2007 Land Cruiser  |
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For half a century, over 4 million Land Cruisers have traversed paths from the Dead Sea to the Himalayas. For 2006 it achieves another elevation: Its new available height control adjustment raises and lowers the Land Cruiser up to 2.8 inches for greater ground clearance. Sure, its available Bluetooth® hands-free technology, DVD entertainment and a sumptuous interior have softened its edges. But its all-new VVT-i V8 will remind you of why Land Cruiser is a legend throughout the world.
Toyota Land Cruiser Offer More Power and Advanced Dynamic Handling Options for 2006
Toyota has significantly enhanced performance and driving dynamics in the Land Cruiser for 2006, giving this legendary full-size sport-utility vehicle a more powerful engine and new advanced suspension control options. In addition, the 2006 Land Cruiser gains freshened front and rear styling.
Equipping the Land Cruiser's 4.7-liter V8 engine wîth variable valve timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) and an electronic throttle control system wîth intelligence (ETCS-i) has increased output from 235 horsepower to 275 horsepower. Torque rises by 12 lb.-ft., to 332 lb.-ft., and the 2006 Land Cruiser achieves Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) status.
Land Cruiser remains one of the most refined and comfortable premium sport utility vehicles. Its wide-ranging capability gets yet a further boost for 2006 wîth the availability of Adjustable Height Control (AHC), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which provides greater control and comfort on any road surface.
Like all Toyota SÚVs, the Land Cruiser comes standard wîth the Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. To this arsenal of technology, Land Cruiser adds a new direct-type tire pressure monitoring system for 2006.
A new grille and headlamps quickly identify the 2006 Land Cruiser, which also features new LED combination lamps and revised styling at the rear. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels have a new high-gloss finish, and a sporty new rear spoiler is available.
'Land Cruiser is simply one of the most capable and comfortable full-size sport-utility vehicles in the market,' said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. 'It combines legendary strength and durability wîth a high level of sophistication and understated luxury without demanding compromise from the driver.'
Powerful and Rugged, Yet Últra-Smooth
The double overhead cam 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 80 percent of its 332 lb.-ft. of peak torque at only 1,100 RPM, helping to make Land Cruiser an excellent tow vehicle (maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lb.)
The Land Cruiser is built on a robust chassis using nine crossmembers set into box-section side rails. The resulting chassis stiffness gives Land Cruiser the ability to handle rugged off-pavement driving conditions and also contributes to its luxuriously smooth on-road ride. The double wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear axle wîth coil springs likewise balance smooth on-road driving wîth the articulation needed for off-pavement driving. The 275/60R18 tires include a full-size spare.
The Land Cruiser's advanced variable rack-and-pinion §teering system can vary the §teering ratio to improve maneuverability at low speeds and preserve control at highway speeds. A computer-controlled actuator on the intermediate §teering shaft increases the driver's §teering angle at low vehicle speeds, quickening the §teering ratio. At higher speeds, the mechanism rotates slightly in the opposite direction of §teering input to decrease the total §teering angle, resulting in a slower §teering ratio desirable for stable handling response.
The system's operation is transparent to the driver. As a safety measure, it selects a higher §teering ratio if the VSC system is activated in a hazardous driving condition. This helps to prevent too large a §teering angle if the driver is swerving suddenly, for example. In addition, tooth spacing on the gears of the rack becomes wider toward the end, reducing §teering effort at high §teering angles.
Advanced New Suspension Options for 2006
The new AVS system provides four positions to control the shock absorber damping force. Position two will suit most driving conditions and will automatically adjust as conditions demand. The driver can manually select Position one to provide softer response on bumpy roads. Positions three and four provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, driving at higher speeds on paved roads or driving on unpaved roads.
When the driver shifts the two-speed transfer case into 'Low' for traversing difficult off-pavement terrain, the AVS system automatically selects the suitable damping setting.
