Toyota Land Cruiser SUV

Few trucks or SUVs are as well-known around the globe as the Toyota Land Cruiser. For decades, this vehicle's rugged and durable nature has allowed it to be used in the world's most extreme environments. Early Land Cruisers were designed mainly for utilitarian use, but models since the 1980s have become much more suited for the general consumer.

The history of the Toyota Land Cruiser dates back to the early 1950s. At that time, Toyota was interested in building a four-wheel-drive vehicle similar to the U.S. military's Jeep, for use by Japan's police services. The result was the four-cylinder BJ20 and the six-cylinder FJ20. Soon after, Toyota gave this original "20 Series" vehicle the Land Cruiser name.

Though Toyota introduced the FJ20 to the U.S. market in 1958, it is that vehicle's replacement -- the FJ40 Land Cruiser that debuted a few years later -- that most people recognize as being the classic Land Cruiser. This FJ40 and its four-door SUV variant, the 55 Series, were well known for their rugged and durable nature and recently served as inspiration for Toyota's introduction of the retro-themed FJ Cruiser SUV.

Modern Toyota Land Cruisers still maintain their forebears' focus on off-road ability but are now much more upscale, comfortable and accommodating. This is particularly true of the current, fifth-generation Land Cruiser, which is packed to the gills with luxurious features yet retains the off-road prowess buyers have come to expect.

Current Toyota Land Cruiser

The current Land Cruiser debuted for the 2008 model year. Wheelbase dimensions haven't changed from the previous model, but the big Toyota has added 2.4 inches of length and an extra inch of width and height. As ever, the Land Cruiser features a traditional body-on-frame design, though it's admirably difficult to discern this from the cabin's coddling confines. Motivation comes exclusively from a 5.7-liter V8 that churns out 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, rectifying the relative power shortage that plagued the new Cruiser's predecessor and more than offsetting the new SUV's 265-pound weight gain.

A six-speed automatic channels this output to all four wheels via the Land Cruiser's full-time 4WD system with selectable low-range gearing. "Crawl Control" further enhances the drivetrain's capability by maintaining a fixed ultra-slow velocity for hard-core trail-busting. A Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is available for the first time, enabling the front and rear antiroll bars to stiffen or relax automatically as conditions change; the theoretical payoff is both flatter cornering and superior wheel articulation for off-road applications. The only sour note here is that ground clearance and approach, departure and break-over angles have been reduced slightly from the last Land Cruiser.

We're guessing most Land Cruiser buyers won't mind, since this SUV still offers superior off-road capability while raising the level of luxury to new heights. The Cruiser's decadent interior comes standard with leather upholstery, a four-zone climate control system, a 14-speaker audio system, three rows of seating for up to eight people and parking sensors all around. Only one trim level is available, so if you want more than that, you'll have to resort to the options list. Notable add-ons include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a navigation system and wood trim.

In our reviews, we've expressed admiration for the greatly improved on-road performance and composure of the current Land Cruiser, as well as its slightly improved fuel economy and sumptuous accommodations. (The third-row seat is still only for kids, though.) However, we're not convinced that Toyota did the right thing by lowering the default ground clearance without offering a height-adjustable suspension. A vehicle that has staked its reputation on superior off-road performance deserves class-leading ground clearance -- even if you have to press a button to achieve it. We also have our reservations about the Land Cruiser's lofty price, especially with desirable options.

Past Toyota Land Cruiser Models

The fourth-generation Land Cruiser was produced from 1998-2007. Though underpowered compared with the current model, the previous Cruiser is still a desirable used vehicle for a shopper interested in a luxurious and dependable midsize or full-size SUV. With a traditional ladder frame structure and seating for eight passengers, this Land Cruiser was an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts with growing families. It came in just one well-equipped trim level, though upscale options such as rear-seat DVD entertainment and a navigation system were available.

The fourth-generation Cruiser relied on a 4.7-liter V8 that was capable of up to 275 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque (235 hp and 320 lb-ft for pre-2006 versions). A five-speed automatic transmission was standard, as was 4WD with low-range gearing for enhanced off-road performance. As an option, Toyota offered an adjustable suspension system. This system was capable of adjusting the shock valving for better ride comfort and handling, and altering the vehicle's ride height for increased ground clearance when driving on rough terrain.

