latest generation we had to recognise the loyalty of Land Cruiser customers by providing a vehicle that will not betray their trust."
Built on a completely redesigned platform with a body-on-frame design, the length of the new model has been increased to 4950mm while the wheelbase has been kept to 2850 mm. The height varies between 1865mm and 1910mm depending on the suspension featured on the model, the width of the model is reaching 1970mm.
The new Land Cruiser will be available with a brand new 4.5 D-4D V8 diesel engine, combined with a new 6 speed automatic transmission, which develops an impressive 650 Nm from 1600 to 2800 rpm and 286 hp at 3600 rpm. This diesel engine has a fuel consumption of 10,2 L/100km, a 4% improvement versus the outgoing 4.2 TD L6 engine, based on the European combined cycle.
The model will be also available with an improved 4.7 VVT-i V8 petrol engine, combined with a 5 speed automatic transmission, which develops 445 Nm at 3400 rpm and 288 hp at 5400 rpm. This petrol engine has a fuel consumption of 14.4 L/100km, a 12% improvement, based on the European combined cycle. Both engines are fully compliant with Euro IV emissions regulations.
Advanced new technologies to make new Land Cruiser V8 a genuine, go-anywhere off-road vehicle include:
The world first Crawl Control system, available in combination with the petrol engine, which automatically controls the engine and the brakes to maintain a very low speed, avoiding spinning and locking. The driver only needs to steer the vehicle when driving in extreme off-road situations.
The world first 4-Wheel Active Height Control and Adaptive Variable Suspension (4W AHC & AVS), which links all four wheels' suspension system for the first time and also provides a new spring rate control system.
The European first Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which actively operates the front and rear stabiliser bars based on a pair of hydraulic control cylinders.
A newly developed centre Torsen® Limited Slip Differential (LSD).
The new model will feature a wide range of advanced safety features like the newly developed Multi Terrain Anti-lock Brake System, the Vehicle Stability Control, the Electronic Brake-force Distribution and 14 Airbags.
