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Vehicle Tests > 4WD Test - Toyota V8-D4D LandCruiser
4WD Test - Toyota V8-D4D LandCruiser
Issue: March 2009
Words and photos by Fred M. Krijgsman
This month we take you to the south of France, where Fred Krijgsman has found one special LandCruiser that's been enhanced with some legendary Aussie accessories.
For more than 50 years the Toyota LandCruiser has been known worldwide as a synonym for maximum reliability and exemplary off road technology. Its extraordinary off road capabilities and legendary robustness are still setting standards and have acquired an unrivalled image over that time. The build quality and workmanship in every LandCruiser is of the highest level. The almost complete lack of damageable and frail electronics ensures easy maintenance, reliability and servicing. We found a special version in Southern France that we have tested for you. That model is the VDJ76. New aesthetics certainly, but it's mainly all about the new V8 turbo diesel engine. This Toyota has been lavished with a 'Rally Raid' preparation that is both simple and effective. While this rig is an adventurer, we will treat it as a road test rather than a standard vehicle review as this is a rare vehicle.
Through talking about it and dreaming about it, it almost had to happen. So it was that a Toyota VDJ 76 V8 TD is now in Europe specially imported by Outback Import France, a company founded and owned by Patrice Ryder.
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This LandCruiser runs the engine that is close in lineage to the V8 that is found under the bonnet of the LC200 but only has the single turbo. Next to the latest trendy SUVs on the streets of Southern France, this Toy' with an almost standard exterior attracted little attention. But from the outset, those in the know did note the bump on the bonnet, the air intake for the intercooler and the new grille. Mounted higher up this ensures more generous cooling intended for the V8 (christened VD-FTV) which, even counting the fact that it's the latest generation, is tight under the bonnet of this VDJ76.
Engine/Gearbox/Transmission/Chassis
Having been imported directly from Australia, this Toyota was obviously RHD. After a little practice and searching for the gear lever in the door's storage pocket, you do get used to it quite quickly! (Only the gear selection could pose problems as first gear stays on the passenger side left in this instance.) But once the driving position and gear changing is under control, this Toyota VDJ 76 V8 TD will quickly make us forget these minor inconveniences. Powerful and quite lively even with a somewhat archaic suspension design, this 4x4 breathes strongly with its 205hp available at only 3400rpm. More than that, it's the maximum torque of 430Nm that is impressive as it is available from 1200 to 3200rpm.
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Words and photos by Fred M. Krijgsman
This month we take you to the south of France, where Fred Krijgsman has found one special LandCruiser that's been enhanced with some legendary Aussie accessories.
For more than 50 years the Toyota LandCruiser has been known worldwide as a synonym for maximum reliability and exemplary off road technology. Its extraordinary off road capabilities and legendary robustness are still setting standards and have acquired an unrivalled image over that time. The build quality and workmanship in every LandCruiser is of the highest level. The almost complete lack of damageable and frail electronics ensures easy maintenance, reliability and servicing. We found a special version in Southern France that we have tested for you. That model is the VDJ76. New aesthetics certainly, but it's mainly all about the new V8 turbo diesel engine. This Toyota has been lavished with a 'Rally Raid' preparation that is both simple and effective. While this rig is an adventurer, we will treat it as a road test rather than a standard vehicle review as this is a rare vehicle.
Through talking about it and dreaming about it, it almost had to happen. So it was that a Toyota VDJ 76 V8 TD is now in Europe specially imported by Outback Import France, a company founded and owned by Patrice Ryder.
read on below advertisement
This LandCruiser runs the engine that is close in lineage to the V8 that is found under the bonnet of the LC200 but only has the single turbo. Next to the latest trendy SUVs on the streets of Southern France, this Toy' with an almost standard exterior attracted little attention. But from the outset, those in the know did note the bump on the bonnet, the air intake for the intercooler and the new grille. Mounted higher up this ensures more generous cooling intended for the V8 (christened VD-FTV) which, even counting the fact that it's the latest generation, is tight under the bonnet of this VDJ76.
Engine/Gearbox/Transmission/Chassis
Having been imported directly from Australia, this Toyota was obviously RHD. After a little practice and searching for the gear lever in the door's storage pocket, you do get used to it quite quickly! (Only the gear selection could pose problems as first gear stays on the passenger side left in this instance.) But once the driving position and gear changing is under control, this Toyota VDJ 76 V8 TD will quickly make us forget these minor inconveniences. Powerful and quite lively even with a somewhat archaic suspension design, this 4x4 breathes strongly with its 205hp available at only 3400rpm. More than that, it's the maximum torque of 430Nm that is impressive as it is available from 1200 to 3200rpm.
next page »
