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.
