Al-Markazia launches all-new 2008 Land Cruiser in the Kingdom

"We are proud to launch the legendary and iconic Land Cruiser which is a flagship model to the Toyota range. Here in Jordan, it has become part of the land's history as Bedouins in Wadi Rum use Land Cruisers since half a century in their everyday life showing that it proved itself over the years on one of the roughest and toughest terrains ever," Mr. Nadim Haddad, Al-Markazia's Marketing Manager, said.

"The all-new 2008 Land Cruiser has marked a new chapter in the Land Cruiser legend, and have set new benchmark standards for premium SUVs. We are confident that this vehicle will be worth all the wait that drivers were eagerly awaiting the launch of," Haddad added.

The all new Land Cruiser's exterior styling conveys an impressive and commanding presence. Beneath its elegant body it has a new, full-frame platform which provides torsion rigidity that is 1.4 times stronger than the prior model, and flexing rigidity that is 1.2 times stronger, through the use of high-tension steel sheets and large profile side rails, combined with a reinforced drive train. The frame and body integrate to provide class-leading strength, durability and off-road performance, inherent attributes of the Land Cruiser DNA.

Luxury and refinement are hallmarks of the new Land Cruiser's spacious interior, which combines the functionality of a genuine 4x4 with the comfort of a luxury passenger SUV. Impressive space and high-quality materials provide a welcoming and first-class environment.

The new generation Land Cruiser is available with three responsive engines, which have been developed to deliver the optimum combination of performance, driving pleasure, and low emissions. Firstly, there is the 4.0 litre V6 petrol engine, which by incorporating VVT-i technology and being smaller and lighter, delivers 20% better fuel efficiency. This engine delivers 245HP at 5200 rpm, an increase of 16% (33HP) over the previous 4.5 litre engine.

Compact, yet remarkably powerful, the 4.7 litre V8 petrol engine also now incorporates VVT-i technology, providing excellent low-end torque and smooth acceleration. It delivers 280HP at 5,400 rpm, an increase of 19% (43 HP) over the previous 4.7 litre engine. The two petrol engines are mated with smooth, responsive 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

The previous 4.2 litre diesel engine has been replaced by Toyota's first-ever 4.5 litre V8 DOHC diesel engine, which has a third generation common-rail system and twin turbos, that deliver impressive power, fuel efficiency, and reduced emissions. The 5-speed manual transmission delivers 217 HP at 3600 rpm, and the new 6-speed Super ECT auto transmission delivers 232 HP at 3200 rpm. The dual fuel tank system greatly extends the Land Cruiser's driving range and the ability to explore far afield in challenging terrains.

The Crawl system is also a world's first. On challenging loose or rocky surfaces requiring sensitive brake and accelerator control, this innovative system manages both pedals, maintaining a constant low crawl speed, enabling the driver to concentrate on the terrain ahead. The system minimizes wheel-lock and spin, enhancing vehicle stability and the capability to free the vehicle from difficult spots, such as being stuck in deep sand.

The newly developed torque-sensing Torsen Limited Slip Differential is a first in this segment, optimizing the front and rear torque distribution and providing improved traction, stability and driving pleasure. Downhill Assist Control enables steady and careful descent of steep inclines by automatically applying brake pressure, for added confidence.

Hill start Assist Control contributes to smooth hill starts by automatically applying brake pressure to hold the vehicle stationary whenever roll-back is detected. These innovative and advanced technologies enable the new Land Cruiser to navigate the most challenging terrains with complete driver and passenger safety and peace of mind.

Tested and proven in the harshest driving environments around the world, these advanced features allow the Land Cruiser driver and their passengers to explore with confidence and pleasure that no other vehicle can match. Not only will the new Land Cruiser get its occupants to the most inaccessible destinations, but it will get them back home safely too.