2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota's Flagship Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle Redesigned

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser – A Heritage Continues

The Toyota Land Cruiser is sold globally in more than 120 countries and the all-new 2008 model inherits a rich history echoing the classic and much-loved Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.



While the FJ Cruiser's styling recalls the FJ40, the taproot of its family tree stretches back past the FJ40 to a vehicle called the BJ, which descends from a 1950 4x4 prototype called the AK10. The BJ was Toyota's first 4x4 utility vehicle and was powered by the company's prewar B-type 75 hp engine. This sturdy 3.4L (206.6 c i.) six-cylinder unit, intended for use in medium-light trucks, not only was perfect for the BJ but set a pattern the Land Cruiser line followed for decades.

The BJ and the famed Willys Jeep had much in common. Both were tough, square-fendered utility vehicles that consisted of basic open bodywork bolted to sturdy steel ladder frames. Both used four-wheel drive. One important difference, however, was that where the Jeep used a transfer case that offered low range, the BJ didn't need a low range, thanks to the torque of its engine and a transmission with a low 5.53:1 first-gear ratio.



It was an important and successful first step, but there was another to come. The vehicle's BJ designation just didn't have much poetry. After seeing the vehicle cruise over the roughest ground they could throw at it, in 1954 company officials came up with a much more musical and fitting name: Land Cruiser.

By now Toyota had developed a company motto that could easily be adopted today. It was, 'Good thinking, good products.' Part of that good thinking of course resulted in the Land Cruiser, and more of it was evident when company officials decided to begin exporting the vehicle as the Land Cruiser 20 Series, a basic 4x4 with neither top nor doors. Early recipients of 20 Series vehicles were Brazil and Saudi Arabia, which were as ready for the Land Cruiser as it was for them. Its toughness and go-anywhere capabilities immediately were adopted, and the Land Cruiser began developing its reputation.

In 1955 development of the BJ concept led to the BJ25, which featured a metal top and doors, along with roll-down door windows. Amazingly, air conditioning also was available. These attempts to bring a bit of civility to the BJ signaled that Toyota had in mind larger markets than those represented by Japan's National Police or public agencies in other countries. It intended to penetrate the civilian market. And not just with this vehicle. According to the tenets of 'The Land Cruiser Strategy,' the Land Cruiser was much more than merely another vehicle to be sold. It was the point vehicle that established a base in each new country into which Toyota moved so that the Land Cruiser could be followed by Toyota passenger cars.

Meanwhile the old B-series engine was being phased out of production. Its replacement was the F-type engine, a 3.8L (231.9 c.i.) 105 hp overhead-valve six-cylinder gas unit. Úse of that engine, starting in 1955, created the FJ25. For a time, both BJ25s and FJ25s were produced, but with the end of B-series engine production, production of BJ25s came to a close.

Much of what the world knows about Land Cruisers came from the 20 Series as it was developed into an impressive variety of types designed to fit the needs of
each country into which it was imported. There were the standard hardtop models, of course, but also pickups, station wagons, with long and short wheelbases, with two doors and with four.

Land Cruisers quickly found their way to Venezuela, Malaysia, Kuwait, Jordan, Dubai and Australia, where they were ideally suited to challenging driving conditions. Finally, in 1958, Land Cruiser came to the Únited States. Just one unit was sold in that first year.

That was about to change. In 1958 Land Cruisers were known by the model-name FJ28V. But model-year 1960 brought engineering and styling changes that heralded the birth of an icon. That's when the 20 Series took an evolutionary step into the 40-series. The familiar fold-down windshield, solid axles and sturdy leaf springs of the 25-series remained. But design revision provided the FJ40 with its now-familiar flat, white top, angular lines, wrap-around rear windows and fold-out rear doors, short overhangs, a horsepower boost to 125, a three-speed transmission and the introduction of a two-speed transfer case. The change worked, especially here in the Ú.S. From 1961 to 1965, the FJ40 was Toyota's best-selling vehicle.

