New V8 for Toyota's Cruiser

New technology ensures it retains its go-anywhere abilities. Built on an entirely new platform, this Land Cruiser's length has been extended to 4,95 m while the width is 1,97 m.

A Crawl Control system is available with the petrol engine to automatically control the engine and brakes to maintain very low speeds, only requiring the driver to steer the vehicle in extreme off-road situations.

Four-wheel active height control and adaptive variable suspension links all four wheels and also provides a new spring rate control system.

The new model also features a host on advanced safety features like the new multi-terrain ABS, stability control, EBD and 14 airbags.

The range topper will be powered by a new 4.5-litre D-4D V8 turbodiesel engine. Mated with a new six-speed automatic transmission, this unit is good for 650 Nm from 1 600 to 2 800 r/min. Peak power of 213 kW is produced at 3 600 r/min.

Also available is a revised 4.7 petrol V8 mated with a five-speed automatic gearbox. Using VVT-I, this V8 develops 214 kW at 5 400 r/min and peak torque of 445 Nm at 3 400 r/min.

Toyota quotes fuel consumption on a combined cycle of 10.2 l/100 km for the turbodiesel and 14.4 l/100 km for the petrol V8.

Locally, Toyota SA has confirmed that these models will be coming to South Africa as the Land Cruiser 100 series by the end of the year.

However, specification for the local market is still being finalised.