Autoblog

Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Europe, Videos, Toyota, Off-Road

2010 Euro-market Toyota Land Cruiser - click above for high-res image gallery

Back before SUVs became all the rage, for decades, Toyota built a bruiser of a truck called Land Cruiser. Like its counterparts from America and the UK, the Jeep CJ/Wrangler and the Land Rover Range Rover, the Land Cruiser has always delivered the biscuits for the world's hardcore off-roaders. Unwilling to give up its stranglehold as one of the world's best partners in inhospitable climates, Toyota has just launched the latest iteration of its standard Land Cruiser in Europe, and it is an altogether different (and somewhat smaller) creature than the V8 model we get here in North America.

While the Land Cruiser has gotten significantly more luxurious and upwardly mobile in recent generations, Toyota has retained its off-road capability, and that appears to remain the case here. Power for the Euro Cruiser comes from a 3.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that cranks out 171 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. The body-on-frame Land Cruiser has 32- and 24-degree approach and departure angles, 8.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to wade through 27.6 inches of water. Active roll management and active traction control allow the driver to get over and around the boulders while front and side view cameras allow the driver to see where they are. Unfortunately for the dedicated rock crawlers among us, we will likely never see this Land Cruiser on our continent - at least with a Toyota badge on it. If you're still interested, however, you can check out a video of the spanking new 'Yota getting dirty after the jump along with a full press release.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO]

Officially Official: Toyota launches European Land Cruiser [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt Preview: Toyota lets out the goods on new European Land Cruiser

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, SUV, Toyota, UK, Luxury, Off-Road

2010 Toyota Land Cruiser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like anyone else who's been around for 60 years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has put on weight and girth over the years. Also like some 60 year-olds we've met, the big Toyota has just gone under the knife for cosmetic upgrades and hit the gym to keep the muscles toned.

Set to debut this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the latest Land Cruiser gets fresh styling that pulls it in line with the latest Highlander and upcoming new 4Runner. The new body rides atop an 11-percent stiffer frame with insulating mounts soaking up noise and vibration. The UK market goes diesel-only with the D-4D underhood, while a 4.0-liter V6 burns gas for other European markets. With the new diesel, Toyota's claiming best-in-class fuel economy and a 4.5 percent improvement over the current Land Cruiser's carbon emissions figures.

While many Land Cruisers don't venture into the woods, Toyota has upped the capabilities of its SUV. The suspension now sports active roll bars as well as Adaptive Variable Suspension that lets drivers twiddle damper settings and provides self leveling and height control. Tip-toeing into the bog might be easier with a Land Rover-like Multi Terrain Select system that adjusts the Land Cruiser's dynamic responses for different surfaces, and four cameras send images from around the vehicle back to the bridge so the driver can see what's going on. A crawl function and a steering angle display are also parts of the off-road arsenal.

Like the ersatz Range Rover the LC has become, Toyota paid attention to the interior of its latest effort too. Three rows of seats have places for seven backsides, and legroom for second-row passengers is way up. The rearmost seats hide away for a flat load floor and a refrigerator is available for the center console, handy for provisioning if you plan to get stuck. All sorts of electronics and entertainment systems are also baked into the Land Cruiser, from navigation to a 605 Watt audio system with hard drive.

Looking at all the features, technology and sheer amount of STUFF in the new Land Cruiser, it sure has matured from its start back at the beginning of the baby boom. Like that generation, it refuses to quit, but at least it keeps getting better.

Gallery: 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Toyota lets out the goods on new European Land Cruiser

Frankfurt Preview: Toyota lets out the goods on new European Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Lexus, Toyota, Middle East

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado spy shots -- Click above for image gallery

A tipster in the Middle East has sent pics of what looks to be the area's next Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (known as the Lexus GX stateside). If it is the next version of the SUV, Toyota has gone for a massaging routine as opposed to brute force change. A reshaped front fascia contains swoopier headlights, a vertical-bar grille similar to that of the Australian model), and a raised lower bumper detail. The changes are minimal out back, with more pronounced taillamps and a unique U-shaped chrome taillamp garnish.