Early experience in developing countries amply illustrated the FJ40's suitability as an exploration/expedition vehicle. Only one thing needed improvement: There wasn't enough space in which to haul the fuel and supplies needed for long trips – this notwithstanding the presence of the FJ45V, a long, four-door version of the basic FJ40, which was built alongside the FJ40. So in 1967, responding to calls for a Land Cruiser with more comfort, more capability and more cargo capacity, the FJ45V was replaced with the four-door Land Cruiser 55 Series.

The 55 Series was a development of the 40 Series, using hardware lifted from the 40 Series. But it rolled upon a wheelbase that was lengthened by 16 inches. To satisfy those looking for more comfort than available from the 40 Series' utilitarian interior, the 55 Series offered a padded dash, a fold-down rear seat and seating for six.

The payoff came in production and sales numbers that nobody – outside Toyota – could have predicted. By 1968, Toyota had built and sold 100,000 Land Cruisers. Demand for them was so great that assembly was done in a number of countries outside of Japan, including Brazil and Pakistan.

The early 1970s were years of development of existing Land Cruiser models. For instance, in 1975 all Land Cruisers received an enlarged 4.2L (256.3 c.i.) B-series engine and with it, a new four-speed transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) This engine underscored the Land Cruiser's reputation for unstoppable torque, a critical element that helped provide the Land Cruiser with its ability to crawl over obstacles on challenging trails.

By now, Land Cruisers were an established part of rough-country life in the Únited States. For miners, ranchers and surveyors, the Land Cruiser was the vehicle of choice. In fact, in 1971 a Land Cruiser was driven across the Únited States while surveying an off-road route.

By 1972, more than 200,000 Land Cruisers had been sold worldwide – and 300,000 by 1973.

There was play, or at least sport, as well as work: In 1974 a nearly stock FJ40 won the grueling Baja 1000 off-road race. Its sole modification involved its conversion for the use of propane, instead of gasoline, as fuel. (concept carz)
As the Land Cruiser's reputation grew, so too did the demand for it. As a result, by 1977 a half-million Land Cruisers had hit roads and trails everywhere. But time was closing in on the 40 Series, and also on the 55 Series. For all the refinement it had received over its life span, the 40 Series remained fairly Spartan. So 1983 was its final year of sales in the Ú.S. Production of the 55 Series ceased in 1979. Sales numbers, meanwhile, continued to reflect the popularity and success of the Land Cruiser name. By 1980, 1,000,000 had been sold.

Meanwhile, Land Cruiser four-wheel-drive technology was expanding into other Toyota lines. Most notable was the first 4x4 compact truck in the Ú.S., introduced by Toyota in 1979. This vehicle won not only immediate public acclaim, but also the prestigious '4WD of the Year' award from Pickup, Van & 4WD, a leading off-road magazine of the time. The compact Toyota pickup, equipped with its unbeatable 4x4 drivetrain, remained the best-selling compact 4x4 in the Ú.S. market for the next 14 years. In 1984 the popular 4Runner, developed from the 4x4 pickup chassis, was introduced. Highlighting its Land Cruiser genetics, it was built at the Araco Corp. plant in Toyota City, Japan, the home of Land Cruiser production.

Land Cruisers, meanwhile, rolled on. The Land Cruiser 60 Series appeared in 1980 to replace the 55 Series. Production continued through 1989 and owners found that not only did this larger, more commodious Land Cruiser continue to uphold the brand's ability to cover rough ground, but that with basic maintenance, an FJ60 easily would rack up hundreds of thousands of miles.

As 60 Series sales were growing, the Land Cruiser FJ40 was discontinued in the Ú.S. in 1979, and was coming to the end of its road in the rest of the world. While some segments of the worldwide 4x4 market continued to demand heavy-duty vehicles, others, especially recreational users, made it clear they wanted a vehicle that offered a bit more comfort than the 40 Series offered. Against these conflicting notions and with very little in the way of a final flourish, Land Cruiser 40 Series production ceased in late 1984. The trusty old 40 Series immediately was replaced by the much more modern 70 Series, production of which continues.

