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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.
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.
With power and torque like this on offer, overtaking a truck on a mountain pass isn't an issue any more. In terms of agility and driving comfort, it is important to note that the steering is precise and that replacing the steering damper greatly improves the handling comfort. If you compare this engine to other top notch high power diesel engines from any other brand, even ones built by Toyota themselves, the power provided by the 1VD-FTV seems at first not to be too impressive. But the intentions and aims of this engine have been different from what you'd consider 'normal' high power diesel engine to be used in modern common passenger car.
One has to keep clearly in mind, under which conditions these engines will be used. This engine's normal working environment is the Australian outback or the deserts and wilderness of Africa. These are environments, which are as different as chalk and cheese when compared to European autobahns and American highways in particular. Most of the time these vehicles will be far, far away from the next service centre complete with computers and high-speed connection to the Internet to read out error messages and evaluate the cause of minor faults. These engines have only one duty. To function by all means - because 'Mobility Warranty' is not that useful in the outback...
The 1VD-FTV consists of a graphite iron engine block with aluminium alloy cylinder heads. Combustion air is lead through an intercooler, accelerated by a watercooled turbocharger and is fed to the intakes by two electronically controlled throttle-bodies (one for each cylinder bank). Cylinders are arranged in a 90-degree-V-shape. The crankshaft is equipped with seven counterweights and supported by 5 bearings. The engine block has been provided with a forceful stiffener to reduce mechanical vibrations. Pistons are also made from aluminium alloy with cooling ducts, piston crowns providing the combustion chamber. Piston skirts are coated to reduce friction loss. Injectors at the cylinder bottom spray engine oil direct to the bottom of the piston to improve cooling and lubrication. Piston rods are forged from high strength steel. Design features of the combustion chamber are: 4-valves and pivotal located magnet high-pressure injection nozzles to provide high power output and low emissions. The fuel injection system uses pilot injection to optimize power output and fuel-consumption. The glow plug is located between the intake-valves to optimise the start up performance of the V8 engine.
Valve operating transmission is performed by four chain driven, overhead camshafts to ensure exact valve timing at any speed (DOHC for each cylinder bank). Valves are maintenance free and valve actuation is looked after by roller rocker arms with needle bearings. A special interference tube connects exhaust gas routing of both cylinder banks, therefore providing identical exhaust gas pressure, which leads to optimised efficiency of turbocharging. This results in an extremely flat and wide torque curve with useful torque between 1200 and 3200 rpm! Right where you need it. Drive is passed through a modified H150F 5-speed manual transmission with a specially reinforced single disc dry clutch. Further characteristics of this engine are a continuous temperature-controlled fan, fuel radiator, a special fuel filter with alarm function and oxidation catalytic converter for exhaust detoxification.
read on below advertisement
Road Handling
Once the engine has been started, the ears prick up and = heads turn. A vehicle that is this rare and as 'unique' as this one in France cannot leave anyone indifferent. A short drive on road will find the qualities and downsides of the leaf spring suspension system. Let's be honest, it shakes you about and Toyota could have a added an extra set of springs. However the load carrying weight is there. The general comfort is somewhat different to the HZJ 76, and it's a lot more comfortable. Braking comes from four-wheel discs (the two fronts are 322mm ventilated against 312mm in the rear.), with the system tied into ABS (an option). It must be noted that for serious offroading, the ABS is deactivated by the switching to low range. In regard to fuel consumption, holy surprise, the beast does not use much more than 11.3L/100km. Which means that with the replacement tank of 170-litres, you'll get a 1500km driving-range/distance.
Interior
The last major point of interest concerning this VDJ76 V8 TD is it's interior. And here we will have to hide our initial disappointment, as we are more or less in a copy of the standard HZJ's interior. So no dreams of luxury and overt comfort! Having said that, in Australia a limited series brings a touch of leather and thicker carpets. We find the famous 3-spoke steering wheel, cult of the 7 series and the same dashboard that went with it. Frankly we expected better from the world's number one off road manufacturer. The onboard experience brings us back to the 80s or early 90s at best.
The angles are prominent and the interior quite minimalist. The seat fabrics are not inspiring but they quietly promise strength and longevity. The plastics are quite rough and the adjustments sometimes hazardous. The carpets alternate with thick vinyls and the A/C seems to have been added later as an afterthought. This interior will remain a disappointment, as nowadays it is possible to make something better. As much from the point of view of the materials as the design. We ask ourselves why this new and brilliant engine was not accompanied by a more modern interior. It remains though that this interior is nearly perfect for offroading or even rally raiding in almost standard form, with an impressive toughness and A/C, which if only from a mechanical sense, works beautifully.
Finally, to those used to and comfortable with the Toyota range, they will look at this VDJ 76 as an ancestor but by looking into the engine bay they will quickly notice that modernity clearly rules over tradition. However Toyota wanted to produce a 4x4 of perfect reliability, needing little maintenance. To this effect the VDJ76 has lost one turbo in the battle and its equipment hardly maintains any of the electronic fracas from the VDJ200. With the end of the production of the 105, we could certainly imagine crossing Africa aboard this VDJ76. In the meantime the indestructible HZJ76 with 130BHP remains very current, it must be said.