The Land Cruiser provides a minimum ground clearance of 9.8 inches. The new AHC system allows the driver to raise the vehicle on its suspension to negotiate particularly rough off-road terrain, and to lower it for easy entry and exit. A height-control switch and light indicate current suspension height and will recommend optimal height as road conditions change. If set in 'high' mode, the suspension will automatically lower when the vehicle exceeds about 19 mph, a more-than-adequate speed for rigorous off-pavement driving conditions. In addition, switching to high mode increases the angle of approach from 30 to 32 degrees and the angle of departure from 23 to 26 degrees to help the vehicle get around obstacles. The vehicle will go into 'extra high' mode if it is in low range and traveling over rough terrain, wîth the height rising automatically by 1.2 inches at the front and approximately 1.8 inches in the rear.
Advanced Four-Wheel Drive and the Star Safety System
In Land Cruiser, the full-time four-wheel drive system divides the power evenly between front and rear wheels and works in conjunction wîth TRAC to handle rough going, on- or off-pavement. Pushing a button on the console locks the center differential, allowing the Land Cruiser to traverse especially rough or slippery surfaces. The driver can shift into low range to handle steep off-road inclines. Steel skid plates protect the front suspension, transfer case, and fuel tank when driving over rough terrain.
The Star Safety System includes VSC, TRAC and ABS wîth EBD and Brake Assist helps provide optimal vehicle control. The four-wheel ABS operates even in low-range four-wheel drive. As road surface roughness increases, ABS intervention decreases. The system responds to steep slopes, as well, preventing early activation to allow the driver greater control.
The EBD feature optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. The Brake Assist safety system is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.
The VSC system helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage. The integrated TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration.
Land Cruiser provides a high level of passive safety technology. Airbag sensors accompany dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and available front and second-row side curtain airbags wîth a rollover sensor and cutoff switch. A backup camera, available in conjunction wîth the optional navigation system, helps provide the driver wîth a view of what's behind the vehicle, automatically projecting the image on the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
Civilized Comfort Even Over The Roughest Terrain
The vehicle that has conquered uncivilized terrain in 150 countries delivers highly civilized features today. Land Cruiser comes equipped wîth all the amenities expected in a premium SÚV, comforting occupants wîth such features as power-adjustable and heated front seats and independent rear automatic climate control systems.
Standard equipment also includes a leather-trimmed interior, a power moonroof wîth one-touch control, power tilt-and-telescoping §teering wheel wîth integrated audio controls, and rear seat audio. The front seats feature armrests, and the rear seat bottom has a height-adjustable cushion.
The optional navigation system integrates Bluetooth® technology, which enables a hands-free communication system. Select cellular phones wîth built-in Bluetooth® compatibility allow the driver and passengers to make and receive hands-free calls. A call can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, while incoming calls can be answered and ended by pushing a button located on the §teering wheel. When a call is received, the stereo is automatically muted so the driver does not need to fumble wîth radio controls. The Land Cruiser's audio system speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.
Room, Versatility and Toyota Quality
The roomy Land Cruiser seats up to eight. A reclining 60/40 split second-row seat and a foldaway/removable 50/50 split third-row seat ensure versatility for just about any need. With the third seat removed and the second seat row folded, the Land Cruiser provides 90.8 cubic feet of cargo room. The third-row passengers benefit from rear power quarter windows, and dark green privacy glass helps protect against the sun's rays.
For all its rugged capability, the Land Cruiser remains an extremely civilized highway vehicle. Asphalt sheeting used throughout the cabin structure helps to ensure low noise levels, making it easier to appreciate the quality of the standard JBL Premium sound system. The 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR/cassette/CD audio system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, produces a maximum output of 300 watts and plays through seven speakers.
The elegant dashboard design is highlighted by metallic-style trim on the center cluster. An optional multi-function navigation system package moves the six-disc CD changer to the console and adds a DVD head unit that accommodates both map discs and DVD movies (movies play only when the gearshift is in the Park position). The seven-inch LCD screen displays navigation functions and controls for both the audio and climate control systems.
An optional rear DVD entertainment system plays movies over a 6.4-inch wide-format overhead screen that flips down from the headliner above the second seat row.
In addition to the major comfort features, Land Cruiser provides a host of standard conveniences, including §teering wheel audio controls, one-touch up/down power windows wîth jam protection, power door locks, a multi-information display, a HomeLink® universal remote garage door opener, heated exterior mirrors, automatic on/off headlamps wîth daytime running lights, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets, and a security system wîth engine immobilizer.