The basic Land Cruiser 70 Series had the two doors, solid axles and leaf springs of the 40 Series, and it was engineered to be just as tough and durable as the 40 Series. However, it received a five-speed transmission and rode upon a 91-inch wheelbase – a four-door version received a 107-inch wheelbase. More important, its interior was much more commodious than that of the 40 Series. It was built in a variety of types and styles, each specific to its market and the needs of its buyers.

The 60 Series wagon, meanwhile, underwent a complete makeover in 1989. It became the 80 Series. This happened after product planners noticed the 60 Series increasingly was being used as a family vehicle. Owners wanted off-road capabilities for active family weekends, but they also wanted the comfort and practicality of a family sedan during the week.

The Land Cruiser 80 Series met those needs. With its launch in 1990, owners could enjoy a comfortable ride, thanks to coil springs up front, as well as to leather-trim seats, air conditioning, entertainment systems and mobile communications. Safety also advanced with the adoption of airbags and ABS braking systems.

Clearly, Toyota was doing something right: By 1990, it had sold 2 million Land Cruisers worldwide.

In 1993, the 80 Series Land Cruiser was upgraded with a 24-valve, DOHC inline six-cylinder engine displacing 4.5L (274.6 c.i.). This engine produced 212 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, and was more than capable of pulling Land Cruiser's 5,153 pounds of curb weight. The 80 Series Land Cruiser, with its smooth ride and comfortable interior, seemed a long way from the FJ40 paradigm. But when pointed down a rough trail, it displayed the same competence and reliability that helped the FJ40 cement the Land Cruiser name into the public consciousness.

For the 1996 model year, Toyota launched a third Land Cruiser line, to be sold alongside the 70 and 80 Series Land Cruisers. This was the Land Cruiser 90 Series, also known as the Prado. The 90 Series was an evolutionary branch of the 70 Series. It therefore offered Land Cruiser's legendary capabilities, both on the highway and off the road. But it was enhanced by independent front suspension and coil springs in place of the solid front axle and leaf springs that had provided suspension for so long. It also offered available fulltime four-wheel drive with a locking center differential, a four-speed automatic transmission, stability control and traction control. The appeal of the Prado/90 Series was so great, and the demand so intense, that following its introduction, the Tahara plant, in which it was built, operated 24 hours a day for six months straight.

It was this line that in 2002 was developed into the Land Cruiser 120 Series, which includes the current 4Runner and Lexus GX470, which are not marketed in the Ú.S. as Land Cruisers. However, they share and benefit from Land Cruiser philosophy and four-wheel-drive technology. And, in an interesting bit of family planning, the 120 Series provides the foundation of the FJ Cruiser.

Beginning in 1998 the luxurious Land Cruiser 100 Series replaced the 80 Series. It was larger, structurally more solid and substantially more powerful than its predecessor. It featured the first V8 engine in a Toyota vehicle, a 4.7L (286.8 c.i.), 32-valve DOHC producing 235 hp. For the 2006 model year, that figure reached 275 hp.

Plush though it may be, the 100 Series retains its Land Cruiser credentials. For instance, it still has 80 percent of its torque available at 1,100 rpm, and it still has the steep approach and departure angles required for rough-country travel. But it also has high-tech touches like stability control, anti-lock brakes and automatic vehicle height adjustment.
The Land Cruiser family tree bore that original BJ and a long line of descendants that include not only the fabled FJ40 and every Toyota 4x4 pickup, but also a well-developed line of capable, comfortable Land Cruisers, their upscale Lexus 4x4 siblings – and, finally, the FJ Cruiser, a vehicle that carries within it the technological DNA of that first Land Cruiser. Now, we move to the next generation Land Cruiser with an all-new redesign for 2008 that harkens to the durable heritage with added refinement and comfort.