A Roof Console For Everything
Not commonly used in Europe, the roof console is a must for the rest of the 4WD world. It does indeed bring a realistic and useful addition to the space on offer and enables you to organise an aftermarket radio or CD system without visible, unsightly extra wires. According to the models, the investment of 200 to 300 Euros will be hugely compensated by the extra comfort, especially in raid competition where it is imperative to keep a lot of personal effects handy. Think about it before leaving.
Outback Import /Patrice Ryder
Outback Import was created 10 years ago, by Patrice Ryder in France. Patrice came back from Australia after 20 years of residency Down Under and realised that there was a significant market for Australian 4x4 Accessories in Europe. Outback Import is the leading importer and distributor of Australian 4x4 Accessories in Europe. The long established partnerships with all the main Australian manufacturers and impressive stock levels enables them to service their network like no other European 4x4 specialist importer.
They have a wide range of products, which are stored in their new warehouse in France city of Valence, a mega building with over 3000 square metres of space. Approximately 35, 20-foot containers arrive every year to this township where Outback Imports is situated, just 225 km north of Marseille. But this is not all, with in excess of 100-tons of airfreight being flown in from Down Under and from some other parts of the world, which results in a turn over of 5.5 million euros a year. At any one time, there's approximately 1.5-million Euros worth of product in stock.
The facility is based in southern France, but at the moment Patrice Ryder also has a huge network through Europe and in Northern Africa. In some European countries you'll find Outback Import International such as the UK, which is run by Chris Armelin, or we Outback Import Spain (which has been operating for more than 5 years now) and Outback Import Morocco.
Currently, some other countries are on the list to become an Outback Import location like Poland & Argentina. The network has been developed so that each country has its own local owner, who has permission to use the name Outback Imports and carry all the products that Patrice Ryder is importing from Down Under. A unique network, a brilliant set up, and a clever way of getting exclusive products on the European market from a country like Australia where they are genuinely tried and tested.
Well, that's all folks, the VDJ 76 Series Kaymar LandCruiser , a hell of a machine with a hell of a diesel engine. I hope you have enjoyed this article. My thanks goes to Patrice Ryder & Chris Armelin of OutBack Imports France and to Hervé-David Berdah in assisting me to get this vehicle tested for you readers.
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.
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.
With power and torque like this on offer, overtaking a truck on a mountain pass isn't an issue any more. In terms of agility and driving comfort, it is important to note that the steering is precise and that replacing the steering damper greatly improves the handling comfort. If you compare this engine to other top notch high power diesel engines from any other brand, even ones built by Toyota themselves, the power provided by the 1VD-FTV seems at first not to be too impressive. But the intentions and aims of this engine have been different from what you'd consider 'normal' high power diesel engine to be used in modern common passenger car.
One has to keep clearly in mind, under which conditions these engines will be used. This engine's normal working environment is the Australian outback or the deserts and wilderness of Africa. These are environments, which are as different as chalk and cheese when compared to European autobahns and American highways in particular. Most of the time these vehicles will be far, far away from the next service centre complete with computers and high-speed connection to the Internet to read out error messages and evaluate the cause of minor faults. These engines have only one duty. To function by all means - because 'Mobility Warranty' is not that useful in the outback...
The 1VD-FTV consists of a graphite iron engine block with aluminium alloy cylinder heads. Combustion air is lead through an intercooler, accelerated by a watercooled turbocharger and is fed to the intakes by two electronically controlled throttle-bodies (one for each cylinder bank). Cylinders are arranged in a 90-degree-V-shape. The crankshaft is equipped with seven counterweights and supported by 5 bearings. The engine block has been provided with a forceful stiffener to reduce mechanical vibrations. Pistons are also made from aluminium alloy with cooling ducts, piston crowns providing the combustion chamber. Piston skirts are coated to reduce friction loss. Injectors at the cylinder bottom spray engine oil direct to the bottom of the piston to improve cooling and lubrication. Piston rods are forged from high strength steel. Design features of the combustion chamber are: 4-valves and pivotal located magnet high-pressure injection nozzles to provide high power output and low emissions. The fuel injection system uses pilot injection to optimize power output and fuel-consumption. The glow plug is located between the intake-valves to optimise the start up performance of the V8 engine.