We liked this version of the Land Cruiser -- a lot. It earned high marks in reviews and was a repeated Edmunds.com Editors' Most WantedSM award winner. Noted positive attributes included its go-anywhere capability, comfortable ride quality, smooth if not scintillating V8 and luxurious interior. Those shopping for a used Toyota Land Cruiser of this generation should feel relatively free to look at all of its years, as Toyota hasn't made any major changes. Generally, the newer the Land Cruiser is, the more features it will have. Stability control came out in 2000, for instance, and a navigation system came in 2001. As noted, one downside to models previous to 2006 is that their V8s produced 40 fewer hp.

Used Land Cruisers from the '90s also provide an impressive mix of capabilities at more affordable prices. Most buyers shopping for a used four-door Land Cruiser are going to be interested in the third-generation model that was available for the 1990-'97 model years. Though this SUV wasn't as large, luxurious or powerful as the current model, it still represents a top pick for a shopper interested in a used SUV that's comfortable and off-road worthy. At its debut, the vehicle could seat five passengers in its two rows of seating. Under its hood was a 155-hp, 4.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. It had 4WD but the driver had to manually lock the front hubs to activate it. The following year, Toyota replaced that setup with a full-time 4WD system. Other major upgrades for this model included a larger 212-hp engine in 1993 and enhanced safety equipment in 1995.

In Edmunds.com reviews of the third-generation Toyota Land Cruiser, praise was given for its impressive off-road ability, strong engine and durable nature. The main noted downsides were the SUV's uninspiring acceleration and its lofty price. Depreciation, of course, has mitigated this latter issue, although resale values remain impressively high.

$100 a Barrel Oil Is Bullshit

By Marc J. Rauch

Is oil hitting $100 a barrel because of"supply and demand? No,it's because of greed and collusion.

For the price to be based on so-called "supply and demand" it would meanthat consumers are bidding the price up. I've yet to see any consumersbidding the price up. What we have are oil industry and government peoplesecretly agreeing on prices and then ramming those prices down theconsumers' throats. And there's no real shortage, either. The fabricated excuses about not having enough refineries or tankers are more bullshit. BUILD 'EM, DAMN IT!

Much of the world's oil is in the hands of people that it doesn't belongto and they shouldn't be in control of it: they didn't discover it, theland did not belong to them, and they didn't finance the extraction or refining or protection of it. The cost of gasoline and heating oil has now become a national emergency.

What we need next year is a President that will "collude" with a British Prime Minister to take back what belongs to the American and British people. And we need an immediate national policy to put thousands of wind-powered generators in New Mexico and the Dakotas to create electrical energy, which would also be used in the process to create hydrogen for hydrogen-powered internal combustion engines (we don't need to wait 10 or 20 years for more efficient batteries and fuel-cell technology, internal combustion hydrogen engines WORK NOW.

And, oh yeah, I don't care about birds flying into windmills, there's too much bird shit around as well.

Toyota unveils Urban Cruiser

Aspirational small SUV revealed at Geneva Motor Show



GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - Toyota has given its new Urban Cruiser small SUV its European debut at the Geneva motor show, the latest addition to its distinguished 4x4 vehicle heritage.

Key points
# Stylish new five-door compact SUV for the urban all-roader market
# Builds on a distinguished Toyota 4x4 heritage
# Room for five inside, plus generous luggage space
# Bold, muscular styling
# Strong fuel economy and expected CO2 emissions below 140g/km

The new model is aimed firmly at the urban all-road market, where European sales have almost doubled since 2002. Scheduled to go on sale in the UK during the first half of 2009, it responds to customer demand for stylish SUVs with lower fuel bills and CO2 emissions: Urban Cruiser is expected to come in below the 140g/km emissions benchmark.

Urban Cruiser draws on Toyota’s rich history of SUVs, which began in 1951 with the launch of the legendary Land Cruiser and went on to feature the landmark RAV4 in 1994 – the model which created the European compact SUV market.

The new Urban Cruiser is designed as an aspirational urban SUV that is very close in spirit to the discontinued three-door RAV4 with its compact dimensions, clever packaging, practicality and four-wheel drive transmission.

Muscular Styling

Urban Cruiser has the rugged, muscular appearance expected of an SUV, but with five-door practicality and compact dimensions that make it suitable for driving around town. It measures 3,930mm long, 1,725mm wide and 1,540 tall, with spacious accommodation for five inside, plus ample luggage space.

