Cruiser 200 upgraded: don't worry, it's only money

Toyota has finally released details of the upgraded Land Cruiser 200 VX and VX Limited models. Yup, the VX Limited is back as a stand-alone model. The VX lists at $125,500 and the VX Limited, $147,500. Both introduce Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) that regulates wheelspin in tougher off-road conditions in any of five driver-selectable modes: rock, rock and dirt, mogul, loose rock, mud and sand.

The VX Limited has four wide-angle cameras for checking blindspots and showing terrain hazards and apexes that would otherwise be hidden from view. Toyota’s off-road cruise control system, Crawl control, has been improved from three low-speed settings to five settings. It automatically controls the engine output and brake hydraulic pressure to maintain a uniform vehicle speed with little wheelspin or lock-up. The system now includes an Off-road Turn Assist (OTA) function that combines with Crawl control to make it easier to negotiate sharp bends by automatically applying the inside rear brake. Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) is a $4400 option for VX and standard for the Limited. KDSS, provides significantly longer wheel articulation for off-road driving and roll control for on-road.

The Cruiser has a new front with revised bumpers and grille and newly styled 18 inch alloy wheels. Interior upgrades include different audio systems and improved information displays.

My wish: That they could shrink the thing to about Grand Vitara size to make it usable on many of our tighter tracks because, size and price aside, it's pretty much the perfect 4WD.

Here's the story on the Lexus LX570 equivalent. And here's an interesting American point of view on the Cruiser 200.

What to do when you're sick of your JK Wrangler

Jeep engineers have built this Mighty FC concept as a tribute to the Jeep Forward Control that was built between 1956 and 1965. They used a 2012 Wrangler Rubicon as a platform. Underneath, the truck has a set of Mopar eight-lug portal axles, which are available you you and me for a combined price of $US23,500 plus shipping. The Mighty FC, which is almost certain never to go into production, rolls on 40-inch tyres riding on a King coil-over suspension. Here's more on the Mighty FC and a bunch of other new Jeep concepts (Thanks to Peter Vahry for forwarding the link.)

Turkish delight

Here's something odd; 22 per cent of visits to 4wdNewz in the last 24 hours have come from Turkey. Now I'm wondering which item has caused so much interest from such an unexpected source. There's not even a word on Otokar-built Land Rovers in the entire site. Anyway, merhaba to all of our Turkish friends.

Riverhead Forest, back when

Just a bit of nostalgia here, as the 1995 YJ Wrangler grinds through the mud of Riverhead Forest, near Auckland. Once a favourite venue of local clubs, the forest gates have been firmly closed to four wheel driving for some years. The forest contained some amazingly good challenges and is sorely missed.