Valve operating transmission is performed by four chain driven, overhead camshafts to ensure exact valve timing at any speed (DOHC for each cylinder bank). Valves are maintenance free and valve actuation is looked after by roller rocker arms with needle bearings. A special interference tube connects exhaust gas routing of both cylinder banks, therefore providing identical exhaust gas pressure, which leads to optimised efficiency of turbocharging. This results in an extremely flat and wide torque curve with useful torque between 1200 and 3200 rpm! Right where you need it. Drive is passed through a modified H150F 5-speed manual transmission with a specially reinforced single disc dry clutch. Further characteristics of this engine are a continuous temperature-controlled fan, fuel radiator, a special fuel filter with alarm function and oxidation catalytic converter for exhaust detoxification.
read on below advertisement
Road Handling
Once the engine has been started, the ears prick up and = heads turn. A vehicle that is this rare and as 'unique' as this one in France cannot leave anyone indifferent. A short drive on road will find the qualities and downsides of the leaf spring suspension system. Let's be honest, it shakes you about and Toyota could have a added an extra set of springs. However the load carrying weight is there. The general comfort is somewhat different to the HZJ 76, and it's a lot more comfortable. Braking comes from four-wheel discs (the two fronts are 322mm ventilated against 312mm in the rear.), with the system tied into ABS (an option). It must be noted that for serious offroading, the ABS is deactivated by the switching to low range. In regard to fuel consumption, holy surprise, the beast does not use much more than 11.3L/100km. Which means that with the replacement tank of 170-litres, you'll get a 1500km driving-range/distance.
Interior
The last major point of interest concerning this VDJ76 V8 TD is it's interior. And here we will have to hide our initial disappointment, as we are more or less in a copy of the standard HZJ's interior. So no dreams of luxury and overt comfort! Having said that, in Australia a limited series brings a touch of leather and thicker carpets. We find the famous 3-spoke steering wheel, cult of the 7 series and the same dashboard that went with it. Frankly we expected better from the world's number one off road manufacturer. The onboard experience brings us back to the 80s or early 90s at best.
The angles are prominent and the interior quite minimalist. The seat fabrics are not inspiring but they quietly promise strength and longevity. The plastics are quite rough and the adjustments sometimes hazardous. The carpets alternate with thick vinyls and the A/C seems to have been added later as an afterthought. This interior will remain a disappointment, as nowadays it is possible to make something better. As much from the point of view of the materials as the design. We ask ourselves why this new and brilliant engine was not accompanied by a more modern interior. It remains though that this interior is nearly perfect for offroading or even rally raiding in almost standard form, with an impressive toughness and A/C, which if only from a mechanical sense, works beautifully.
Finally, to those used to and comfortable with the Toyota range, they will look at this VDJ 76 as an ancestor but by looking into the engine bay they will quickly notice that modernity clearly rules over tradition. However Toyota wanted to produce a 4x4 of perfect reliability, needing little maintenance. To this effect the VDJ76 has lost one turbo in the battle and its equipment hardly maintains any of the electronic fracas from the VDJ200. With the end of the production of the 105, we could certainly imagine crossing Africa aboard this VDJ76. In the meantime the indestructible HZJ76 with 130BHP remains very current, it must be said.
A Roof Console For Everything
Not commonly used in Europe, the roof console is a must for the rest of the 4WD world. It does indeed bring a realistic and useful addition to the space on offer and enables you to organise an aftermarket radio or CD system without visible, unsightly extra wires. According to the models, the investment of 200 to 300 Euros will be hugely compensated by the extra comfort, especially in raid competition where it is imperative to keep a lot of personal effects handy. Think about it before leaving.
Outback Import /Patrice Ryder
Outback Import was created 10 years ago, by Patrice Ryder in France. Patrice came back from Australia after 20 years of residency Down Under and realised that there was a significant market for Australian 4x4 Accessories in Europe. Outback Import is the leading importer and distributor of Australian 4x4 Accessories in Europe. The long established partnerships with all the main Australian manufacturers and impressive stock levels enables them to service their network like no other European 4x4 specialist importer.
They have a wide range of products, which are stored in their new warehouse in France city of Valence, a mega building with over 3000 square metres of space. Approximately 35, 20-foot containers arrive every year to this township where Outback Imports is situated, just 225 km north of Marseille. But this is not all, with in excess of 100-tons of airfreight being flown in from Down Under and from some other parts of the world, which results in a turn over of 5.5 million euros a year. At any one time, there's approximately 1.5-million Euros worth of product in stock.
The facility is based in southern France, but at the moment Patrice Ryder also has a huge network through Europe and in Northern Africa. In some European countries you'll find Outback Import International such as the UK, which is run by Chris Armelin, or we Outback Import Spain (which has been operating for more than 5 years now) and Outback Import Morocco.
Currently, some other countries are on the list to become an Outback Import location like Poland & Argentina. The network has been developed so that each country has its own local owner, who has permission to use the name Outback Imports and carry all the products that Patrice Ryder is importing from Down Under. A unique network, a brilliant set up, and a clever way of getting exclusive products on the European market from a country like Australia where they are genuinely tried and tested.
Well, that's all folks, the VDJ 76 Series Kaymar LandCruiser , a hell of a machine with a hell of a diesel engine. I hope you have enjoyed this article. My thanks goes to Patrice Ryder & Chris Armelin of OutBack Imports France and to Hervé-David Berdah in assisting me to get this vehicle tested for you readers.