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months wîth no mileage limitation.Source - Toyota
Toyota Land Cruiser Offer More Power and Advanced Dynamic Handling Options for 2006
Toyota has significantly enhanced performance and driving dynamics in the Land Cruiser for 2006, giving this legendary full-size sport-utility vehicle a more powerful engine and new advanced suspension control options. In addition, the 2006 Land Cruiser gains freshened front and rear styling.
Equipping the Land Cruiser's 4.7-liter V8 engine wîth variable valve timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) and an electronic throttle control system wîth intelligence (ETCS-i) has increased output from 235 horsepower to 275 horsepower. Torque rises by 12 lb.-ft., to 332 lb.-ft., and the 2006 Land Cruiser achieves Low Emissions Vehicle II (LEV II) status.
Land Cruiser remains one of the most refined and comfortable premium sport utility vehicles. Its wide-ranging capability gets yet a further boost for 2006 wîth the availability of Adjustable Height Control (AHC), and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS), which provides greater control and comfort on any road surface.
Like all Toyota SÚVs, the Land Cruiser comes standard wîth the Star Safety System, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) wîth Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. To this arsenal of technology, Land Cruiser adds a new direct-type tire pressure monitoring system for 2006.
A new grille and headlamps quickly identify the 2006 Land Cruiser, which also features new LED combination lamps and revised styling at the rear. The standard 18-inch aluminum wheels have a new high-gloss finish, and a sporty new rear spoiler is available.
'Land Cruiser is simply one of the most capable and comfortable full-size sport-utility vehicles in the market,' said Jim Lentz, Toyota Division group vice president and general manager. 'It combines legendary strength and durability wîth a high level of sophistication and understated luxury without demanding compromise from the driver.'
Powerful and Rugged, Yet Últra-Smooth
The double overhead cam 4.7-liter V8 engine produces 80 percent of its 332 lb.-ft. of peak torque at only 1,100 RPM, helping to make Land Cruiser an excellent tow vehicle (maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lb.)
The Land Cruiser is built on a robust chassis using nine crossmembers set into box-section side rails. The resulting chassis stiffness gives Land Cruiser the ability to handle rugged off-pavement driving conditions and also contributes to its luxuriously smooth on-road ride. The double wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear axle wîth coil springs likewise balance smooth on-road driving wîth the articulation needed for off-pavement driving. The 275/60R18 tires include a full-size spare.
The Land Cruiser's advanced variable rack-and-pinion §teering system can vary the §teering ratio to improve maneuverability at low speeds and preserve control at highway speeds. A computer-controlled actuator on the intermediate §teering shaft increases the driver's §teering angle at low vehicle speeds, quickening the §teering ratio. At higher speeds, the mechanism rotates slightly in the opposite direction of §teering input to decrease the total §teering angle, resulting in a slower §teering ratio desirable for stable handling response.
The system's operation is transparent to the driver. As a safety measure, it selects a higher §teering ratio if the VSC system is activated in a hazardous driving condition. This helps to prevent too large a §teering angle if the driver is swerving suddenly, for example. In addition, tooth spacing on the gears of the rack becomes wider toward the end, reducing §teering effort at high §teering angles.
Advanced New Suspension Options for 2006
The new AVS system provides four positions to control the shock absorber damping force. Position two will suit most driving conditions and will automatically adjust as conditions demand. The driver can manually select Position one to provide softer response on bumpy roads. Positions three and four provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle, driving at higher speeds on paved roads or driving on unpaved roads.
When the driver shifts the two-speed transfer case into 'Low' for traversing difficult off-pavement terrain, the AVS system automatically selects the suitable damping setting.
The Land Cruiser provides a minimum ground clearance of 9.8 inches. The new AHC system allows the driver to raise the vehicle on its suspension to negotiate particularly rough off-road terrain, and to lower it for easy entry and exit. A height-control switch and light indicate current suspension height and will recommend optimal height as road conditions change. If set in 'high' mode, the suspension will automatically lower when the vehicle exceeds about 19 mph, a more-than-adequate speed for rigorous off-pavement driving conditions. In addition, switching to high mode increases the angle of approach from 30 to 32 degrees and the angle of departure from 23 to 26 degrees to help the vehicle get around obstacles. The vehicle will go into 'extra high' mode if it is in low range and traveling over rough terrain, wîth the height rising automatically by 1.2 inches at the front and approximately 1.8 inches in the rear.
