"Exceeding Expectations": Unveiling the Power Behind the New Land Cruiser's Engine (Continued)
In the world of automotive engineering, few projects are as prestigious and challenging as the development of the Land Cruiser. The latest iteration, the Land Cruiser 300 Series, is no exception.
At the helm of this project is Akihiro Osaka, a seasoned engineer who has been involved in the development of the new Land Cruiser 300 Series. Osaka, who has driven the Land Cruiser in the Dakar Rally, sees the vehicle as a symbol of resilience and capability, stating that it makes the impossible possible.
Osaka's journey with the Land Cruiser began during the development of the 300 Series, where he collaborated with chief engineer Yokoo. Yokoo, who first met Osaka while designing the drivetrain for the Lexus RC F, consulted Osaka in the early stages to work out the basic design, starting with the base grade.
The development team, which values the genchi genbutsu principle, spent two years conducting tests to break the differential in Land Cruiser development. This focus on durability, reliability, and drivability on rough terrain is a testament to the Land Cruiser's legacy.
Juichi Wakisaka, a big Land Cruiser fan and test driver, asked Kazuyuki Ueno, a test driver whose involvement with the vehicle dates back more than 20 years, to explain the essence of the Land Cruiser. Ueno, who taught Yokoo about the Land Cruiser's harsh road capabilities, emphasized the "ease of driving" as the greatest advance from the 200 Series to the 300 Series.
The new Land Cruiser 300 Series is planned to participate in the Dakar Rally in 2023, further cementing its status as a rally car. This development aligns with the team's practice of utilizing feedback from motorsports, including the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
Osaka also highlighted the use of new technology like the steering actuator and the mounting position of the rear suspension on the ladder frame as factors in the improvements in driving. Yokoo attributes these improvements to the establishment of a new TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform for a ladder-frame vehicle, which allowed for a lower center of gravity, optimized shock absorber alignment, and the use of new technology.
The Land Cruiser, developed for harsh roads, is relied upon by drivers to "go anywhere and everywhere and come back alive and safe." Osaka described his role as ensuring each Toyota model delivers the taste that the owner-chef, presumably Akio Toyoda, seeks.
Ueno, turning 70 this year, stated that the Land Cruiser's long history and its connection with people are key parts of the vehicle. This sentiment is shared by Miura, Ueno, and Osaka, who all agreed that there is a common thread between the Land Cruiser's development approach and the practice of listening to the voice of customers to protect their lives on the world's harsh terrains.
In the end, the development of the Land Cruiser 300 Series is a testament to the collaboration of skilled engineers, the application of new technology, and a deep respect for the vehicle's history and purpose. As Osaka puts it, his role is to ensure that each Toyota model delivers the taste that the owner-chef seeks, and in the case of the Land Cruiser, that taste is one of resilience, capability, and safety.
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