New for 2008, Toyota engineers and designers follow a strategy that refuses to take the 'king of off-road' and its long-standing heritage and continued success for granted. The result is a world-class SÚV that redefines global standards for capability and exclusivity. The new Land Cruiser target buyer is 60 percent male and 84 percent are married with a median household income of $240,000. Its rugged character will appeal to buyers seeking traditional Land Cruiser off-road performance, durability and reliability.

Market-specific versions of the iconic Land Cruiser are manufactured at seven plants around the world. The all-new Land Cruiser for the Ú.S. will be assembled at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan and Yoshiwara Plant, in Aichi, Japan. The anticipated annual production is approximately 8,000 units, with arrivals at Ú.S. dealerships in early October 2007.

TOYOTA LAND CRÚISER TIMELINE

1935 – Toyoda initiates manufacturer of trucks with the G1
1937 – Toyota Motor Co. founded from its roots in Toyoda Automatic Loom Works
1939 – G1 becomes the GB, with 75-hp Type B engine
1950 – Development begins on 4x4 AK10 utility vehicle using the Type B engine
1951 – BJ sold to Japan's National Police Agency
1953 – Large-scale BJ production begins
1954 – BJ named Land Cruiser
1955 – F-Series 3.8L Six adopted, FJ25 introduced
1955 – BJ discontinued
1958 – Land Cruiser introduced to the Ú.S. in September
1960 – 40 Series introduced, replaces 20 Series
1961-1965 – Land Cruiser 40 Series is the best-selling Toyota in the Ú.S.
1967 – 55 Series station wagon introduced
1968 – 100,000th Land Cruiser sold
1972 – 200,000th Land Cruiser sold
1973 – 300,000th Land Cruiser sold
1975 – 4.2L engine, four-speed transmission introduced
1979 – 55 Series production ends
1980 – 60 Series, second-generation wagon, introduced
1980 – Millionth Land Cruiser sold
1983 – Final year of 40 Series sales in the Ú.S.
1984 – 40 Series production ends
1984 – 70 Series introduced
1989 – 60 Series production ends
1990 – 2-millionth Land Cruiser sold
1990 – 80 Series, third-generation wagon, introduced
1991 – Full-time four-wheel drive introduced
1993 – 4.5L DOHC six-cylinder engine introduced
1993 – 90 Series introduced
1997 – 80 Series production ends
1998 – 100 Series, fourth-generation wagon, introduced
1998 – 4.7L i-Force V8 introduced
2002 – 120 Series (current Prado, Lexus GX 470) introduced
2003 – 4-millionth Land Cruiser sold
2007 – FJ Cruiser introduced
2008 – All-new seventh-generation Land Cruiser 200 series

Source - Toyota

The All-New 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

The King Of Off-Road Delivers Quality, Durability, Reliability

The all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser sport utility vehicle (SÚV), now in its seventh generation, continues to carry its incomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability. This Land Cruiser, known as the 200 Series, adds significantly to the quality, dependability and reliability (QDR) equation by including new components, and more comfort, sophistication and value than ever before.



'The Land Cruiser asserts its position at the very top of the Toyota SÚV lineup by building on our core heritage - durability, capability, fun-to-drive, and value,' said Jim Lentz, executive vice president, Toyota Motor Sales, Ú.S.A., Inc. 'For more than 50 years, the Land Cruiser has delivered on off-road capability and performance, and this generation will raise the ante for overall capability and comfort.'

The Land Cruiser cements its reputation as the 'King of Off-Road' with systems and features that also make it the 'King of On-Road.' An all-new engine and transmission delivers unparalleled power, efficiency and smoothness. The sophisticated Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) enhances the Land Cruiser's ride and off-road capability. The Land Cruiser also receives a new electro-mechanical system, CRAWL Control, which improves its excellent off-road capabilities and allows the driver to further concentrate on choosing a line without also having to manage momentum. A sophisticated new frame and suspension further help enhance Land Cruiser safety.