A high belt line, additional bumper protection, prominent lower door sills and pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a robust appearance. The headlamps flow back from the front grille, out towards the wings, further accentuating the car’s wide and tough road stance.

Turn indicators are recessed into the door mirrors and the rear lamp units extend into the rear wings and tailgate. The show car is fitted with five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and a special Ice Blue paint finish.

Urban Cruiser will play a significant role in cutting the overall emissions of Toyota’s model range to an average 140g/km by 2009.

Keeping vehicles cool

With images of snow and ice all too fresh in our memory, it might be easy to forget that summer's blistering heat lies just ahead. While much attention is given to getting worktrucks ready for winter each year, preparing for the opposite extremes during summer seems to be nothing more than an afterthought.

However, nothing could be farther from the truth. The heat of summer puts a great deal of extra stress on key components. Here are several pointers that will make for cool running in the warm months ahead.

1. Check Your Rubber ? Heat is the mortal enemy of many rubber-based parts such as tires, hoses and belts. The signs of wear due to heat exposure are warning signs that real trouble is on the way. Ignoring the fact that a belt is developing cracks on its backside, that a radiator hose looks like it is about to spring a leak or that a tire is regularly losing air pressure amounts to volunteering for big trouble ahead.

Ailing truck components just don't get better with age. They will fail at some point, and that point can be at the worst possible moment. Little time and money are lost when an aging belt is replaced while the truck is in a shop for routine maintenance. Similarly, a radiator hose that fails on the open road generally results in a loss of expensive coolant.

2. Keep Your Cool ? Today's engine coolants present a special problem if their "long life" promotion is taken too seriously. They do live longer than they used to, but they don't live forever. A problem with an aging coolant can be the failure of its power to inhibit the formation of rust in the radiator.

It pays to have the rust protection checked before deciding to run the current fill of coolant another year. Running without rust protection can lead to catastrophic failure of the cooling system, which is almost sure to result in damage to the engine. It's also important to ensure that any additives or makeup coolant added to the system are compatible with the truck's existing coolant.

3. Don't Go Down The Drain ? Winter's road-spray can accumulate in some out-of-the-way spots on your worktruck, including the inside of the engine compartment. When this thin film of moisture and dirt settles on the top of the battery, it can complete a circuit between the positive and negative terminals, which will slowly but surely drain the battery, even when parked. As with other parts of the truck, giving your batteries a good bath during spring cleaning can help you avoid singing the summertime blues.

4. Charge It ? Worktruck batteries today are frequently said to be "maintenance free." In general, they are, but it pays to check on them from time to time. A thorough electrical check, including a battery load test, will help to avoid a road-service call during the heat of summer.

5. See Clearly ? Windshield wiper blades deserve some extra help when summer begins. They are put under extra stress while working against ice or snow in winter, and they may need to be replaced to wipe without streaking during the rainstorms of summer.

Another effect of summer is the bugs that will inevitably accumulate on your windshield. Although wiper/washer systems were designed to clean a minimal amount of dirt from the windshield, they were never intended to work for large-scale bug removal. Part of getting ready for summer includes making sure you have a good quality squeegee and a supply of window cleaner onboard.

6. Don't Work Under Pressure ? In spite of technological advances, there aren't many worktruck tires with self-adjusting air pressure on the road yet. That remains a job for the driver. It is an important one, too.

Probably nothing contributes more to tire wear than the heat that builds up when running with insufficient air pressure. The heat of summer can balloon the problem. Over-inflation is bad news, too. It renders treads hard and subject to cuts and tears. Tires should ideally be checked at least once a week using a calibrated air gauge.

7. Clean Up Your Act ? From salt to mud to paper or just plain dirt, the inside of the truck cab can collect a mountain of debris during a winter. It's up to the driver to give it a good spring house-cleaning to make it a pleasant place to work.

Similarly, there are dozens of nooks and crannies around the outside of a truck where dirt and debris can accumulate out of sight from the driver and out of reach from even a good truck wash. In extreme cases, this accumulation can amount to an extra 50-100 pounds to carry around day in and day out. Left unattended, this little mess can turn into a big problem by shorting-out electrical circuits, corroding body panels or just developing a stink from mildew.

8. Line 'Em Up ? Poor wheel alignment can cause excessive tire wear and reduced fuel mileage. While many fleets focus primarily on alignment of the steer axle, drive axle and trailer axle alignment are equally important. According to Goodyear, fleet experience has shown that proper alignment of drive and trailer axles can extend tire life by 25 percent while improving fuel mileage by 0.5 mpg to 1 mpg.

