Land Cruiser, the ultra luxurious SUV from Toyota, has received some enhancements for the 2013 model year. Both the interior and the exterior have been revised and a bag full of features, formally optional, are now standard.

On the outside we get an updated front grille, headlights with HID low-beams, chromed side moldings and restyled side view mirrors and taillights. To further affirm the rigid image of the Cruiser, the front and rear fenders have also been enlarged. The A-pillars are specially filled with foam and the molding between the windscreen and the body is "bifacial". Because of that wind noise is significantly reduced. A new Pearl White paint finish is available for the MY 2013, making a total of 7 color options. Under the chassis, guards extend throughout the engine bay and also behind the rear axle to provide extra protection from rocky terrains.  The wheels that carry the Cruiser measure at 18 inches and are wrapped with P285/60 R18 heavy duty tires. The 13.4 inch  ventilated brake disks are equally impressive with their four-piston brake calipers.

Inside small tweaks complement the overall redesign – a perforated leather trim on the ventilated front seats, an even more glossy wood grain finish and enhanced meter-cluster lighting. Additional technology includes a Multi-terrain Monitor which allows pretty much a 360-degree view around the vehicle, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, a heated steering wheel and even a DC 12V power socket at the end of the central console along with the 120 AC one back at the cargo deck. DVD screens behind the front seat headrests will pacify rear-seat passengers. Sixteen JBL speakers can tear shatter glass from a mile as Toyota's Premium Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation with Entune multimedia system can keep keep people occupied for hours should they decide to fiddle with it. The gauge instruments are accompanied by a screen showing gear selection, fuel economy, tire pressure, and cruising range. The center console on the other hand, houses a gate-type shifter with a sequential shift mode, a parking brake, a cooler box , a USB port and cup holders.

Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)

Toyota Land Cruiser (2013)
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Power still comes from the state of the art 5.7-liter, 381 horsepower V8 DOHC. Peak torque is at 3.600 rpm, measuring up to 401 lb-ft. Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) operates both intake and exhaust valves in such a way, so that power, fuel efficiency and emissions are fully optimized. For a more precise toque delivery, The Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) decides how long should a valve stay open, depending on rpm and throttle angle. The exhaust system, along with the exhaust manifolds, enjoys a stainless steel build. The six-speed automatic transmission handles the demanding job of processing ginormous amounts of power while remaining smooth and subtle.

Along with the ten airbags, there is also a handful of blisteringly complex array of systems that work together to keep all four wheels on the ground, ensure the safety of the biological unit inside (driver really), and deliver traction whenever and wherever needed. Just to give you a clue of what the Cruiser employes we can talk about the pre-collision detection system which can further restrain seat-belts should it detect a forthcoming impact.

This car truly is an off-road going palace riddled with luxury and technology and with prices starting at  $68.000 it should be.

Source: Toyota