Is that really a new LandCruiser?
It is, and Toyota Australia’s senior executive director sales and marketing, David Buttner, said the unveiling of the LandCruiser in Sydney reflected the significant role the LandCruiser has played in Toyota’s dominant position in the Australian market. Stationed on a floating map of Australia, Aussie country singer Lee Kernaghan played for the world premier. Apparently he’s legendary Down Under…
So what’s new?
The previous model’s 4.2-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel has been replaced with a 4.5-litre twin-turbo diesel powerplant mated a six-speed automatic transmission. A massive 443lb ft is available from 2500rpm, yet fuel economy has been improved. A 4.7-litre petrol V8 will also be available, although it misses out the diesel’s transmission running a five-speed automatic instead. Both gearboxes offer Artificial Intelligence Shift Control, which picks the appropriate gear based on road conditions.
Toyota is the biggest car company in the world, surely it can do better than bigger engines?
It can. The 200 series, now running coil-springs front suspension, boasts Toyota’s Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System which Toyota claims offers better stability and extended suspension reach off-road. It is also sees the introduction of the crawl control on petrol models, also running a Torsen limited-slip diff and a Multi-terrain anti-skid set-up. Vehicle Stability Control is standard with up to 10 airbags available, including side, knee, and curtain softeners. Pricing and full specs are yet to be announced.