As the vehicle seen here is thought to be based on the same platform as the current model, it isn't clear if this is the same chassis that is expected to underpin America's next Toyota 4Runner/GX expected this Fall. In the Gulf region, Al Motor News figures that the predecessor's Toyota engines will carry over: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V6. The Gulf-market Lexus is also expected to get a 4.6-liter V8 engine option with 310 horsepower.

These shots were apparently taken at a dealer inventory lot, so it is assumed the Prado will be shown officially in the not-too-distant future. You can get a sneak preview for yourself in the gallery of photos below. Hat tip to Ebraheem!

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2010 Toyota Prado/Landcruiser

[Source: Al Motor News]

Spy Shots: Next Toyota Landcruiser Prado/Lexus GX caught in the Middle East? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser - A SUV good enough for Dr. Evil and his wife

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, SUV, Toyota, Reviews

2009 Toyota Land Cruiser - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once upon a time, if you were expecting company and they drove a Toyota Land Cruiser, you'd have Teva prints in your carpet and the smell of patchouli filling your house. Their refrigerator cheese selection probably included one with the word "Whiz" in it, and if things got too warm, your guests would unzip their Vatican pants at the knees and stuff the legs into their oversized shorts pockets. No more. With a starting price of $64,755, the 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser is a certifiable luxury proposition that only gets close to grime when tackling a grass-covered hill at the local little-league soccer field. Yet in spite of its juggernaut proportions and new personality, after a week in the 'Cruiser, it's obvious why Toyota's biggest SUV sells: it's a giant Camry that seats eight and eats volcanoes.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

Continue reading Review: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser - A SUV good enough for Dr. Evil and his wife

Review: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser - A SUV good enough for Dr. Evil and his wife originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Toyota Land Cruiser climbs 12.4% in price

John Neff — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, SUV, Toyota

click above image for high-res gallery of the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

The all-new 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser unveiled yesterday will arrive next month in U.S. dealerships with an all-new price tag that's a hefty 12.4% more than the model it replaces. With a base price of $63,200, the '08 Land Cruiser will ring in $6,985 more than the 2007 model. As we guessed yesterday, the U.S.-spec Land Cruiser will be sold with the Tundra's 5.7L V8 producing 381 HP and 401 ft-lbs. of torque. Power will be divided by a six-speed automatic transmission and this decidedly full-size ute will be able to tow a max of 8,500 lbs., a full 2,000 more than last year's model. That's great, but is it worth an additional $7,000?

But wait, there's more. The '08 Cruiser also has a new suspension up front, a high-mount double-wishbone independent system with a trick Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System that can disengage the stabilizer bars for more articulation. Unfortunately, the rear is still a live-axle, and thus the third row doesn't fold flat, nor does it look very comfortable hovering mere inches off the floor. Both the second and third rows do swing out of the way to reveal a flat cargo floor, their presence even when folded up consumes a lot of useable space.

Toyota has released a full 75 high-res images of the 2008 Land Cruiser, which we've assembled for you in the gallery below. As the tipper pointed out to us, it's interesting that Lexus hasn't announced pricing for its version of this vehicle, the LX570, especially considering the sizable increase in the Toyota's price. How much higher will the Lexus version go?

Thanks for the tip, Woody!

[Source: Toyota]

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Continue reading 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser climbs 12.4% in price

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser climbs 12.4% in price originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: Toyota debuts 8th generation Land Cruiser

John Neff — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota, Misc. Auto Shows, Australia

click above image for more pics of the 8th generation Toyota Land Cruiser

We've already seen Toyota's 8th generation Land Cruiser thanks to a slip by the automaker's Honduran division, but that won't take away the company's pleasure of officially debuting the vehicle today ahead of its public reveal at the Australian International Motor Show in early October. The new Land Cruiser is completely redesigned with a look that evokes the Tundra's bold front end, but it's also 60mm longer and 30mm wider than the vehicle it replaces. The larger dimensions allow the new Cruiser to seat eight comfortably, though we'll wait until we sit in the third row ourselves to test that claim.