High-Strength Chassis and Suspension
To develop the next generation of the toughest, most desirable four-wheel-drive vehicle in the world, the Land Cruiser's engineers began with the frame. Rather than being tempted by a unitized body, the type used by some car-based four-wheel-drive vehicles, they elected to maintain a separate frame and body for the Land Cruiser 200 Series. Land Cruiser engineers determined that strengthening a unitized body, to stand up to the stress of rough roads and high-capacity towing, would increase the body's mass and weight as to completely negate the lightweight character usually gained by unitization.

Beginning with the current Land Cruiser frame structure and using advanced engineering methods and lightweight components, engineers developed an all-new frame structure that offers superior strength and rigidity while also enhancing towing capacity. Engineers worked on insulation and body-on-frame mounting bushings to reduce road noise, suppress vibration, and enhance on-road and off-road comfort.

The result is a high-strength, high-rigidity frame structure that uses lightweight, high-strength steel and deeper, wider frame longitudinals help to provide enhanced safety. The front of the frame adopts a three-stage crush structure so frame damage to other areas of the vehicle is minimized in the case of frontal impact.

Chassis and suspension components received as much thought and attention as the Land Cruiser's frame. It receives a new double-wishbone independent front suspension and four-link rear suspension with a solid live axle.

Úp front, the Land Cruiser employs a high-mount double-wishbone system with tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers, a hollow stabilizer bar, and coil springs. The system was designed to suppress alignment change while the suspension travels through its stroke and maintains an optimal length of stroke. The purpose of this system is to achieve a high level of off-road driving performance and suspension control while maintaining a high level of on-road driving comfort.

At the rear, the reliable and trusted four-link, coil-spring with lateral rod format was redesigned to provide a longer suspension stroke for improved on-and off-road performance. The Land Cruiser's rear suspension also features tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar.

The brake system is enlarged and more powerful than ever, with 13.4-inch ventilated discs and four-piston calipers up front and 13.6-inch ventilated discs at the rear.

The Land Cruiser features power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering with a variable gear ratio that requires just 3.1 turns to go from lock-to-lock. Gear ratio is set larger around the steering center and smaller around the end position.

Enhancing this advanced suspension system is KDSS, a Toyota first, which provides a unique mixture of optimal on-road roll stiffness and off-road suspension compliance. This consists of a pair of hydraulic control cylinders that vary roll stiffness depending on suspension attitude.

Applying all this technology to the driving surface are P285/60 R18 mud-and-snow steel-belted radial tires mounted on 18 x 8.0-inch aluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish. The Land Cruiser also features a full-size spare tire.

The Land Cruiser has a gross vehicle weight rating of 7,275 pounds, while it has a maximum payload of 1,585 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. Approach and departure angles are 30 degrees and 20 degrees, respectively.

Engine, Transmission and Drivetrain
The Land Cruiser is powered by an all-new 5.7L (346 cid) DOHC V8 engine known as the 3ÚR-FE. The engine uses electronic fuel injection, Toyota Direct Ignition, four valves per cylinder and a variable-length intake tract to produce 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. The Land Cruiser uses regular 87-octane gasoline and has ÚLEV-II emissions status.

Features of this engine include Variable Valve Timing with intelligence
(VVT-i), Acoustic Controlled Induction System (ACIS), Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) and air injection. The engine also has aluminum block and heads and employs resin-coated pistons that reduce friction loss and a taper squish combustion chamber shaped to improve anti-knock performance and fuel efficiency.

Each camshaft on the intake side is chain-driven from the crankshaft and uses VVT-i. On the exhaust side, each camshaft is chain-driven, but from the intake camshaft. The exhaust cams also use VVT-i.

ACIS uses a bulkhead to divide the intake manifold into two stages. It alters the length of the tract in the intake manifold using engine speed and throttle valve opening to provide optimal performance in all RPM ranges. The engine's throttle body links to the Land Cruiser's accelerator pedal through ETCS-i to ensure optimal throttle control in all operating ranges.

