[Source: Toyota] 

In 2006 Land Cruiser received a more powerful engine and advanced new suspension control options, significantly enhancing its performance and driving dynamics.

The Land Cruiser is powered by a sophisticated 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 268 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 328 lb.-ft. of peak torque at a low 3,400 rpm. Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps the engine to provide ample torque across a wide engine speed range. The Land Cruiser meets Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle II (ULEV II) certification.

A five-speed automatic transmission provides seamless shift quality, and shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be especially helpful when towing. Maximum towing capacity is 6,500 lbs.

'Land Cruiser is the granddaddy of full-capability premium SUVs,' said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president. 'Land Cruiser's heritage spans decades, yet its performance, safety and comfort, make it one of the most desirable full-size SUVs on the market today.'

The 2007 Land Cruiser comes equipped with all the amenities expected in a premium SUV, comforting occupants with such features as power-adjustable and heated front seats, independent front and rear automatic climate control systems and a powerful audio system. A navigation system with rear backup camera and a rear seat DVD entertainment system are available as options.

High-Strength Chassis, and Suspension

The Land Cruiser is built on a robust chassis using nine crossmembers set into box-section side rails. Double wishbone independent front suspension and a four-link rear axle with coil springs likewise balance smooth on-road driving with the articulation needed for off-pavement driving. Standard 18-inch aluminum wheels mount 275/60R18 tires, including a full-size spare.

The Land Cruiser provides a minimum ground clearance of 9.8 inches. The optional Automatic Height Control system allows the driver to raise the vehicle on its suspension to negotiate particularly rough off-road terrain, and to lower it for easy entry and exit. A height-control switch and light indicate current suspension height and will recommend optimal height as road conditions change.

Set in 'high' mode, the suspension will automatically lower when the vehicle exceeds about 19 mph, a more-than-adequate speed for rigorous off-pavement conditions. In addition, switching to high mode increases the angle of approach from 30 to 32 degrees and the angle of departure from 23 to 26 degrees to help the vehicle get around obstacles. The suspension shifts into 'extra high' mode if the vehicle is in low range and traveling over rough terrain, with the height rising automatically by 1.2 inches at the front and approximately 1.8 inches in the rear.

The optional Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) enhances Land Cruiser's smooth ride and can automatically adjust suspension response according to driving and road conditions. AVS provides four positions to help control the shock absorber damping force. Position two will suit most driving conditions and will automatically adjust as conditions demand. Selecting position one provides softer response on rough road surfaces.

Positions three and four provide increasingly greater levels of control for driving a heavily loaded vehicle or driving on unpaved roads. When the driver shifts the two-speed transfer case into 'Low' for traversing difficult off-pavement terrain or steep inclines, AVS automatically selects the suitable damping setting.

Advanced Variable Steering System

The advanced variable rack-and-pinion steering system can vary the steering ratio to improve maneuverability at low speeds and enhance control at highway speeds. A computer-controlled actuator on the intermediate steering shaft increases the driver's steering angle at low vehicle speeds, quickening the steering ratio.

At higher speeds, the mechanism rotates slightly in the opposite direction of steering input to decrease the total steering angle, resulting in a slower steering ratio desirable for stable handling response. The system's operation is transparent to the driver.

As a safety measure, it selects a higher steering ratio if the VSC system is activated in a hazardous driving condition. This helps to prevent too large a steering angle if the driver is swerving suddenly, for example. In addition, tooth spacing on the gears of the steering rack becomes wider toward its end, reducing steering effort at high steering angles.

Full-Time Four-Wheel Drive and the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™

Land Cruiser's standard full-time four-wheel drive system divides the power evenly between front and rear wheels and works in conjunction with four-wheel traction control (TRAC) to maintain traction on or off pavement. The driver can shift into low range to handle steep off-road inclines, and pushing a button on the center console locks the center differential to enable the Land Cruiser to traverse especially challenging surfaces. Steel skid plates protect the front suspension, transfer case, and fuel tank when driving off-pavement.

Like all Toyota SUVs, the Land Cruiser comes standard with the STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), traction control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist to help provide optimal vehicle control. The four-wheel ABS operates even in low-range four-wheel drive. As road surface roughness increases, ABS intervention decreases. The system responds to steep slopes, as well, preventing early activation to allow the driver greater control.

EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released. VSC helps maintain directional control during cornering by manipulating engine torque and individual wheel-braking influence when it detects tire slippage.

Land Cruiser provides a high level of passive safety technology. Airbag sensors accompany dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and available front and second-row side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor and cutoff switch. A rear backup camera is included with the optional navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle on the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.

Civilized Comfort for All Driving Conditions

The Land Cruiser's comprehensive standard equipment includes a leather-trimmed interior; 10-way driver and 8-way front passenger power-adjustable heated leather-trimmed seats with armrests and adjustable headrests; a power moonroof with one-touch control; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, and rear seat audio.

In addition to its major comfort features, Land Cruiser provides a host of standard conveniences, including: one-touch up/down power windows with jam protection; power door locks; a multi-information display; a HomeLink® universal remote garage door opener; heated exterior mirrors; automatic headlamps with daytime running lights; cruise control; three 12-volt power outlets, and a security system with engine immobilizer.

Asphalt sheeting used throughout the Land cruiser's cabin structure helps to ensure low noise levels. The standard JBL Premium 3-in-1 AM/FM/ETR/cassette/CD audio system includes an in-dash six-disc CD changer, produces a maximum output of 300 watts and plays through seven speakers.

An optional multi-function navigation system package moves the six-disc CD changer to the console and adds a DVD head unit that accommodates both map discs and DVD movies. (Movies play only when the gearshift is in the Park position). The seven-inch LCD screen displays navigation functions and controls for both the audio and climate control systems.

The optional navigation system integrates Bluetooth® technology, which enables a hands-free communication system when using compatible cellular phones. A call can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, and incoming calls can be answered and ended by pushing a button located on the steering wheel. When a call is received, the stereo is automatically muted, and the audio system speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.

An optional rear-seat DVD entertainment system plays movies on a 6.4-inch wide-format overhead screen that flips down from the headliner above the second seat row.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.