FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM THE SERENGHETTI TO BEVERLY HILLS,
LAND CRUISER IS THE VEHICLE OF CHOICE
For more than 40 years, the Toyota Land Cruiser has earned a reputation as the definitive full-size all-terrain vehicle. Toyota began selling the `Cruiser in the U.S. in 1957, making it the single longest selling nameplate in the Toyota lineup. Land Cruiser is sold in over 180 countries throughout the world, with over 210,000 sold in the U.S. alone - the vehicle's top market.
The 1997 Land Cruiser sees only a minor revision in options as the Black Package is discontinued and black paint becomes a regular production color.
Land Cruiser is powered by a 4.5-liter iron blocklaluminum head inline sixcylinder engine. With 24 valves, twin cams and electronic fuel injection, it is capable of delivering 212 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 275 Ib.lft. of torque at 3,200 rpm. This engine is equally suited for both daily highway driving and slogging through frame-deep mud, with nearly 90 percent of its torque available as low as 1,400 rpm.
All Land Cruisers are equipped with a four-speed electronically controlled transmission with an integrated second-gear start feature for use on soft or slippery surfaces. This is mated to a sophisticated full-time all-wheel drive system with low-range 4WD.
For the ultimate in off-highway performance, Land Cruiser (and the similar Lexus LX 450) is the only mass-produced vehicle in the world to offer optional locking front, center and rear differentials for true four-wheel drive traction.
Most four-wheel drive SUVs sold in the U.S. are equipped with conventional differentials which allow opposing wheels on an axle to turn, more or less independent of one another. If one wheel loses traction, the conVentional differential will transfer all torque to that wheel, while the opposing wheel, receiving essentially no torque, is rendered useless. In severe situations, when traction is lost by a wheel on each axle, the net effect is two-wheel drive; one in the front and one in the rear.
A small percentage of vehicles are equipped with a limited-slip differential on the rear axle. Although these devices limit tire spin on slippery surfaces, they still allow opposing wheels on the same axle to turn independently of one another.
Controlled by a rotary switch on the instrument panel, the Land Cruiser's system allows the driver to lock either the rear differential only, or the front and rear differentials simultaneously. By locking a differential, both wheels on the same axle are, in effect, locked together, turning in unison at the same speed.
The Land Cruiser's locking-differential system is designed for use in extreme, poor-traction situations at low vehicle speeds, and can only be engaged when the transfer case is shifted into low-range. Once low range is selected, the center differential automatically locks, ensuring equal torque biasing between front and rear axles. With front and rear differentials switched to their locked position, all four wheels are driven in unison, with equal torque distribution.
Land Cruiser's suspension is built to sunrive both the rigors of off-road use and the potholes on the expressway. It features live axles front and rear, the front located by a lateral rod wifh coil springs and a 29 mm stabilizer bar. Rear suspension is a four-link design with coil springs and a 25 mm stabilizer bar. This design allows Land Cruiser a minimum running ground clearance of 10.8 inches.
Brakes are 12.3 inch ventilated discs in the front and 13.2 inch ventilated discs in the rear. An anti-lock system is standard.
Wheels are16x8 inch styled steel with P275l70R16 mud and snow tires. Optionally available are alloy wheels of the same size.
Because occupant safety is as important as rugged ability, Land Cruiser offers standard dual airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS), three-point height-adjustable front seatbelts and ALRlELR (Automatic Locking RetractorlEmergency Locking Retractor) seatbelts in all outboard passenger seating positions.
Land Cruiser also includes, as standard, full carpeting, front and rear seat headrests, power windows, mirrors and door locks, air conditioning, cruise control, a separately controlled rear-seat heating system, remote fuel door release, variable intermittent front wipers, intermittent rear wiper, auto-off headlights and a Premium AM/FM Electronically Tuned Radio (ETR) with cassette player and nine speakers.
Land Cruiser options include alloy wheels, power tilt-and-slide moonroof, third seat package (bringing total seating capacity up to seven), leather seating surfaces (which includes the third seat package), differential locks and a Premium 3-in-1 ETR/cassette/CD player with programmable equalization.
Limited Warranty
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 limited warranties are available and cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
Copyright © 1985-2001 AutoPricing / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 1993-2001 NABA/VIS. Auto Pricing a service of VIS. 561-394-0610