Each of the four valves per cylinder is actuated by a rocker arm that rides on built-in needle bearings to reduce friction and improve fuel economy. To help control oil temperature while towing, this legendary off-road vehicle uses a water-cooled oil cooler. The Land Cruiser also features stainless-steel exhaust manifolds and exhaust pipes.

This advanced powerplant is connected to Toyota's AB60F six-speed electronically controlled transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) In this smooth-shifting transmission, fourth gear is direct drive, and both fifth and sixth gears are overdrive gears. Fifth drive offers an overdrive ratio of 0:728:1 while sixth has a ratio of 0.588:1. Delivering power to this transmission is a compact, high-capacity torque converter that offers flexible lock-up control for improved fuel economy.

The transmission uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) Shift Control, which allows the transmission's Electronic Control module to estimate road condition and predict the driver's intention to select the appropriate gear ratio for the vehicle's speed and the driving conditions.

This transmission also offers a sequential shift mode that allows the driver to select gears manually. In this mode, the transmission automatically selects first gear when the vehicle comes to a stop.

The Land Cruiser is the first Toyota vehicle to use a newly-developed JF2A transfer case to provide full-time four-wheel drive. This lightweight, compact, chain-driven unit offers a standard 1:1 high ratio for highway travel and a low-range 2.618:1 ratio for traversing challenging driving surfaces. The transfer case employs a Torsen limited-slip locking center differential. The locking function is actuated by a push-button switch. High and low ranges are selected with a rotary dial, located next to the HVAC and audio control panels. Indicator lights in the right-hand combination meter on the Land Cruiser's dash panel indicate when low range and/or center lock is selected.

The Land Cruiser's front SD22A differential uses a 3.909:1 gear ratio and a ring gear that is 8.7 inches in diameter. The rear BD24A differential uses precisely the same gear ratio and employs a 9.5-inch ring gear.

Drawing from a multi-layer composite 24.6-gallon fuel tank, the Land Cruiser has preliminary EPA fuel economy estimates of 13/18 mpg city/highway, based on calculations using the new EPA methodology for all 2008 and newer models.

Safety Systems
The Land Cruiser comes replete with a wide variety of systems designed to help maintain the safety and security of the vehicle's driver and passengers. Like all Toyota SÚVS, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR safety system. A new, four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock braking system (ABS) automatically selects the optimal ABS profile to provide the most suitable brake force for on- and off-road driving surfaces. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) employs the multi-terrain ABS to properly balance braking forces between the front and rear brakes, while Brake Assist (BA) provides auxiliary force to assist the driver during emergency braking. Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) helps maintain traction during acceleration by controlling engine output and braking forces to the wheel, distributing the drive force that might have been lost to the wheels and tires have traction. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), with a cut-off switch, helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.

In addition to the STAR safety features, the Land Cruiser also features Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

The new Land Cruiser features 10 airbags, the most airbags found in any Toyota vehicle. These include driver and front passenger dual-stage advanced airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front- and second-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing side curtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.

To this arsenal of safety tools, the Land Cruiser adds various new standard features: CRAWL Control, a direct tire pressure monitor system (TPMS), intuitive parking assist and front active headrests.

With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL controls engine speed and output, along with braking force, to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of three low-speed settings. This allows the driver to maintain focus while steering over very rough level ground or steep grades, without having to also concentrate on the throttle or brake pedals. CRAWL Control includes Downhill Assist Control (DAC), which is designed to augment the low-speed ascending ability of low-range by holding the vehicle to a target speed with no driver intervention.

The direct-sensing TPMS receives air-pressure signals from all of the vehicle's tires, including the spare tire. When the pressure in one of the tires is below a preset threshold, the system turns on a light in the vehicle's instrument cluster to alert the driver. Intuitive parking assist, new for Land Cruiser, relies on ultrasonic sensors on the front and rear bumpers to sense obstacles.