In Australia, Toyota will be offering the Land Cruiser with either a turbodiesel V8 or gas V8 engine. While the Australian press release didn't contain details on either powerplant, we found a European press release that states the diesel will be a 4.5L producing 286 HP and 480 ft-lbs. of torque, and it will be mated to a 6-speed automatic. The gas engine will be a 4.7L VVT-i V8 producing 288 HP and 328 ft-lbs. of torque, though its power will be divided by a 5-speed automatic. Since its sister SUV, the Lexus LX570, will go on sale in the U.S. with the Tundra's 5.7L V8, we expect the Land Cruiser to be offered in the States with that engine, as well.

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Officially Official: Toyota debuts 8th generation Land Cruiser

Officially Official: Toyota debuts 8th generation Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser, by way of Honduras

Alex Nunez — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, Toyota

Click image for gallery

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser has yet to make its formal debut, but that hasn't stopped Toyota's Honduran arm from jumping the gun and publishing the official photos of the big SUV. Corporación Flores, which we assume to be the automaker's importer in the country, has posted a flash gallery showing the truck inside and out under a "Nuevo Productos" banner on the homepage.The mothership in Aichi must be very, very pleased. We've collected and arranged the photos for you in a gallery of our own. The truck is predictably similar to the '08 Lexus LX570, with which it shares its Tundra-sourced 5.7L V8, its general exterior appearance, its interior design, and... wait, that's everything. We'll go out on a limb and predict that those funky tribal tattoo graphics you see above won't make the transition to US market trucks, though.

Thanks for the tip, Allan!

[Source: Toyota Honduras/Corporación Flores]

Gallery: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser, by way of Honduras originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser totally uncovered

Siddharth Raja — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:34:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Toyota

Toyota's next-gen Land Crusier 4x4 has been spotted again, this time totally undisguised while out shooting a commercial in a desert landscape. Sharing its design with its almost identical Lexus LX570 twin, the '09 Cruiser sports all-new bodywork, new rear-light clusters, a unique front end with tapered headlights and a prominent grille.

New to the range will be the addition of Toyota's 381hp 5.7L V8 shared with its Lexus counterpart as well as a new 4.5L V8 turbodiesel. One key difference with the new range is the more upscale appearance for the legendary bush-whacker. The interior dons some new features such as the engine starter button, telescopic instrument gauges and plenty of chrome and wood paneling.

The new model also appears much larger than the current version with sculpted flanks and a stretched glasshouse. Look out for the official unveiling at October's Tokyo Auto Show ahead of its sales launch early next year.

Thanks for the tip, HybridX!

[Source: Carschool Forums]

Spy Shots: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser totally uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Dan Roth — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:37:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Toyota

We've all been on the edge of our seats since the Lexus LX 570 dropped its (XXL) wraps at the New York auto show, waiting to see how its lesser cousin, the Land Cruiser has turned out. Well, no, we haven't, but Jalopnik has spilled the beans on the newest Bruiser from Toyota. None of Toyota's trucks are what some might consider "attractive," and this latest Cruiser looks like a Highlander with gigantism.

From what we can see, the interior is sufficiently luxed-up to keep you air conditioned, leather swaddled, and your $5 coffee-style confectionary swilling till your heart's content. This is the interior that should have gone into the Tundra -- all woodgrain, contrasty and dressed up. The LC's have always had a level of offroad prowess, and this latest revision of the breed will likely be able to head into the softwoods with the proper tires, but we doubt most Land Cruiser consumers will exploit its off-road ability. Since these things are going to be used like station wagons, it's what's inside that counts and this'll be just the thing for riding bumpers and making smaller cars wet themselves from intimidation.

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

John Neff — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Spy Photos, SUV, Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota

With news that Lexus will be debuting its new LX 570 at the New York Auto Show, we know a redesign for the venerable Land Cruiser from Toyota can't be far behind. Motor Authority expects the new Cruiser to officially surface at the Tokyo Motor Show later in the year, but offers these renderings of what we should expect in the meantime.