9. Make It Pretty ? After surviving all that winter can throw at your truck, it's time to take a look at your worktruck's paint and graphics. Often, your trucks are your most visible public presence, seen more frequently than most other forms of advertising. Faded lettering, rust spots and chipped paint make for a poor portrayal of your company's image. Have the paint job touched up and any faded or damaged graphics replaced before the busy summer season.

10. Chill Out ? Check and tune-up your worktruck's AC system before the heat comes. Just like your truck's appearance, your driver's appearance is a big part of the customer's perception of your company. Arriving at a job site dripping with sweat because the truck's AC system failed doesn't inspire a lot of confidence.

author: By Tom Kelley

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota's first off-roader enters its fifth generation with more power and more luxury.



It seems like there's always been a Toyota Land Cruiser. This unstoppable off-roader has been with us since before the SUV breed was even defined, and if the market for 4x4s ever goes away it will probably be one of the last to leave.

You'd be forgiven for not knowing there's an all-new Land Cruiser on the block for 2008. Never a common sight on suburban roads, the Land Cruiser has consistently offered a measure of luxury and all-terrain capability that's hard to match, and the latest incarnation keeps the fire alive with a new, larger engine, better off-road performance and an all-new deisgn.

The fifth-generation Land Cruiser is definitely the most modern-looking. The traditionally upright looks are replaced with a more rakish look, as if the previous version were successfully cross-bred with the new RAV4 compact sport-ute. The Land Cruiser looks smaller than it is, thanks in part to standard 18" wheels that fill the arches. The beltline is higher as well, and combined with the longish hood the Land Cruiser looks more like a station wagon than an SUV.

There's a Lexus-like pushbutton start. In fact, the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is so well-appointed that it's hard to imagine a Lexus version of it--though the upcoming Lexus LX570 is exactly that. Even without the Lexus badge, the Land Cruiser features comfortable leather seating for up to eight, keyless entry, a six-disc in-dash CD changer, moonroof, heated seats and a pushbutton start. I'm not so sure about fake wood trim in a $70,000 truck however, no matter how well-done it is. The instrument panel uses cool blue "Optitron" lighting. Four-zone climate control and an embarrassment of cupholders help to keep three rows of passengers comfortable in the Land Cruiser. The console has an available cool-box that will chill an entire six-pack--of something non-alcoholic, of course. The usual luxury suspects like a rear-seat DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity are also on the options roster.

With the new design comes new power; the Land Cruiser is now powered by the same 5.7 liter V8 that lives under the hood of the mighty Tundra. This dual overhead-cam engine cranks out 381 horsepower. Variable valve timing and electronic throttle control ensure that this power is delivered smoothly and as efficiently as can be expected from a lump of aluminum this size. The 2008 Land Cruiser has no trouble getting itself up to speed, a refreshing departure (no pun intended) from Land Cruisers past. Towing capacity is up to 8500 lb. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is four-wheel drive. A new, compact transfer case is hooked up to a Torsen locking center differential for what the off-road guys call "beef."

You wouldn't believe it to ride in it, but the Land Cruiser has a solid rear axle and an old-school, full-length separate frame. The Land Cruiser is luxurious, but at heart it's about toughness rather than economy, hence the stronger design. The new frame uses lightweight, high-strength steel to keep the Land Cruiser from being too porky on the road. A high-articulation double wishbone front suspension and a four-link mounting for the rear axle offer a ride smooth enough for a Lexus but flexible enough to deal with evil terrain. The Land Cruiser is packed to the gills with driving aids as well. Vehicle stability control, off-road anti-lock brakes, active traction control and a Land Rover-like Hill Start control system are along to make the ride equally compliant on pavement or turf. Off-road handling is enhanced by a very quick and precise steering box, and by the massive disc brakes at all four corners. To knock it out of the park, the new CRAWL control system is also available. When the truck's in low range, CRAWL control takes over management of engine speed and output, brakes and the Downhill Assist Control to hold the Land Cruiser to a set speed of one, two or three and a half miles per hour. CRAWL control works going up or down hills, and in forward or reverse.

Toyota also debuts its Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) on the 2008 Land Cruiser. KDSS uses hydraulic control cylinders to vary the suspension's stiffness and susceptibility to body roll, creating a convenient, best-of-both-worlds balance between on-road tautness and off-road articulation.