All eight seating positions feature three-point seatbelts. The new Land Cruiser incorporates active headrests for the driver and front passenger. Active headrests move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions when the force of the occupant body is applied to the seat back and help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest. An available advanced seatbelt system is designed to retract the front seatbelts when the brakes are suddenly applied or when tire slippage is detected by the VSC system.

Body and Interior: Civilized Comfort for all Driving Conditions
Pursuing an 'Advanced and Rugged' theme, engineers and designers enhanced and enlarged the front and rear fender overhangs. They also raised the height of the beltline just enough to exemplify an 'advanced' image without compromising the vehicle's continuity of styling and driver and passenger visibility. The thick, rectangular grille and headlamps maintain Land Cruiser's steady and intelligent expression, while the hood flows gracefully into the grille and beltlines.

Character lines were given a new sweep and feel, especially in the front and in the area around the rear door handles, and the back door panels were styled to suggest strength. The result is a design that is at once fresh and new, yet very familiar because it closely suggests its ties to the Land Cruiser designs that have preceded it, making it instantly recognizable.

The body itself utilizes welded high-strength sheet steel, especially in the A-, B-, C- and D-pillars, and in the rocker area to reduce weight and increase rigidity. Engineers designed the B-pillar to help absorb side impacts and transfer them into the rest of the body structure where they can more safely dissipate. They also designed the hood to help absorb impact, especially at the front, to help minimize injury in the event of pedestrian impact.

The result of these subtle changes, in conjunction with other safety enhancements to the vehicle's frame and chassis, is a slight increase in the vehicle's overall length by 60 millimeters, or 2.3 inches, and in width, by 30 millimeters or 1.2 inches.

Engineers placed a foam substance inside the A-pillars to aid in the reduction of wind noise. A bifacial molding between the windshield and the body helps reduce aerodynamic turbulence, and thus noise. In addition, the cowl is carefully shaped to prevent wind from interfering with the windshield wipers.

Land Cruiser features special underbody panels behind the front bumper, extending under the engine and behind the rear wheels designed specifically to protect the engine and transmission and to help the vehicle traverse rocky terrain smoothly. In addition, these underbody panels smooth the airflow under the vehicle while minimizing drag and turbulence.

The interior is optimized for the comfort, security and safety of its driver and up to seven passengers – two in the front, and three each in the second and third rows of seating.

Engineers designed an all-new air conditioning system for the next-generation Land Cruiser and focused on two goals – developing a Toyota-first multi-zone system for maximum cooling and heating performance, and providing ultimate comfort and convenience for all passengers.

An ejector type cycle allows continuous operation of the optional cool box and the air conditioning system thereby eliminating the conventional switching operation. As a result, the air conditioning system and cool box are simultaneously supplied with refrigerant, enhancing performance.

For optimal heating performance, engineers equipped the Land Cruiser with an auxiliary positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater. The PTC heater consists of a PTC element, aluminum fin, and brass plate. When current is applied to the PTC element, it generates heat that warms the air that passes through the unit.

Passengers will enjoy four-zone independent control with 28 air vents located throughout the cabin. First and second-row passengers have access to individual climate control, so that all passengers will be comfortable, even when only one side of the vehicle is exposed to the sun. Finally, the system also includes a micro-dust and pollen filter and a seven-level blower control.

The driver's primary focal point, the instrument panel, features a set of bright Optitron gauges with clear turquoise illumination. The gauge on the left contains a tachometer and an oil pressure gauge, along with the Land Cruiser's warning lights. The gauge on the right contains a speedometer and a voltmeter, along with function lights that signal the operation of, among other things, the Land Cruiser's four-wheel drive system and the state of inflation of the vehicle's tires. Between them are the temperature and fuel gauges, high-beam and fuel warning lights. Beneath these gauges is a multi-informational display that shows gear selection, odometer, tripmeter, fuel consumption, individual tire pressure for all five tires and cruising range. Directly to the right on the center dash element are the HVAC and entertainment controls. To the left of the HVAC controls are the push-button start, four-wheel-drive, VSC cut-off, and center locking differential switches.

