Star billing for Toyota’s upgraded 2012 LandCruiser lineup is under the bonnet – a new 4.6-litre V8 engine. Just as important is the price and despite some substantial improvements, Toyota’s 2012 ‘Cruiser maintains its $77,990 starting price.
With dual variable valve timing (inlet and exhaust), Toyota LandCruiser’s new V8 delivers better performance yet is more efficient that its predecessor. Maximum power is up by 13 per cent at 228kW at 5500rpm, torque is up by seven per cent to 439Nm at 3500rpm but fuel consumption drops by more than six per cent to 13.6l/100kms and exhaust C02 emissions decrease by more than eight per cent to 313g/km.
Along with the new 1UR-FE petrol engine, Toyota’s 2012 LandCruiser also gains a six-speed automatic transmission – the same as fitted to V8 turbo-diesel models except for a taller final drive ratio.
Toyota’s superb 195kW/650Nm 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel continues in the 2012 LandCruiser range.
All Toyota LandCruiser models now run a 138-litre fuel tank capacity (93-litre main tank and a 45-litre sub-tank).
Underneath, all 2012 Toyota LandCruiser models gain a new multi-terrain anti-skid braking system which adopts to varying surfaces and works with the standard vehicle stability and active traction control.
LandCruiser VX and Sahara models score ‘Multi-Terrain Select’ – a driver-selectable system to regulate wheelspin off-road.
Range-topping Sahara versions go further with ‘Multi-Terrain Monitor’ – a four-camera system enabling drivers to get visuals of normal blindspots.
Outside, the 2012 Toyota LandCruiser adopts a new front end with re-styled grille and bumper, while inside are updated interiors and improved audio.
Again range-topping Sahara gets ‘the lot’ with air-conditioned front seats, navigation upgrades, power operation for the tailgate and three-position memory for the drivers’ seat, steering wheel and mirror settings.
The full range is:
GX (diesel only) $77,990
GXL (petrol) $83,990
GXL (diesel) $88,990
VX (petrol) $94,990
VX (diesel) $99,990
Sahara (petrol) $113,990
Sahara (diesel) $118,990
