The latest generation Toyota Landcruiser 200 Series was launched on the 5th of November 2007. With a rich history spanning 50 years the Landcruiser has helped establish Toyota’s strong foothold in Australia and everything learned during those years was poured in to the latest model, from the development, through design and in to the production arena.

Engine Choices

There are two options, both V8 engines for the Landcruiser 200 and they provide masses of power and torque while improving fuel consumption figures, which is an impressive achievement. Both engines are coupled with an automatic transmission that offers a semi automatic shift mode and artificial intelligence to monitor road conditions and the drivers intentions. Power is transmitted via a Torson limited slip centre differential in an all new transfer case.

1VD-FTV Diesel Engine

The 4.5 Litre Twin turbo direct injection, multi valve V8, is the first V8 diesel produced by Toyota and it generates a whopping 195kW of power and a stump pulling 650Nm of torque. That is some serious pulling power and these figures represent a 30% increase in power and 50% increase in torque over the Landcruiser 100 series turbo diesel engine.

Coupled with an intelligent 6 speed automatic transmission,  rated fuel consumption to ADR combined highway and city driving standards has been reduced to an impressive 10.3L/100 kms. The turbo diesel models also offer Downhill Assist Control, to control the engine speed on steep downhill runs.

2UZ-FE Petrol Engine

The second engine option if the 4.7 Litre VVT-i (variable inlet valve timing) petrol version, designed for low rev, high torque applications such as the Landcruiser 200. Producing 202kW of power and 410Nm of torque, the power is up 18% over its predecessor, yet remarkably, fuel consumption is 10% lower at 14.5L/100km.

The petrol variant is coupled with a 5 speed automatic transmission and also features the Crawl control system to provide constant low speed control in extreme conditions, by regulating the engine speed and braking.

Chassis and Suspension

Toyota engineers have developed a stronger yet lighter chassis, with torsional strength improved by 40% and a 20% increase in bending strength, improvements that were welcomed by the Landcruiser community. The towbar has been incorporated in to the chassis design and offers a huge 3500kg towing capacity.

The suspension was redesigned and now features the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), initially used in the Lexus GX470 in the US.  This system, designed in Western Australia, automatically adjusts front and rear stabilizers and can even disengage them, allowing longer wheel articulation for extreme off road driving.

The front suspension features a high mount double wishbone configuration with coil springs that replace the torsion bar arrangement on previous models. The rear suspension features coil springs and the proven four link rear end that offers performance and improved ride comfort.

Beefy 4 piston front disc brakes and single piston rears compliment the drivetrain to bring the Landcruiser comfortably to a halt.

Off Road Domination

With the two beefy V8 powerhouse engine options and advanced suspension and chassis design, the Landcruiser 200 stays true to its predecessors as a highly capable off road vehicle. Advanced technology coupled with rock solid engineering mean the 200 series will get the job done when needed and it has been built to last when pushed to its limits.

The mighty Toyota Land Cruiser has a legendary reputation as a formidable off road vehicle. It was introduced to Australia in 1958, when Leslie Theiss (now Sir Leslie Theiss) imported thirteen FJ25 Landcruisers to be used on the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. Sir Les had been impressed by some privately owned Landcruisers that were already working in the area. With a clever mix of a powerful engine and rugged drive train, the Landcruiser performed well in the rugged conditions and was also quite adept on the highways, making it a very versatile vehicle.

In the early years, Toyota sent engineers from Japan to study and rectify problems that these early Landcruisers were experiencing in Australia. Failed parts were examined and sent back to Japan in what was a key part of the R&D program Toyota conducted to develop the Landcruiser in to a market leading player. Not only did it allow Toyota to build its reputation, this level of support was impressive enough for Sir Leslie Theiss to secure the rights to import the Landcruiser in to the country full time.

Toyota Land Cruisers became used extensively by resource companies and in the bush and today they have a huge standing in the outback. In the Northern Territory alone, they almost account for 60% of the total SUV sales up there. The Landcruisers incredible off road capabilities, huge towing capacity and legendary Toyota reliability make it a market leader in Australia. Despite the relatively small proportion of the total Toyota sales in accounts for in Australia, it has the most loyal following of all Toyota models, highlighted by the number of repeat purchases Landcruiser owners make.

The success of the Landcruiser in Australia is certainly a part of Toyota’s proud history. When the Landcruiser was first imported here, the company was still somewhat in its infancy and the response to the vehicle by the public saw some of Toyotas best export sales at that time. It also established Toyota’s footing in this country by building an incredible reputation in a very short amount of time.

Today Australia still plays an important role in the development of the Landcruiser, as the tough landscape makes it an ideal testing ground. Thousands and thousands of kilometres are driven over harsh terrain and in hot conditions, providing valuable research data to ensure each new Toyota Land Cruiser model will uphold the reputation of its name.

Although new car sales of the mighty Toyota Land Cruiser continue to fall, at the mercy of increasing fuel prices and the ever growing demand for smaller urban SUV’s, it will always remain in the hearts of many Australians. The tale is far from over though, with used Toyota Landcruiser activity rolling on, with older models up for restoration and recreational four wheel drivers and caravan and boat owners still very much interested in the whole spectrum of models.

From its conception in the 1950’s, the Toyota Land Cruiser developed a legendary reputation as a highly capable off-road vehicle, renowned for its high power engine and rugged chassis and drive train. These traits have characterised all models since and coupled with advances in technology and more focus on luxury, the 2010 Landcruiser 200 is an amazing vehicle. This proven history and development over the last 60 years has made the used Toyota Landcruiser market a thriving hive of activity.

The development of the Landcruiser began in Japan just after World War II, as the Japanese had been exposed to the US military Jeep and saw the potential to improve this model and offer it to the civilian market. In January of 1951, the first prototype was completed, known as the Model BJ. With a 3.4L Six Cylinder engine producing a healthy for the day 85Hp (64kW), a chassis from the existing Toyota SB truck and a solid 4WD drive train, the legend began as this vehicle had outstanding off road capabilities. These characteristics were the platform of all future models that have been a winning combination for the Toyota Land Cruiser ever since.

After building a solid reputation in its early years, Toyota continued its development and in 1954 the name ‘Land Cruiser’ was adopted in attempts to distance itself from the American Jeep and also remain strong against the established Land Rover brand. The FJ25 model came with the first ‘F’ series engine, with more power at 105hp (79kW) and improved suspension for better ride and comfort. It was this model that was first imported in to Australia in 1958 by the Theiss Brothers, for use on the Snowy Mountain Hydro Electric Scheme. This was the beginning of a love affair with the Landcruiser in Australia that is still strong today.

The demand for the used Toyota Land Cruiser remains strong across all models in Australia, from the legendary FJ40 built from 1960 – 1984, through the ever popular Landcruiser 80 and Landcruiser 100 series models. They have legendary status for off road, towing and workhorse capabilities and improvements in comfort have seen the Landcruiser even become popular as an urban vehicle for families needing that little bit more.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is set to cement its place as the greatest 4WD on earth and the combination of off road capabilities and luxury make this one outstanding vehicle. From the V8 petrol or twin turbo diesel engines, advanced traction control and suspension and excellent interior finish and features, this is certainly one model that will maintain the demand in the used Toyota Landcruiser market.