Toyota 4x4 toughens up

29th September 2007

The world’s toughest off-roader has a fresh look. Toyota has revealed its new Land Cruiser Amazon, and claims it sets fresh standards for indestructibility, refinement and performance.

As with its predecessor, the model has a traditional body-on-frame design, and while the exterior is far from cutting-edge, there is a host of advanced features under the skin.

These include a new system which allows the spring rate at each wheel to be adjusted individually. This improves body control on tarmac. Hydraulic anti-roll bars and a fresh differential complete the new dynamic package.

The big off-roader also gets a 4.5-litre D-4D V8 diesel, which replaces the old 4.2-litre engine. Linked for the first time to a six-speed automatic box, it produces 286bhp and a huge 650Nm of torque – an increase of 220Nm over the outgoing car.

What’s more, Toyota claims the new powerplant is four per cent more fuel efficient. Full prices and specs will be revealed early next year, before the 4x4 hits showrooms in the spring.

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