Advanced Four-Wheel Drive and the Star Safety System
In Land Cruiser, the full-time four-wheel drive system divides the power evenly between front and rear wheels and works in conjunction wîth TRAC to handle rough going, on- or off-pavement. Pushing a button on the console locks the center differential, allowing the Land Cruiser to traverse especially rough or slippery surfaces. The driver can shift into low range to handle steep off-road inclines. Steel skid plates protect the front suspension, transfer case, and fuel tank when driving over rough terrain.
The Star Safety System includes VSC, TRAC and ABS wîth EBD and Brake Assist helps provide optimal vehicle control. The four-wheel ABS operates even in low-range four-wheel drive. As road surface roughness increases, ABS intervention decreases. The system responds to steep slopes, as well, preventing early activation to allow the driver greater control.
The EBD feature optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. The Brake Assist safety system is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.
The VSC system helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage. The integrated TRAC feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration.
Land Cruiser provides a high level of passive safety technology. Airbag sensors accompany dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and available front and second-row side curtain airbags wîth a rollover sensor and cutoff switch. A backup camera, available in conjunction wîth the optional navigation system, helps provide the driver wîth a view of what's behind the vehicle, automatically projecting the image on the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.
Civilized Comfort Even Over The Roughest Terrain
The vehicle that has conquered uncivilized terrain in 150 countries delivers highly civilized features today. Land Cruiser comes equipped wîth all the amenities expected in a premium SÚV, comforting occupants wîth such features as power-adjustable and heated front seats and independent rear automatic climate control systems.
Standard equipment also includes a leather-trimmed interior, a power moonroof wîth one-touch control, power tilt-and-telescoping §teering wheel wîth integrated audio controls, and rear seat audio. The front seats feature armrests, and the rear seat bottom has a height-adjustable cushion.
The optional navigation system integrates Bluetooth® technology, which enables a hands-free communication system. Select cellular phones wîth built-in Bluetooth® compatibility allow the driver and passengers to make and receive hands-free calls. A call can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, while incoming calls can be answered and ended by pushing a button located on the §teering wheel. When a call is received, the stereo is automatically muted so the driver does not need to fumble wîth radio controls. The Land Cruiser's audio system speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.
Room, Versatility and Toyota Quality
The roomy Land Cruiser seats up to eight. A reclining 60/40 split second-row seat and a foldaway/removable 50/50 split third-row seat ensure versatility for just about any need. With the third seat removed and the second seat row folded, the Land Cruiser provides 90.8 cubic feet of cargo room. The third-row passengers benefit from rear power quarter windows, and dark green privacy glass helps protect against the sun's rays.
For all its rugged capability, the Land Cruiser remains an extremely civilized highway vehicle. Asphalt sheeting used throughout the cabin structure helps to ensure low noise levels, making it easier to appreciate the quality of the standard JBL Premium sound system. The 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR/cassette/CD audio system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, produces a maximum output of 300 watts and plays through seven speakers.
The elegant dashboard design is highlighted by metallic-style trim on the center cluster. An optional multi-function navigation system package moves the six-disc CD changer to the console and adds a DVD head unit that accommodates both map discs and DVD movies (movies play only when the gearshift is in the Park position). The seven-inch LCD screen displays navigation functions and controls for both the audio and climate control systems.
An optional rear DVD entertainment system plays movies over a 6.4-inch wide-format overhead screen that flips down from the headliner above the second seat row.
In addition to the major comfort features, Land Cruiser provides a host of standard conveniences, including §teering wheel audio controls, one-touch up/down power windows wîth jam protection, power door locks, a multi-information display, a HomeLink® universal remote garage door opener, heated exterior mirrors, automatic on/off headlamps wîth daytime running lights, cruise control, three 12-volt power outlets, and a security system wîth engine immobilizer.
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months wîth no mileage limitation.Source - Toyota
The Land Cruiser currently has the longest running history in the Toyota lineup. With origins from the Toyota Jeep BJ which was created in 1951, the name 'Land Cruiser' has since been used from the release of the 20-series in 1955.