Pricing starts at $63,200, which means that you could almost purchase a twenty-year old Land Cruiser with the increase over last year's starting price. The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser is spendy, as it has been for several years, but it's also always been worth the price tag for buyers needing a vehicle that can tackle vicious off-road tasks as well as more civilized suburban erranding. The bottom line is still somewhat high, but the new Land Cruiser still fulfils high expectations handily.


Specifications:

Base price: $63,200
Engine: 5.7 liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Drivetrain: six-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 381 @ 5600
Torque: 401 @ 3600
Est. mileage: 13/18

Toyota Announces Pricing for All-New Land Cruiser

Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc.,announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for theall-new 2008 Land Cruiser full-size sport utility vehicle (SUV). Now inits seventh generation, the legendary Land Cruiser continues to carry itsincomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

The Land Cruiser, with its incredible reliability and capability, is theiconic vehicle that helped Toyota gain its first foothold in the worldautomobile market. Over the years, it has evolved from a basicfour-wheel-drive utility vehicle into an upscale vehicle with thecapability of the original Land Cruiser with the comfort and conveniencethat would rival any luxury sedan. The new Land Cruiser takes those valuesseveral steps further than ever before.

The Land Cruiser cements its reputation as the "King of Off-Road" withsystems and features that also make it the "King of On-Road." An all-new5.7-liter V8 engine and six-speed electronically controlled automatictransmission with a sequential shift mode delivers unparalleled power,efficiency and smoothness. The most powerful V8 in the Toyota model lineupdelivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque and carries a ULEV-IIemissions status. Maximum towing capacity is 8,500 pounds, an increase of2,000 pounds over the previous model.

The Land Cruiser receives a new high-mount double-wishbone independentfront suspension and four-link rear suspension with a solid live axle. Thefront suspension includes tubular gas-pressure shock absorbers, a hollowstabilizer bar, and coil springs. The purpose of this system is to achievea high level of off-road driving performance and suspension control whilemaintaining a high level of on-road driving comfort.

Enhancing this advanced suspension system is a sophisticated KineticDynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for an improved ride and off-roadcapability. A Toyota first, KDSS affectively varies the stiffness of theanti-sway bars to provide a unique mixture of optimal on-road rollstiffness and off-road suspension compliance.

Applying all of Land Cruiser's new technology to the driving surface areP285/60 R18 mud-and-snow steel-belted radial tires mounted on 18 x 8.0-inchaluminum alloy wheels with a high-gloss finish.

The Land Cruiser comes replete with a wide variety of systems designedto help maintain the safety and security of the vehicle's driver andpassengers. Like all Toyota SUVS, the Land Cruiser comes standard with theSTAR safety system featuring a four-wheel multi-terrain anti-lock brakingsystem (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA),Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

The new Land Cruiser features 10 airbags, the most airbags found in anyToyota vehicle. These include driver and front passenger dual-stageadvanced airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; front- andsecond-row seat-mounted side airbags; and three-row roll-sensing sidecurtain airbags with a roll-sensing cutoff switch.

To this arsenal of impressive safety tools, the Land Cruiser adds othernew standard safety features: CRAWL Control, a direct tire pressure monitorsystem (TPMS), and front active headrests.

The CRAWL Control system improves Land Cruiser's off-road capabilitiesand allows the driver to further concentrate on choosing a line withoutalso having to manage momentum. With the transfer case shifted into lowrange, CRAWL controls engine speed and output, along with braking force, topropel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of three low-speedsettings.

The Land Cruiser also features many more thoughtful standard details.These include a JBL premium audio system with an in-dash six-CD/DVD changerand 14 speakers; Smart Key keyless entry; anti-theft security system;push-button start which allows the driver to unlock or start the vehicle bysimply carrying the key fob on their person; engine immobilizer; cruisecontrol; power moonroof; electrochomic rearview and side mirrors;HomeLink(R); steering wheel-mounted audio, telephone, and voice recognitioncontrols; heated, power front seats with driver's memory; and power tiltand telescopic steering column with memory.

With its vast array of additional standard equipment and numeroustechnological upgrades, the MSRP for the 2008 Land Cruiser is $63,200, anincrease of $6,985, or 12.4 percent over the previous model.

The seventh-generation Land Cruiser will begin arriving at Toyotadealerships in mid-to-late October.