Toyota Technology Press Kit

Toyota has launched a new turbocharged diesel HiLux range and several breakthrough 4WD traction innovations.

The new traction technology includes vehicle swerve control (VSC), four-wheel drive traction control (4WD-TRC), brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution.

It is the first time VSC and traction control have been offered on Toyota models in Australia.

Toyota has also upgraded specifications for flagship LandCruiser GXV, facelifted LandCruiser Prado, expanded the HiLux 4x4 and 4x2 ranges, and introduced a long-wheelbase HiAce semi-bonneted van.

Toyota's new turbocharged diesel HiLux engine is the most advanced turbocharged diesel in the one-tonne 4x4 utility class.

Its features include a water-cooled turbocharger, electronic fuel injection, ceramic glow plugs and twin counter-rotating balance shafts.

The 3.0-litre engine delivers 85kW of power at 3600rpm and 295Nm of torque at 2400rpm, and is matched to the proven LandCruiser 100 Series diesel manual transmission.

Both the turbo-diesel engine and Toyota's new traction technology have been extensively tested in Australia.

Three HiLux turbo diesel models are offered, all in high-level (SR-5) equipment grade.

The new turbo models are 4x4 Double Cab, 4x4 Single Cab and 4x4 Single Cab Cab/Chassis.

It is the first time Toyota has offered SR-5 grade Single Cab models.

Toyota has also launched two new SR-5 grade 4x2 models, aimed at the growing sports truck market.

The new 4x2 Double Cab SR-5 petrol manual and automatic take the overall HiLux range to 28 models - to meet virtually every possible market need.

Toyota has introduced its new four-wheel-drive traction technology on flagship LandCruiser GXV and the two high-grade LandCruiser Prado models (VX and Grande).

LandCruiser GXV has VSC, 4WD-TRC, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

LandCruiser Prado VX and Grande have four-wheel-drive traction control.

VSC is designed to provide optimal traction in cornering, both on-road and in extreme conditions such as ice and snow.

The new 4WD-TRC has active safety benefits for on and off-road driving, including hill climbing and hill descents in L4 range.B Electronic brake force distribution (EBD) is a sophisticated electronic replacement for the brake system's load-sensing, proportioning and by-pass valve.

It uses the ABS control until to achieve more ideal brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels, according to road conditions and vehicle load.

EXPANDED HILUX RANGE HAS 28 MODELS

Toyota has expanded its HiLux range to 28 models, to suit the widest possible range of customer requirements.

The expanded range now provides the choice of two and four-wheel drive, five body styles, four engines, four transmissions and two equipment levels.

There are 14 4x2 models and 14 4x4 models, including three newly introduced turbo-diesel SR-5 grade 4x4 models and two new petrol SR-5 grade 4x2 Double Cab variants.

The 4x4 turbo range includes, for the first time in HiLux, high-grade Single Cab models.

The new high-grade 4x4 models are the Single Cab SR-5 turbo-diesel utility and Single Cab SR-5 turbo-diesel Cab/Chassis.

In addition, Toyota has introduced a 4x4 turbo diesel Double Cab SR-5.

The five HiLux body styles are Single Cab Cab/Chassis, Single Cab utility, Xtra Cab Cab/Chassis, Xtra Cab utility and Double Cab utility.

The four engines are: the 2.0 litre EFI-equipped SOHC 1RZ-E petrol in entry level 4x2 Workmate, a 2.7 litre EFI-equipped Twin Cam Multi-valve four-cylinder 3RZ-FE engine with balance shafts, the 3.0 litre diesel (designated 5L) and the new 3.0 litre EFI-equipped 1KZ-TE turbo-diesel.

Workmate has a five-speed overdrive manual transmission.

The 4X2 models with the larger 2.7 litre petrol engine can be supplied with a five-speed manual or four-speed overdrive automatic transmission (except Single Cab utility).

3.0 litre Diesel 4x2 models have five-speed manual transmission.

All 4x4 models (petrol, diesel and turbo-diesel) have a rugged upper torsion bar independent front suspension, five-speed overdrive manual transmission and a two-speed transfer.