With the three series of heavy-duty / wagon / light-duty types being produced simultaneously, the current 2002 120 (Light-duty Prado)-series model marks the tenth edition of the Land Cruiser wîth tremendous progress that continues on till now wîth the aim of always being at the top of the world. Here we will introduce you to the successful over 50-year history of the Land Cruiser.
Birth of The Toyota Jeep BJ
The history of the Land Cruiser began just after World War II in 1950. The drastic rise in inflation in Japan after World War II resulted in enormous living difficulty for citizens and thus resulted in the implementation of the 'Dodge line' economic stabilization policy in Japan by the Ú.S.A. in 1949. The extremely strict austerity measures of this financial and monetary contraction policy at last brought inflation under control. However, the drastic change in policies had a dampening effect on industrial production activities, and Japanese industries faced an even more serious period of difficult times.
The resulting recession had a direct impact on the automotive , making it difficult to obtain funds and requiring companies to revise production plans and cut back staff. This resulted in regular conflicts wîth labor unions, and in April of 1950 Toyota suffered a large-scale strike. The dispute was eventually resolved in June, after a major management shuffle. However, production levels dropped during the strike, and the monthly production during that time was only a few hundred units per month. This period was truly one of the most difficult periods for Toyota as a company. On June 25 of 1950 the North Korean (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) suddenly invaded the South Korean (Republic of Korea), and the Korean War had begun.
At that time Japan was still under the influence of America, centering on the occupation forces of the Únited States military, for which Japan played a role as a supply base, and wîth the Korean War all military production went into full time operation. Orders were issued by the headquarters of the occupying forces for large numbers of military trucks. This was a special demand tied directly to the Korean War.
When the National Police Reserve Forces (now called the Japan Self-Defense Forces) was first established it depended entirely on the Ú.S. Military for all of its equipment, however very quickly it was urged that domestic sources of supply be developed. Part of the motivation was to create a base in Japan through which the Ú.S. Military could procure military vehicles for use throughout the Asia region, but Japanese automakers were asked to produce prototypes for compact 4x4 trucks and other vehicles.
In response Toyota began designing such vehicles in August of the same year, and by January of 1951 had produced a prototype. The prototype was a truck wîth a B-type gasoline powered water-cooled in-line 6-cylinder 3,386cc engine, installed on a SB-type 1-ton truck chassis.
At the time there were many Jeeps being driven in Japan, which had been brought in by the occupying forces, and the Jeep came to be the symbol of the 4x4. For this reason Toyota called its prototype the Toyota Jeep, and by combining a B-type engine wîth a Jeep model it was known as the BJ.
However, the vehicle which was ultimately selected for procurement by the National Police Reserve Forces was the Willys Jeep. The Toyota Jeep BJ had been rejected on this project, but in July of the same year test driver Ichiro Taira did a test run under the supervision of officials from the National Police Agency, and performed brilliantly, climbing by car all the way up to the No. 6 checkpoint on Mt. Fuji. The test run was viewed favorably, and in August this model was officially adopted as the patrol car for the National Police Agency.
However, large-scale production of the Toyota Jeep did not begin until August of 1953. It took 2 years from the decision to adopt the prototype to get ready for full-scale production, most of the time being required for detailed decisions on the specs and on price negotiations. But orders were placed in blocks covering the fiscal year, as one would expect from a government agency. In the first year 298 Toyota Jeep BJs rolled off the production line. Later, in addition to the patrol car for the National Police Agency, Toyota also received orders from the Forestry and Agricultural Agency and from Electric Power companies.
The next year in June of 1954, responding to claims of trademark violation by the Willys Company that produced the original Jeep, then Director of Technology Hanji Úmehara renamed this 4-wheeled vehicle as the Land Cruiser. The rest as they say is history, as the Land Cruiser demonstrated global competitiveness wîth its rival models, and its success proved it to be truly worthy of its name.
Sakichi Toyoda founded the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd., to which he dedicated his entire career. Successor to the intelligence and active spirit of his father, Kiichiro Toyoda established the company in the automotive . His dream was to produce an automobile that could gain acceptance throughout the world, and certainly Toyota has taken that major step.Source - Toyota
For more information and related vehicles, click hereWith the three series of heavy-duty / wagon / light-duty types being produced simultaneously, the current 2002 120 (Light-duty Prado)-series model marks the tenth edition of the Land Cruiser wîth tremendous progress that continues on till now wîth the aim of always being at the top of the world. Here we will introduce you to the successful over 50-year history of the Land Cruiser.
