Toyota Land Cruiser SUV demonstrates KDSS technology
TOYOTA Land Cruiser Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is a household name across the world, including Nigeria.

Land Cruiser represents the newest version of the company's oldest nameplate. Over the years, Land Cruiser has always been at the top of its game.

Completely redesigned last year, the Land Cruiser kept its proven, rugged body-on-frame architecture while growing a few inches longer.

Although curb weight increased by 265 pounds, a more powerful V8 with more than 100 additional horsepower (for 381 total ponies) more than compensates.

Also, a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) round out the 2009 Land Cruiser's motive hardware.

The current Land Cruiser also sports a revamped front suspension design and a couple of high-tech features that improve handling both on- and off-road. Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) automatically stiffens or loosens the front and rear anti roll bars depending on the driving situation. The result is less body roll when cornering on pavement and enhanced wheel articulation (travel) when traversing bumps and ruts off-road. Furthering off-road ability is an electronic "Crawl Control" mode that allows the Land Cruiser to maintain a fixed, very low speed on hilly trails without any driver input.

On the downside, while the Cruiser is rated to carry up to eight passengers, the third-row bench is also available to compliment seating position.

The new Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size luxury SUV offered in a single trim level. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, skid plates, running boards, auto-dimming mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, front and rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with integrated audio controls, driver memory functions, power heated front seats, leather upholstery, quad-zone automatic climate control, a sunroof and a 14-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer, a six-CD changer and an auxiliary audio jack. The KDSS also comes standard.

All Land Cruisers have a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381-horse power and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power, according to emons motoring experts, is sent through a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system with high- and low-range gearing.

In terms of safety, standard safety features include antilock disc brakes (with brake assist and multi-terrain programming), stability control, front and second-row side airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (with rollover detection) and active front head restraints.

The optional advanced seatbelt system will