Seven high-grade (SR-5) specification models are offered - five 4x4 models and two 4x2 models.

The SR-5 specification includes Toyota's automatic disconnecting front differential (ADD) on 4x4 models, and a power pack for door locks, windows and exterior mirrors.

(Power mirrors are not available on Single Cab/Chassis SR-5 models.)

A safety option pack (including dual airbag supplementary restraint system, force-limiting front seatbelt pretensioners and ABS anti-skid brakes) is offered on all models except Workmate.

The full HiLux 4x2 range is:
* Workmate 2.0 litre petrol manual utility
* Workmate 2.0 litre petrol manual Cab/Chassis
* Single Cab utility with 2.7 litre petrol or 3.0 litre diesel with five-speed manual transmission
* Single Cab Cab/Chassis with 2.7 litre petrol and manual or automatic transmission
* Single Cab Cab/Chassis with 3.0 litre diesel with manual transmission
* Xtra Cab utility with 2.7 litre petrol and manual or automatic transmission
* Double Cab utility with 2.7 litre petrol and manual or automatic transmission
* Double Cab diesel utility with manual transmission
* Double Cab SR-5 petrol utility with manual or automatic transmission

The HiLux 4x4 range is:
* Single Cab utility with petrol or diesel engine
* Single Cab Cab/Chassis with petrol or diesel engine
* Single Cab SR-5 utility with turbo-diesel engine
* Single Cab SR-5 Cab/Chassis with turbo-diesel engine
* Xtra Cab utility with petrol or diesel engine
* Xtra Cab Cab/Chassis with diesel engine
* Double Cab utility with petrol or diesel engine
* Double Cab SR-5 utility with petrol, diesel or turbo-diesel engine.

FOURTEEN MODELS IN HIACE RANGE

Toyota's HiAce has 14 models, with the choice of five body styles, two engines and two transmissions.

There are two semi-bonneted vans (SBV) models and 12 forward-control models including a 15 seater Commuter bus.

The SBV models are short and long wheelbase - both with 2.4 litre EFI-equipped petrol engine and five-speed overdrive manual transmission.

The forward control panel van choices include short and long wheelbase, each with the choice of 2.4-litre petrol or 2.8-litre diesel engine and five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission.

In addition, Toyota offers a Super Long wheelbase 15-seat Commuter bus, with the choice of 2.4 litre petrol or 2.8 litre diesel engine and five speed manual or four speed automatic transmission.

TOYOTA TARGETS STRATEGIC MARKET SEGMENTS

Commercial vehicle market leader Toyota has moved to consolidate its position with strategic launches in several segments.

It has:
* Launched the country's most sophisticated turbo-diesel engine exclusively in the market-leading HiLux 4x4
* Introduced a two wheel drive HiLux SR5 aimed specifically at the emerging sports truck market
* Devised and launched breakthrough vehicle control technology on certain LandCruiser 100 Series and LandCruiser Prado models
* Upgraded its LandCruiser Prado range, and
* Introduced a long wheelbase version of its HiAce SBV in the one tonne van market.

The consolidated improvements and upgradings come in the middle of one of the busiest launch periods ever undertaken by any manufacturer or distributor in this country.

In the past four months Toyota has launched new versions of its Celica, LandCruiser 78 Series and Corolla as well as the new Echo.

It is preparing to launch 10 new models in 2000 including its Australian-made large passenger car the Avalon.

Toyota has seized sales dominance in this decade with 1.23 million vehicle deliveries, ahead of Ford and Holden.

It has held outright market leadership in five years after becoming the first non-American owned company to claim the number one position in more than 30 years.

Toyota and its dealers are now investing in excess of $140 million in facility improvements to service the enlarged customer base.

More than one million Toyotas eight or less years old are now estimated to be in the Australian car park - the largest number ever.

In the last two months Toyota has:
* Opened a new $14.7 million export distribution centre next to its Altona factory to streamline locally made parts deliveries to overseas and Australian customers, and
* Opened a new intensive test facility at Anglesea in Victoria to develop both locally made and imported vehicles in the areas of ride and handling and noise and vibration.