Birth of The Toyota Jeep BJ
The history of the Land Cruiser began just after World War II in 1950. The drastic rise in inflation in Japan after World War II resulted in enormous living difficulty for citizens and thus resulted in the implementation of the 'Dodge line' economic stabilization policy in Japan by the Ú.S.A. in 1949. The extremely strict austerity measures of this financial and monetary contraction policy at last brought inflation under control. However, the drastic change in policies had a dampening effect on industrial production activities, and Japanese industries faced an even more serious period of difficult times.
The resulting recession had a direct impact on the automotive , making it difficult to obtain funds and requiring companies to revise production plans and cut back staff. This resulted in regular conflicts wîth labor unions, and in April of 1950 Toyota suffered a large-scale strike. The dispute was eventually resolved in June, after a major management shuffle. However, production levels dropped during the strike, and the monthly production during that time was only a few hundred units per month. This period was truly one of the most difficult periods for Toyota as a company. On June 25 of 1950 the North Korean (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) suddenly invaded the South Korean (Republic of Korea), and the Korean War had begun.
At that time Japan was still under the influence of America, centering on the occupation forces of the Únited States military, for which Japan played a role as a supply base, and wîth the Korean War all military production went into full time operation. Orders were issued by the headquarters of the occupying forces for large numbers of military trucks. This was a special demand tied directly to the Korean War.
When the National Police Reserve Forces (now called the Japan Self-Defense Forces) was first established it depended entirely on the Ú.S. Military for all of its equipment, however very quickly it was urged that domestic sources of supply be developed. Part of the motivation was to create a base in Japan through which the Ú.S. Military could procure military vehicles for use throughout the Asia region, but Japanese automakers were asked to produce prototypes for compact 4x4 trucks and other vehicles.
In response Toyota began designing such vehicles in August of the same year, and by January of 1951 had produced a prototype. The prototype was a truck wîth a B-type gasoline powered water-cooled in-line 6-cylinder 3,386cc engine, installed on a SB-type 1-ton truck chassis.
At the time there were many Jeeps being driven in Japan, which had been brought in by the occupying forces, and the Jeep came to be the symbol of the 4x4. For this reason Toyota called its prototype the Toyota Jeep, and by combining a B-type engine wîth a Jeep model it was known as the BJ.
However, the vehicle which was ultimately selected for procurement by the National Police Reserve Forces was the Willys Jeep. The Toyota Jeep BJ had been rejected on this project, but in July of the same year test driver Ichiro Taira did a test run under the supervision of officials from the National Police Agency, and performed brilliantly, climbing by car all the way up to the No. 6 checkpoint on Mt. Fuji. The test run was viewed favorably, and in August this model was officially adopted as the patrol car for the National Police Agency.
However, large-scale production of the Toyota Jeep did not begin until August of 1953. It took 2 years from the decision to adopt the prototype to get ready for full-scale production, most of the time being required for detailed decisions on the specs and on price negotiations. But orders were placed in blocks covering the fiscal year, as one would expect from a government agency. In the first year 298 Toyota Jeep BJs rolled off the production line. Later, in addition to the patrol car for the National Police Agency, Toyota also received orders from the Forestry and Agricultural Agency and from Electric Power companies.
The next year in June of 1954, responding to claims of trademark violation by the Willys Company that produced the original Jeep, then Director of Technology Hanji Úmehara renamed this 4-wheeled vehicle as the Land Cruiser. The rest as they say is history, as the Land Cruiser demonstrated global competitiveness wîth its rival models, and its success proved it to be truly worthy of its name.
Sakichi Toyoda founded the Toyoda Automatic Loom Works, Ltd., to which he dedicated his entire career. Successor to the intelligence and active spirit of his father, Kiichiro Toyoda established the company in the automotive . His dream was to produce an automobile that could gain acceptance throughout the world, and certainly Toyota has taken that major step.Source - Toyota
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| 2007 Land Cruiser |
