"Beating the Pioneer": Unveiling the Power behind the New Land Cruiser (Part 1)
The Land Cruiser 300 Series, unveiled on August 2, 2021, marks a significant shift in the iconic vehicle's design, marking the first full model change in 14 years since the release of the 200 Series in 2007. A test drive of the new series, held at the Sanage Adventure Field in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, showcased the evolution of the Land Cruiser's core values and improved performance.
Chief Engineer Takami Yokoo, test drivers Kazuyuki Ueno and Akihiro Osaka, rally driver Akira Miura, and racing driver Juichi Wakisaka, a three-time Super GT champion, were present for the test drive. The event was moderated by Wakisaka, with Yokoo, Ueno, Osaka, and Miura discussing the evolution of the Land Cruiser 300 Series.
Yokoo aimed to make the Land Cruiser 300 Series not inferior in any aspect compared to the previous model and to make the car easy to drive. One of the most notable improvements is the reduction of driver fatigue, which Yokoo believes directly increases the chance of coming back alive and safe.
The 'head toss', a strong impact that shakes a driver's head side to side in rough off-road conditions, is significantly reduced in the Land Cruiser 300 Series. This is achieved through the suspension system, which, when equipped with Crawl Control, has sufficient stroke to maintain contact with the ground while descending steep hills with ruts and bumps.
Osaka, responsible for the car's on-road feel, emphasized the importance of 'ease of driving' in combining the Land Cruiser's high level of reliability, durability, and drivability on rough terrain with a natural on-road driving feel. This is evident in the new Land Cruiser GR Sport, which provides a more comfortable ride compared to the previous generation model, with improved traction and less sudden upward thrust.
The Crawl Control system in the Land Cruiser 300 Series regulates the braking force on each wheel independently during downhill runs to maintain stability and prevent sideslipping. This system, combined with the improved suspension, ensures a smoother and safer ride, even on challenging off-road terrains.
Miura, who raced the 200 Series on the Dakar Rally, found the 300 Series to be superior in terms of road holding and tire contact with the ground. The new Land Cruiser 300 Series experiences less wheel slipping on rocky courses compared to the previous generation model.
The evolution of the Land Cruiser 300 Series is best understood by taking the car off-road and experiencing the difference firsthand. The core values of the Land Cruiser—"go anywhere and everywhere and come back alive and safe," "reliability, durability, and drivability on rough roads"—have evolved by integrating modern technologies with the original strengths of robustness and dependability. This enhances performance both off-road and in everyday use while preserving the reputation of delivering safety and reliability under the harshest conditions.
The Sanage Adventure Field, a multipurpose outdoor attraction, provided an ideal setting for the test drive. The heavy rainfall the day before made course conditions far from ideal, but the Land Cruiser 300 Series demonstrated its superiority, handling the challenging terrain with ease.
In conclusion, the Land Cruiser 300 Series represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the iconic vehicle. The test drive revealed improved performance, increased comfort, and enhanced safety features, all while preserving the Land Cruiser's core values of reliability, durability, and drivability on rough terrain. The new Land Cruiser GR Sport, with its black and red interior, is a testament to the vehicle's evolution and its continued commitment to delivering a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
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