Toyota Announces Changes in Land CruiserNew Top Grade Model GX, LX Added to Van Series

Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Motor Sales Co., Ltd. today announced changes in the Land Cruiser four-wheel-drive utility vehicle, including the addition of four new versions to the van series. Highlighting the new van lineup are the new top grade "GX" (added to the 60 series) and "LX" (added to the 40 series) models―both with luxury features designed to provide new peaks of driving and riding comfort. The new Land Cruiser Lineup was placed on nationwide sale today.

The Toyota Land Cruiser has been a solid seller ever since its introduction in 1951. Boasting superb power and a tough and reliable chassis, this 4WD vehicle was an instant hit in Japan and moved on to garner enthusiastic praise overseas as well. Cumulative domestic and overseas Land Cruiser sales to date are well in excess of one million units.

In recent years especially, the Land Cruiser's outstanding 4WD mobility has won the high regard of drivers interested in skiing, fishing or other leisure-oriented uses, becoming in the process one of Japan's most popular recreational vehicles (RVs). Many buyers have even chosen the Land Cruiser over regular passenger cars. This latest model change has given prime consideration to this trend toward recreational use, seeking to respond to customer desires for a 4WD vehicle sporting the equipment and comfort of a top grade sedan.

The main characteristics of the new Land Cruiser series are:

1. Major Expansion of the Van Line

• New top grade versions have been added to the 60 and 40 Land Cruiser Van series―one model of the "GX" (BJ 60V-type) and two models of the "LX" (BJ 44V-type and BJ 41V-type), respectively. A new 400-kg capacity two seater model (BJ41V-type) specially designed for cargo carrying has also been added to Toyota's Land Cruiser Van lineup.
• As a result of these changes the Land Cruiser Van series has been expanded from five to eight models.

2. Improved Comfort and Performance

• Soft ride suspension has been made standard equipment in the top grade GX and LX models, providing a sedan-like luxurious ride in a 4WD vehicle.
• Expanded adoption of power steering. (Standard in the GX and LX; optional in all other models)
• Offered as a set: wide radial tires excelling in running and safety performance and fashionable white sport wheels. (Standard in GX and LX (215 SR 15 type); optional in all other models (215 R15-6PRLT type)
• In order to further upgrade the GX and LX, a special "G-Package" (GX) and an "L-Package" (LX) have been made standard equipment.

Note

The models described in this release are available only in Japan.

3. Enhanced Convenience Features

• The rear gate of the Land Cruiser GX has been made an easy-to-use upward-opening type, while rear wipers and defogger provide significant improvements in rear visibility.
• Intermittent windshield wipers, convenient at the beginning of rainstorms or in light showers, have been made standard equipment in all 40 series models.
• Instrument panels is the 40 series have been revamped, improving gauge and meter performance and readability. Tachometer and digital quartz clock have been made standard equipment in the LX.
• In diesel-engine Land Cruisers a super glow system now guarantees quick three second starts at 0 degrees Centigrade, and starts after only five seconds of preheating at minus 20 degrees Centigrade.

Major specifications of the new Toyota Land Cruiser series follow.