Kuwait Times

Published Date: November 15, 2007
By Nawara Fattahova, Staff writer

KUWAIT: The all new 2008 Four Wheel Drive Toyota Land Cruiser is now in Kuwait. Mohamad Nasser Al-Sayer & Sons Automotive Co. and Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the all new Land Cruiser 2008 yesterday at the Movenpick Hotel-Shuwaikh. The Land Cruiser has been dubbed as the King of 4WDs for more than half a century.

Land Cruiser, the pride of the land and the pride of Toyota Motor Corporation, is undoubtedly the legendry SUV of all time with an unrivaled, inherited, and improved DNA of quality, strength, durability, and reliability. The new Land Cruiser 2008's DNA has been drastically upgraded with the world's latest technologies which has boosted its engine and off-road performance.

The Toyota Land Cruiser was first exported to the GCC more than 50 years ago. "Today we present the latest generation of the Land Cruiser. The all new Land Cruiser, with its latest technologies, will for sure exceed people's expectations. We call it "The Pride of the Land" for its very many new features, it challenges the worst driving conditions and terrain anywhere on earth" noted Robert Johnson, Managing Director at Al-Sayer, at the vehicle launching.

The eighth generation of the Land Cruiser is not only new in its innovative and creative technology, but also in its new revolutionary overall style and performance wherein it takes basic 4WD standards to new heights. "The new 2008 Land Cruiser is another true demonstration of the legendary SUV's dominance over other SUVs, asserting its prestigious genius. I have no doubt in my mind that the all new Pride of Land will far exceed your expectations and preserve the legendary legacy of the world leading king
of 4WDs," added Johnson.

Executive Chief Engineer at Toyota Development Center Hideki Watanabe talked about the developmental concept of the new Land Cruiser 2008; starting from its long history in the GCC in general and Kuwait in particular, followed by a detailed presentation on its enhanced DNA. Watanabe specifically highlighted the five pioneering technologies of the new model, the first in the world that will make all other 4WDs ancient history.

The first of these technologies is the Crawl Control System (CCS). "This newly introduced system effortlessly maintains an extremely slow speed. The CCS is adjustable to three levels with a maximum speed of 5 kilometers per hour. Through the CCS, the driver is free to concentrate on steering their vehicle for increased safety and control," explained Watanabe.

The second new technology is the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). "This links front and rear stabilizers through a hydraulic system. KDSS optimally controls the resiliency of the stabilizing system, maintaining the ideal wheel articulation for the road surface being crossed. The result is better ground-covering effectiveness in rough off-road conditions and reassuring on-road handling stability," added Watanabe.

Multi-terrain Desert ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) is the third new technology. "It automatically identifies road-surface conditions based on factors including engine speed and tire-slip rate. This ensures excellent braking performance by infinitely repeating tire locks and it releases with even greater precision than in the past. This newly developed ABS significantly enhances control when crossing deep snow, dirt roads, muddy trails, roads with varying surface resistance between the right and left wheels,
and especially in desert areas where previous ABS control was insufficient," he noted.

Watanabe also highlighted the other two technologies which are the DAC system (Downhill Assist Control) which keeps the car at walking speed and secures stability during downhill driving, and the HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) system, which prevents the car from reversing when starting on an uphill slope by applying brakes.

With these cutting edge technologies, even drivers not accustomed to off-road driving as well as those replacing their passenger sedans with the new Land Cruiser, can navigate the roughest terrains with assurance and peace of mind. Enhancements were also achieved on air conditioning comfort with a thoroughly enhanced air conditioning performance to heat and cool not only the front seat but the entire interior space in the shortest period of time.

As for packaging, the vehicle width was increased by 30 millimeters for tire size increase, and length was extended by 60 millimeters for more powerful styling. Moreover, the vehicle's interior space was extended by 130 millimeters. A total of 10 body colors are available, including newly developed gold mica metallic, which expresses a luxurious image suited for personal use, and the green mica metallic, which strongly communicates an off-road image.

In addition to design itself, occupant comfort during off-road driving was addressed through features including available kneepads with cushioning inserts to help eliminate potential knee pain in rigorous off-road driving. As for the impressive engine of the Land Cruiser 2008 model, the lineup includes a 4.0L V6 VVTi 240 HP gasoline engine, a 4.7L V8 VVTi 271 HP gasoline engine, and a 4.5L V8 - 232 HP diesel engine.

Koji Nagata, General Manager of the Middle East & South West Asia Department of Toyota Motor Corporation, expressed his thrill of being at the Land Cruiser launch in Kuwait and said, "The Land Cruiser was the very first Toyota model for the Middle East and the work we have put into it spans over half a century, making this our oldest brand. Sales for the current Land Cruiser over the past nine years in 187 countries have totaled around 2 million units, boosting its reputation as 'King of the 4x4'. This veh
icle is truly a mirror image of Toyota".

The new Land Cruiser 2008 will be available for test driving at the 2008 Kuwait Motor Show between November 28 and December 4, 2007 at the International Fair Grounds in Mishref. The test drive will take place in a special Al-Sayer test drive area for 4WD vehicles and will have a special certified Marshal coming from the Bahrain International Circuit to highlight the new stunning features of the all new world leading King of 4WDs.