The Land Cruiser is an old stalwart of the SUV segment, having been around forever and more than proven its mettle. Expect the next version to continue the Land Cruiser's lay-low image with a mild evolution of the current model's styling, though new hardware can be found beneath the familiar skin. Supposedly Toyota is working on a new air suspension that can lower and raise the Land Cruiser at will, and power will most definitely not be a problem for the new 5.7L V8 sourced from the Toyota Tundra. Since the Lexus LX series and the Land Cruiser share the same platform and general proportions, we'll be able to better tell if these renderings are accurate after we arrive in the Big Apple for the New York Auto Show in a couple of weeks.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Rendered Speculation: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Toyota

Big, heavy SUVs may be fading off into the background, but they aren't going away. Toyota seems to be staying in the large SUV game with an upcoming update to the giant Land Cruiser. Caught testing in Australia, the Land Cruiser looks larger than the last model, and it might end up with a diesel engine under the hood too. The new 4.5L V8 will produce over 200 HP and 300 pound-feet of torque will help the gas mileage equation while giving owners more options than ever before.

The vehicle isn't expected to be unveiled until the Tokyo Motor Show in the fall.

[Source: The Car Connection]

Spy Shots: 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Toyota Land Cruiser

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, Toyota

It's times like these that we really get excited about our readership. Whether it's a longtime gearhead in Seattle, an industry mogul in Detroit or a twelve-year-old whose four-wheeled obsession has just begun, we know that you're out there and that you'll never, ever, let us down.

This fact was made overtly apparent to us last night when Zaid Abdullatif, a reader in the Sultanate of Oman, sent us these pictures of what could very well be the next Toyota Land Cruiser. Basking in the sun outside of the Shangri-La Hotel and Spa in Oman, the newly redesigned SUV appears to benefit from a thorough work-over, both inside and out.

The exterior has kept the patented rugged-luxury theme with clean lines, a large greenhouse and a revised grill and headlamp arrangement that manages to look both intimidating and tasteful at the same time. The interior, which is easily dismissed as the typical appliance-meets-mobility Toyota philosophy, has the potential to don some upper-echelon cachet when equipped with high-grade leather, soft wooden trim and techno-gadgetry. Also of note is the all-important third row seating, which is a necessity when competing at this price point.

Judging by some of the gashes and scratches in the mule's body, it looks as though the new Cruiser is in the midst of hot weather testing and being flogged in a way that only you and the rest of the Autoblog team could appreciate.

Click on through for the rest of the pics and again, thanks Zaid!

Continue reading Spy Shots: Toyota Land Cruiser

Spy Shots: Toyota Land Cruiser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Sep 2006 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota launches a trio of special editions in the UK

Erin Mays — Sun, 25 Jun 2006 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, SUV, Europe, Hatchback, Toyota

Toyota will make this summer a little sweeter in the United Kingdom with three special edition vehicles, the Yaris Ion, Land Cruiser Invincible and Aygo Black.

The Yaris Ion offers up the 1.0L VVT-i gasoline engine available for the vehicle, mated to a five-speed transmission. The starting price of £7,995 includes a whole host of goodies, including Toyota's Easy Flat folding seats, which can fold flat or recline, as well as power windows, mirrors and door locks, an audio system with CD player and concealed storage space under the front passenger seat and in the trunk floor.

The Land Cruiser Invincible gets Toyota's 3.0L D-4D diesel engine with five-speed automatic transmission, boosting output to about 200 hp and almost 350 lb-ft of torque. The Invincible also receives special badging and rear privacy glass and comes in either Argenta Silver Metallic or Astral Black. The extra power costs more money, though -- the Land Cruiser Invincible, of which only 500 are being built, starts at £34,565.

The littlest of Toyota's special edition offerings, the Aygo Black, is named so because of its Tempest Black paint job. Coming in a three- or five-door, the "special" end of special edition consists of "turbine-style" eight-spoke alloy wheels, Aygo-branded scuff plates, leather gear knob. auxiliary jack, power locks, power windows in front, and extra safety perks. Toyota's Aygo Black starts at £7,730.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Toyota launches a trio of special editions in the UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Jun 2006 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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