Toyota LandCruiser 100 Series

In 2002 the 100 Series was given a revamp, which included the introduction of a quad cam V8 with electronic throttle replacing the straight-six petrol across the range. A new five-speed automatic transmission was offered on the V8 and turbo-diesel models. Suspension changes saw the introduction of independent front suspension with variable-ratio rack and pinion steering on all petrol and turbo-diesel models, while a rigid front axle was retained on diesel models (Standard grade and GXL diesel).

The Sahara V8 flagship variant returned with VSC and active traction, while all GXL grades received additional gear that included cruise control (except diesel model), ABS, power windows with auto up/down and in-dash 6 disc CD changer. Air conditioning also became standard equipment on GXL models.

2002 LandCruiser model range

Toyota's LandCruiser 100 Series range consisted of eight models, with the choice of two body styles, three engines, two transmissions and three equipment grade levels. One part-time 4WD workhorse standard grade van (with vertically split rear "barn" doors) was retained, with the other seven 4WD wagons all offering full-time 4WD.

The three engines were 4.7-litre quad cam 32-valve V8 petrol, 4.2-litre SOHC 24-valve turbocharged and intercooled direct-injection diesel and 4.2-litre SOHC naturally aspirated diesel. All petrol and turbo-diesel models featured independent front suspension. Transmission choices were five-speed manual and electronically controlled five-speed automatic, both with two-speed transfer.

The model grades were Standard van, volume-selling GXL and top of the range Sahara. The full model line-up consisted of:
-Standard grade van, with naturally aspirated diesel engine and manual transmission;
-GXL wagon, with the choice of V8 petrol or six-cylinder turbo-diesel in either manual or automatic transmission;
-Sahara wagon, with the choice of V8 petrol or six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, both with automatic transmission.

All LandCruiser 100 Series models had eight seat capacity and were equipped with dual SRS airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners with force limiters, engine immobiliser, tachometer, rear-seat outboard headrests, headlamps with integrated driving lamps, headlamps auto off, front and rear 120 watt accessory socket, power-assisted steering, dual fuel tanks, cyclonic air cleaner and rear limited slip differential.

LandCruiser GXL had the additional features of three engine choices, cruise control, full-time 4WD, ABS with linear G-sensor, remote central locking, illuminated vanity mirrors, overhead console, 60/40 split-fold second-row seat with integrated centre-seat position, lap/sash seatbelt and headrest, fold-away and removable third-row seats, power windows with auto up/down and jamb protection on all four doors, illuminated entry, power mirrors, 6-disc in-dash CD changer, aluminium side steps and 8JJ styled wheels with 275/70 R16 tyres.

Petrol and turbo-diesel models had the additional features of independent front suspension, rack and pinion steering, cruise control, leather steering wheel, and the availability of automatic transmission. Flagship Sahara also featured 17-inch alloy wheels, leather seat and door trim, power front seats, woodgrain, touch-screen satellite navigation, multi-information display, dual climate control air conditioning and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, fridge, front fog lamps, large body side protection mouldings, multi-information display/trip computer and moonroof.

Quad cam V8 petrol Sahara had the additional features of vehicle stability control and traction control.

LandCruiser V8

The big addition to the 100 Series petrol range in 2002 was the introduction of a quad cam V8 engine, and the re-introduction of the flagship Sahara specification - as part of an overall 100 Series upgrade and specification realignment.

Key mechanical upgrades to the eight-model LandCruiser range included the V8 engine and a new five-speed automatic transmission for petrol and turbo-diesel models.

The 4.7-litre Toyota 2UZ-FE was Toyota's first V8 in Australia and was the most sophisticated engine in the large 4x4 wagon class at the time. Features included an electronic throttle, all stainless steel exhaust system with two-stage muffler, direct ignition, a dual-knock sensor control system and multiplex diagnostics. The Toyota V8 was designed for a combination of strong low-to-mid range torque, coupled with optimum reliability and durability.

The new quad cam V8 had 6kW more power and 23Nm more torque than the six-cylinder petrol engine it superseded. The Quad Cam V8 delivers 170kW of power at 4800rpm and 410Nm of torque at 3600rpm. The combination of V8 engine and five-speed automatic transmission improved 0-100km/h acceleration by 0.6 seconds.

Eighty two percent of maximum torque (340Nm) was available at just 1200rpm.

LandCruiser Sahara

Top of the range LandCruiser Sahara was reintroduced, with higher equipment levels including leather trim, power seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and touch-screen satellite navigation.

The new Sahara was offered with the choice of not just a turbo-diesel engine but also the quad cam V8 engine, both with five-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment included independent front suspension, power-assisted rack and pinion steering and ABS brakes. Features included full leather interior, power front seats with height and lumbar adjustment, woodgrain, coolbox, 3-in-1 audio system with six-CD multi-changer, touch-screen DVD-based satellite navigation, moon roof, front fog lamps, fridge, large body side protection mouldings, multi information display/trip computer and dual air conditioning. Exterior appointments included new 17-inch alloys with 275/65 R17 all-terrain tyres. Quad cam V8 Sahara had the additional features of vehicle stability control (VSC) and active four-wheel drive traction control.

Toyota's VSC provided optimal traction in cornering, complementing the way in which ABS maximises traction and stability under braking. It dampened strong understeer or oversteer to ensure vehicle stability. Four-wheel drive traction control helped to provide optimal traction under acceleration. The electronically controlled 4WD TRC system superseded the need for a rear differential lock on the Sahara petrol model. It provided the traction performance of front and rear differentials while retaining steering control.

Toyota's second generation 4WD TRAC system had a revised algorithm for increased hill climbing ability, and operated for longer than the previous system. In a conventional vehicle, if a tyre spins while the vehicle is being driven on a snow-covered road or off-road, the differential gear causes a large amount of torque to be applied to the tyre that is slipping. The 4WD TRC system helped restrain potential wheel slippage by controlling the engine's power output and by applying brake pressure to the wheel breaking traction. It also distributed the driving force which would have been lost through the wheel slippage to the remaining wheels, thereby achieving a similar effect to a differential lock.

LandCruiser GXL

Toyota's 4.7-litre V8 was now available in the volume selling GXL with the choice of manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. Turbo-diesel was offered with the same choice of equipment grades and transmissions.

All petrol and turbo-diesel models had independent front suspension with power-assisted rack and pinion steering. A new variable-ratio steering rack made turning easier at low speeds. Safety upgrades included dual SRS airbags as standard equipment on all models (including Standard grade van), ABS brakes on all wagon models and head impact protection measures. All LandCruiser wagons came with full-time 4WD and eight-seat capacity. Improved specification levels include one-touch up/down power windows and 6-CD multi-changer on all GXL models.