The vehicle's center console features a gate-type shifter with sequential shift mode operation, the parking brake, a storage box with several compartments and a removable tray, universal mini-jack port and cupholders.

For convenience, the passenger-side second-row seat features a one-touch tumble mechanism for easier third-row ingress and egress. The second-row seats now slide forward and aft 4.1 inches for more passenger comfort and cargo storage versatility. The second row also employs an advanced child restraint system.

Convenience and Attention to Detail
The Land Cruiser features a number of thoughtful standard details. These include a JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD/DVD changer and 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry; anti-theft security system; push-button start which allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle by carrying the key on his person; engine immobilizer; cruise control; power moonroof; electrochomic rearview and side mirrors; HomeLink®; steering wheel-mounted audio, telephone,
and voice recognition controls; heated, power front seats with driver's memory; and power tilt and telescopic steering column with memory.

In addition, the Land Cruiser offers a variety of options as part of upgrade packages: a DVD rear-seat entertainment system with a nine-inch LCD screen; Bluetooth™ technology; back-up camera; second-row heated seats; a touch-screen DVD-based navigation system with an eight-inch display that includes navigation, audio, HVAC, back-up monitor, headlamp washers, and Bluetooth™ controls. For towing convenience, the Land Cruiser has a towing converter that supplies electrical power to trailer lights and a sub wiring harness to connect to a commercial trailer brake controller.

Colors
Land Cruiser will be available in eight exterior colors. New to Toyota and unique to the Land Cruiser is Amazon Green Metallic. Other colors include Classic Silver Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Pacific Blue Metallic, Sonora Gold Pearl, Salsa Red Pearl, Super White, and Black. These exterior colors are matched with a choice of sand beige or medium gray leather-trimmed interior.

Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty and applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.

Source - Toyota

2008 Land Cruiser Project Vehicle

The all-new 2008 Land Cruiser builds on the off-road heritage of Toyota SÚVs and the Land Cruiser's half century of quality, durability, and reliability. This project reveals how a few well-placed accessories can transform the 'King of 4x4' into the ultimate survival machine.

While keeping the luxurious interior intact, select performance and exterior enhancements were combined to make this Cruiser safari ready. The Land Cruiser features aggressive 35-inch Toyo tires and 18-inch Últra wheels. Staun internal bead locks also serve as run flats. The custom front and rear bumpers by Off Road Evolution and TJM are accented by an array of HID, halogen, and flood lights by Light Force Lights. The front bumper hides a Warn 9.5 ti winch and the rear bumper has swing away utility carriers one for the spare tire and one for a gas grill. To go along with the luxury ride the Land Cruiser's passengers have five star sleeping accommodations in the Hannibal Tent mounted on the roof.



Inside the Land Cruiser is stock and includes eight-passenger seating, navigation system, rear seat DVD entertainment system, and a center-console cooler box.

The all-new 2008 Land Cruiser is now available at Toyota dealerships nationwide. Learn more about the new Land Cruiser at Toyota.com. This Land Cruiser project build was executed by Off Road Evolution of Fullerton, Calif.



PERFORMANCE
• Radflo Suspension Technology Custom Coil Over Front Shocks
• TJM Rear Coil Springs and Shocks
• TJM/Off Road Evolution Custom Snorkel
• Dual Optima Yellow Top Batteries

EXTERIOR
• TJM / Off Road Evolution Front Winch Bumper
• TJM / Off Road Evolution Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier
• Hannibal Safari Equipment Roof Rack/Tent/Awning
• Warn 9.5 ti Winch
• Off Road Evolution Rocksliders/steps
• 35' Toyo Open Country M/T Tires
• 18' Últra Goliath wheels
• Staun internal bead locks
• Light Force Lights - 8 Inch Hid Lights on the Bumper
• 8' Halogen Lights on Front of Roof Rack
• Rear Flood Lamps

INTERIOR
• Stock

Source - Toyota