DETROIT MOTOR SHOW: 2013 Toyota LandCruiser

Toyota is using the Detroit motor show to roll out a mildly updated version of its venerable LandCruiser, helping keep it fresh against the far newer Nissan Patrol.

The visual tweaks to the MY2013 'Cruiser include an updated grille, front bumper and headlamps with HID low-beams. Additional new features include LED daytime running lights, chrome side moulding, redesigned outer side mirrors and tail lamps.

Toyota Australia's Manager for Public Relations, Mike Breen, told motoring.com.au the facelifted Landcruiser would be coming to Australia in March 2012 but said the packaging may be slightly different to the North American model pictured. "I couldn't guaranteed the front LED lights will make it - it's too early to talk about specifics."

Complementing the freshened exterior is an updated interior available in either Sandstone or Black. Additional refinements include perforated leather trim with ventilated front seats, a higher gloss wood grain finish, brighter silver instrument panel ornamentation, chrome-plated air registers and updated meter-cluster lighting.

Meanwhile, the mod-con list gains a Multi-terrain Monitor with front, side or rear selectable views, a new Multi-information display and an Eco Driving Indicator light and zone display. There's also a heated steering wheel and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

The US-spec LandCruiser's 5.7-litre V8 engine is carried over unchanged, eking out 285kW and 543Nm and, similarly, the Australian-spec version is likely to retain the 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 and 4.7-litre petrol V8 currently offered here.

New on LandCruiser is a Multi-terrain Select system that dials in wheel-slip control to match the terrain. In loose terrain such as mud and sand, more-than-normal wheel slip is permitted, allowing wheelspin to work in the vehicle's favour.

On bumpy moguls or solid rock, wheel slip is minimised and the system acts more like a limited-slip differential. According to Toyota, the Mogul setting is for any extremely uneven terrain, such as V-ditches, slopes and ridges.

There's also a new five-speed CRAWL Control with an Off-Road Turn Assist feature to make traversing difficult terrain easier.

With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL Control regulates engine speed and output (along with braking force), to propel the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of five low-speed settings. Meanwhile, the Off-Road Turn Assist feature pulses the rear corner brakes to help the vehicle make sharper turns when manoeuvring through tight sections on rugged terrain.

Also new for Land Cruiser is a Pre-Collision System designed to detect other vehicles and obstacles in its path and optimise the restraining performance of the front passenger seatbelts if a collision is imminent.

More Detroit Motor Show news on motoring.com.au

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