Toyota has unveiled the European version of the Toyota Land Cruiser that is very different and smaller than the version that we have here in the US.
The European Land Cruiser is powered by a 3.0L diesel with 171 horsepower and is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The body on frame design yields 8.5 inches of ground clearance and gives the SUV the ability to wade through 27.6 inches of water.
Toyota will offer the European Land Cruiser in three trim levels with prices ranging from £29,795 to £44,795. Of course we won't get this model in the US badged as a Toyota, but it could be a clue to what to expect from the Lexus GX 460.
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PRESS RELEASE:
TOYOTA LAUNCHES THE ALL-NEW LAND CRUISER
Off-road excellence and on-road poise from latest in a line of 4×4 legends
* All-new Toyota Land Cruiser builds on a world-leading heritage
* Equipped with advanced new systems for safe and secure off-road performance
* Engineered to excel in the toughest conditions, while maintaining on-road poise and comfort
* Five-door model seating up to seven, powered by 3.0-litre D-4D engine with five-speed automatic transmission
* Three equipment grades - LC3, LC4 and LC5 - priced from £29,795 on the road
The Toyota Land Cruiser has built a formidable reputation around the world for its ability to take even the most extreme conditions in its stride. From arid deserts to polar wastes, Land Cruiser has demonstrated its unrivalled toughness and durability in a heritage that spans six decades.
This background of achievement makes the launch of an all-new Land Cruiser a particularly significant event and Toyota has wasted no effort to ensure its new model builds on the pedigree of its ancestors. It is equipped with a raft of new and advanced handling and driver assistance systems that take its off-road capabilities to new heights. At the same time, it has been engineered for greater poise, comfort and performance when driving on-road.
In the UK new Land Cruiser is offered as a five-door model powered by a revised 171bhp 3.0-litre D-4D engine, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission. Three equipment grades are offered - LC3, LC4 and LC5 - with seven seats fitted as standard on all but the entry level version (on which third row seats are an option). Customer orders are being taken now with first deliveries from early December. On-the-road prices range from £29,795 to £44,795.
Design and Construction
The new Land Cruiser is only slightly larger than its predecessor, which helps maintain its off-road agility. The styling combines the model's traditionally robust looks with styling cues that were first introduced on the larger Land Cruiser V8.
Intelligent interior packaging provides more space inside the cabin, with Toyota EasyFlat third row seats that can be raised of folded flat at the touch of a button (LC4 and LC5 models). The usable loadspace has been significantly increased and a new rear glass hatch allows items to be loaded without having to open the full side-hinged tailgate - ideal for tight parking places.
Toyota has retained the body-on-frame construction that has always been an integral part of Land Cruiser's exceptional off-road ability. Careful attention to the suspension design and NVH measures ensure high standards of on-road ride, handling and comfort are maintained.
Technology for on and off-road performance
New Land Cruiser introduces a series of advanced but user friendly features that help the driver tackle even the most challenging routes. These include: -
* Electrically modulated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which minimises body roll and gives positive steering on-road, and increases wheel articulation off-road.
* Full-time All-wheel drive with Torsen limited slip differential.
* Multi-Terrain Select (MTS), with four driver-selectable modes to tailor vehicle settings for different off-road conditions.
* Multi-Terrain Monitor, a world-first system of front and side view cameras that give the driver a real-time view of areas immediately around the vehicle that can't be seen from the wheel.
* Crawl Control, which controls the engine and brakes to maintain a slow, safe speed when driving off-road or wading, so the driver only needs to concentrate on steering. This operates in both forward and reverse gears.
* Active Traction Control (A-TRC), Multi-Terrain ABS and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) are fitted as standard on all models.
Equipment highlights
There is nothing spartan about life on board the new Land Cruiser. 17-inch alloys, roof rails, fog lamps, climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth and Smart Entry and Start system are all part of the LC3 specification.
LC4 models add triple-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, powered folding third row seats, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dusk-sensing headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, rear parking monitor, 17-speaker JBL premium audio package and a hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with a 10GB sound library.
At the top of the range the LC5 models come with Adaptive Variable Suspension with Active height Control, sunroof, Crawl Control, Multi-terrain Monitor, Steering Angle Display, Multi-terrain Select and a rear seat entertainment system for DVD playback and gaming.
All you need to know
The Toyota Land Cruiser UK press pack, with full technical and equipment specifications is available at the Toyota media web site, www.toyotagb-press.co.uk, together with downloadable high-resolution images. Broadcast quality video footage can be viewed and ordered on-line.
Comments (7)
I sure hope that 171hp motor comes with at least 300 ft lbs of torque. Doesn't the present land cruiser weigh close to 5000 lbs?
Posted by Ravicai | November 18, 2009 4:11 PM
Posted on November 18, 2009 16:11
@Ravicai
If I calculated correctly torque will be 302 lbft (410 Nm) @ 1600 rpm and the heaviest version I could find was 4600 lbs (2085 kg).
That makes for a blistering 0-62 mph in 14.5 secs and a topspeed of 108 mph for the automatic. That's almost as slow as a Smart.
Posted by M | November 19, 2009 3:29 AM
Posted on November 19, 2009 03:29
Doesn't the rear end look a lot like the current US 08ish 4Runner.
Posted by Jeremy | November 19, 2009 9:43 AM
Posted on November 19, 2009 09:43
i just threw up in my mouth a little
Posted by Phil | November 19, 2009 1:08 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 13:08
@ M:
LoL! Who would want to drive something as grossly underpowered as that?
A lot of the v6 motors nowadays have almost the same MPG as their 4-cylinder counterparts, particularly in heavy applications like this one. To me, if both motors get similar gas mileage, why not opt for the motor with better performance?
In this case: Why didn't Toyota toss a GR series 3.5 V6 in this thing and call it a day?
Posted by Ravicai | November 19, 2009 1:09 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 13:09
Probably because it's european for one, and two drive-ability.
The GR 3.5L V6 would produce more HP, but the torque peak would come in much higher in the rpm range. It might make it quicker on the top end, but it would still feel sluggish around town.
It would be similar comparing the Celica GT to the GTS.
The GTS has much more hp, but the torque curve is sharper with more of it being above 4k. This makes the GT seem easier to drive when you aren't pushing it.
And this would have more torque than a Honda Pilot, which weights in at about 4600 lbs as well.
Posted by Brian | November 19, 2009 3:13 PM
Posted on November 19, 2009 15:13
This car is also available with a 282hp 4.0 V6 that does 0-62 mph in 10.9 secs and has a topspeed of 112 mph.
Not exactly a rocketship, and, more important, at the European fuel prices (currently around $ 7.25 per gallon for 95RON in the Netherlands, slightly cheaper in the surrounding countries) your fill-ups won't be a joy either.
Posted by M | November 20, 2009 12:57 AM
Posted on November 20, 2009 00:57