Reinforcing the legendary status of the Middle East’s most capable off-road vehicle, Al-Futtaim Toyota has launched the eagerly-awaited GR SPORT edition of its iconic Land Cruiser in the region A car that combines outstanding all-terrain performance with a spacious, high-quality interior to bring drivers and passengers an elevated experience on every journey.
Since its launch in 1951, the Land Cruiser has continued to be selected by customers as the vehicle symbolizing Toyota’s quality, durability, and reliability. Seventy years later, Al-Futtaim Toyota has introduced the long-anticipated evolution, with ground-breaking enhancements to the platform and powertrain befitting the king of SUVs.
The Land Cruiser first participated in the Dakar Rally―known as the world’s toughest race―in 1995 and has continued to take part in the production car category in the more than 25 years since then. For the all -new 300 Series Land Cruiser―and for the GR SPORTmodel in particular―is the product of more than 25 years of experience gained during this uniquely challenging motorsports event. Feedback from drivers participating in the rally was used for vehicle development with the aim of implementing improvements to create a vehicle that was secure, easy to drive, yet difficult to tire in even the harshest driving conditions. from the 2023 race onward, Team Land Cruiser is planning to participate in the Dakar Rally with an entry based on the 300 Series GR SPORT.
Toyota is so confident in the vehicle’s proven design dimensions that its engineers have kept virtually all aspects unchanged, even with the implementation of the new TNGA platform. Technologies accumulated over many years have been paired with the latest breakthroughs to achieve improvements such as weight reduction, lowering the center of gravity, the adoption of new powertrains, new interior and exterior designs, and advanced safety features.
New features exclusive for the new GR SPORT edition include the world’s first Electronic-Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) electronically controlled stabilization adjustments. E-KDSS is a suspension control system that contributes to both increased driving stability in urban environments and superior off-road performance. It automatically and electronically controls each front and rear stabilizer independently, reacting to road conditions and the individual conditions of each of the four wheels to provide more precise stabilization adjustments.
In addition, the new 3D-Multi Terrain Monitor (3D-MTM) assists the driver in determining the road conditions around the vehicle, a first for Toyota that facilitates safer and more confident low-speed maneuvering. A new AUTO mode enhances the capabilities of Multi-Terrain Select by adjusting according to road conditions such as sand, rock, dirt, and mud. The vehicle also features crawl control and turn assist functions.
The GR SPORT is equipped with a Torque Sensing limited slip differential that is unique in the segment, contributing to improved performance in a variety of off-road environments as well as exterior features including special radiator grille, special front and rear bumper, exclusive wheel arch molding, special rear mudguards, special emblem on front, side and rear, special lower back door decals, special rocker moldings and special vehicle name emblem. Inside drivers will find special genuine leather-wrap steering wheel, special start-up screen, special front seats with GR emblem and interior decoration with machined carbon-weave panels.
Andy Barratt, Managing Director Al-Futtaim Lexus and Al-Futtaim Toyota said: “We were thrilled with the response to the unveiling of the all-new Land Cruiser 300 which truly cemented this vehicle as one that is embedded in the heritage and history of the UAE. The passion and loyalty of our customers continues, and we are proud to be able to reveal this GR SPORT version just a few months later which sets new benchmarks for the SUV category. The all-new GR SPORT Land Cruiser provides Toyota’s best-ever off-road performance and brings the excitement of driving on all terrains to motorists. With new ground-breaking enhancements to performance, overwhelming exterior presence, interior that allows customers to travel over the harshest terrains in comfort and features designed specifically for this model, we are confident that we will continue the momentum started a few months back.”
If you’re ready to see everything the new sport version of the king of SUVshas on offer, head down to a Toyota Showroom today or visit www.toyota.ae.