Toyota Land Cruiser Powers Up For 2005 Model Year

Key points

• Land Cruiser range revised with improved specifications and powertrains
• Transmissions upgraded to 6-speed manual and 5-speed automatic
• Cruise control now standard on all Land Cruiser models
• 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine produces 20 per cent more torque for improved acceleration and fuel efficiency
• Revised Land Cruiser range on sale in the UK from 1 October
• Power chip option for higher performance in Hilux Invincible

Toyota’s formidable 4×4 line-up is being made even more attractive this autumn with the introduction of the 2005 model year range Land Cruiser from 1 October with enhanced specifications and stronger diesel engine performance.

The mighty Hilux Invincible is not to be ignored, either, with the availability of a power chip option for added power and torque.

IMPROVED LAND CRUISER

The entire Land Cruiser range is being enhanced for the 2005 model year, with revisions to standard specifications and powertrain improvements.

The restructured range introduces a more sophisticated satellite navigation system, equipped with Electronic Traffic Avoidance (ETA) as standard on the flagship LC5 grade. The ETA function constantly monitors real-time traffic information through an FM radio signal, even when the audio and navigation systems are switched off. If it detects delays on a route programmed into the sat-nav, it will automatically offer the driver the option of a new course, neatly avoiding any jams.

All Land Cruisers now benefit from cruise control and a front passenger seatbelt warning indicator on the dashboard, while LC3 models gain leather steering wheel and gear knob finish, plus wood inserts in the cabin trim. Both LC4 and LC5 models are fitted with a smart new wheel cover for the tailgate-mounted spare. As part of the revisions, the LC2 entry-level model is deleted from the range.

The transmissions for all Land Cruisers gain an extra speed: the manual gearbox changes from five to six speeds and the automatic from four to five. At the same time, the robust four cylinder 3.0-litre D-4D diesel engine has been revised to improve performance and economy.

Maximum output is marginally increased to 164bhp, but the engine is rendered much more flexible thanks to a targeted 20 per cent increase in maximum torque, rising from 343 to
410Nm, achieved between 2,000 and 2,600rpm. This is expected to cut the 0-62mph acceleration time by more than a second. Provisional fuel consumption figures for combined cycle driving suggest a four per cent improvement for manual models and 15 per cent for automatics.

Detail adjustments to the 4.0-litre VVT-i V6 petrol engine are also expected to yield better consumption figures.

Confirmed performance figures for the revised engines will be announced nearer the time of launch.

3.0 D-4D engine performance (provisional figures)

All statistics refer to 5-door model

Land Cruiser pricing

Pricing for the new Land Cruiser range is given in the table below. Automatic transmission is a £1,200 option and metallic paint finishes add £400 to the price.

MORE POWER TO YOUR HILUX

The new Toyota Hilux Invincible has proved an instant hit with motorists wanting the convenience of a double-cab pick-up, but with more of the style and comfort of a conventional car.

Thanks to the option of Toyota-approved power upgrade chip, the performance of the
2.5 D-4D engine can be made smarter, too. Output rises from 102 to 128bhp and maximum torque from 260 to 300Nm.

The chip upgrade costs £595, excluding VAT and fitting.

ENDS