The Sydney Motor Show saw a bumper crop of new and improved 4x4s
We have been talking about this vehicle for a few months now as it will be a vehicle that plays a significant part in shaping the local market. Large 4x4 wagons roughly have a life span of ten years and so it is that when a new model comes around it pays to sit up and take notice. While the 200 Series is not externally a dramatic departure from the 100 Series LandCruiser, it boasts new suspension and a selection of powerplants that will be the envy of many. Toyota provided more facts about the vehicle, but we must still wait until the media launch to hear the full story.
Alongside the 200 Series, Toyota's upmarket partner Lexus introduced the Lexus LX570. This was loosely the template from which the 200 Series has emerged, and provides even higher specification levels. One of the surprises of the show was the world debut by Volkswagen of the new Touareg R50. Serving up a powerful 258 kW at 3,500 rpm, along with a massive 850Nm of torque this new Volkswagen is one of the most powerful SUVs in the world. The R designation is given to performance versions at Volkswagen and this is the third VW to gain it. Apart from an increase in performance, the R50 has an exceptional finish, both inside and out. Priced at just $129,000 it is a comparative bargain against some more highly priced offerings.
In the compact 4x4 segment Nissan launched their new X-Trail and the Dualis, a vehicle that seems remarkably similar. Kia signalled the introduction of a new AWD people mover in the Rondo. Subaru showed it has heed criticism of their Tribeca and previewed the much improved new model. Similarly, Volvo took the opportunity to introduce the next generation XC70 wagon. Mitsubishi revealed a series of highly modified vehicles that included the Pajero and Triton. Designated as the Panther versions, they looked exceptionally good. Ford Performance Vehicles introduced the FPV version of the Territory, while Toyota also showed the production version of their performance TRD HiLux. Skoda had their Yeti SUV concept on display, while Jeep had some highly accessorised Jeeps on display.
Lee Kernaghan sang the praises of the new 200 Series 'Cruiser
A month after Just 4x4s brought you exclusive images and details of the new LandCruiser wagon, it was officially launched at the Sydney Motor Show. Toyota's confirmed it will feature a new twin-turbocharged V8 diesel engine pumping out well over 600Nm of torque. Advance details of the LandCruiser 200 Series and its new engine were announced, but much of the detail has been withheld until the official media launch this month.
The first new LandCruiser wagon in a decade adopts significant advanced technology including:
_ the new V8 twin-turbo diesel engine and a revised V8 petrol engine, both offering more power with reduced fuel use;
_ Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which provides greater stability on all surfaces and an extended suspension stroke in off-road driving;
_ The world's first "crawl control" system for negotiating surfaces such as rocks, sand or steep hills (petrol models);
_ Torsen limited-slip centre differential;
_ Multi-terrain anti-skid braking system.
LandCruiser's new direct-injection 4.5-litre V8 diesel with twin-turbochargers features a flat torque curve. Peak torque is more than 200Nm above the Land-Cruiser's previous 4.2-litre six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. The new engine also develops significantly more power, up almost one-third to more than 190kW. Despite the substantial boost in output, the new engine uses less fuel, based on the official ADR 81/01 combined cycle. The new LandCruiser 200 Series, which goes on sale this month also offers a second V8 option - an improved 4.7-litre petrol engine. It gains the power and fuel economy advantages of Toyota's variable valve timing and a higher compression ratio. Maximum power rises to more than 200kW - also with lower fuel use. Both engines are mated to automatic transmissions with sequential shift - six-speed for diesel and five-speed for petrol.
They feature Artificial Intelligence Shift Control - technology that selects the appropriate gear ratio by calculating road conditions and predicting the driver's intentions. Safety advances include a stronger body structure, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) on all models and up to 10 airbags - front, side and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the outboard second row seats and curtain shield airbags for all three rows. For the first time in Australia, Land-Cruiser 200 has four-zone climate control air conditioning at the top of the range. This system gives first and second row passengers access to individual climate controls on both sides of the vehicle - with air being distributed through 28 vents. Other available features depending on model grade include Smart Entry and Smart Start, Bluetooth mobile phone connection, satellite navigation and steering wheel controls.