Toyota's senior executive vice-president John Conomos said the launch of intermediate product improvements such as turbo-diesel HiLux and new braking technology would become typical of ongoing adjustments.

The pace of change in the world at large is too rapid to wait for major model changes," Mr Conomos said.

Increasingly significant improvements will be introduced on-line as they become available.

It's possible those improvements will then flow on to far wider application either on line or in major model changes.

The important aspect is to keep faith with an ever demanding customer base by introducing technology improvements as they become available.

HILUX 4x4 STAKES NEW TURBO-DIESEL CLAIM

Toyota is to launch its first ever turbo-diesel HiLux 4x4 model as a means of keeping faith with growing customer demand.

The 3.0 litre turbo-diesel HiLux will be the most sophisticated yet offered in Australia, and only the fifth turbo-diesel ever marketed by Toyota in this country.

The HiLux turbo-diesel will comprehensively increase owner options in the four wheel drive SR5 category.

It will be available in SR5 versions of single cab/chassis, single cab and double cab utilities.

It is expected to double demand for the SR5 grade.

Toyota HiLux already dominates the 4x4 pick-up market and is overall leader in the combined two wheel drive and four wheel drive segment.

It is the last of the major category contenders to launch a turbo-diesel model.

"HiLux success is directly linked to the demands of its customers," Toyota senior executive vice-president John Conomos said.

"The strengths of HiLux have been its wide model range, its excellent choice of naturally aspirated engines and its value-for-money proposition," Mr Conomos said.

"Increasing segment acceptance of turbo-diesel has now created a market opportunity for HiLux.

"The strength of HiLux's naturally aspirated range has been evident in the consistency of its market domination even in the face of strong opposition from turbocharged diesel models.

Sales of turbocharged diesel models have increased almost 49 percent this year while sales of non-turbocharged vehicles have declined on average by 15 percent.

Demand for naturally aspirated HiLux has been down just 3 percent. HiLux dominated the 4x4 pick-up market - 40 percent clear of its nearest opposition. "The introduction of a turbo-diesel engine is clearly in response to demand from customers in a certain segment of the market," Mr Conomos said.

"Toyota's premise has always been to provide a suitable model in every market category. "Turbo-diesel is increasingly becoming an accepted and legitimate segment of the one tonne 4x4 pick up market - and it is right that the market leader should offer the most advanced technology.

"Toyota HiLux holds 27 percent of the 4x4 pick up market to end October 1999, and a dominant 23.3 percent of the total 4x4 and 4x2 segment.

The company's top performing newly launched 78 Series LandCruiser tips the balance further in Toyota's favour.

The HiLux/LandCruiser combined share of the 4x4 pick up market is 39 percent, and in total Toyota holds 29 percent of the two wheel drive and four wheel drive segment.

HILUX TO EQUAL SALES RECORD

Toyota expects to deliver a record 20,000 HiLux in Australia this year for the second successive year.

It cracked the barrier for the first time in 1998 with a record 20,820 deliveries, almost 25 percent greater than its 1997 total.

HiLux has sustained its momentum this year in the face of strong competition, especially from makers of turbo-diesel 4x4 models, and from locally made 4x2 utilities.

Strategic adjustments to its range are expected to maintain market share in 2000. The launch of SR5 grade turbo-diesel four wheel drives has been supplemented with the introduction of a new 4x2 double cab SR5 aimed at the sports truck market.

Toyota leads the entire commercial vehicle market to November, with 29.4 percent of all deliveries.

Its leadership is greater than the combined total of its nearest two competitors.

Toyota will claim its 21st successive commercial vehicle market victory.

It leads the van, all-terrain wagon and combined pick-up markets.

Toyota senior executive vice-president John Conomos said competition in all commercial vehicle segments had reached new intensity.

Toyota's intention to offer a vehicle in every market segment was now under threat in all but a few niche areas.

"There are now 41 competitors in the all-terrain wagon segment without counting model variants," Mr Conomos said.

"Competition of that magnitude demands constant model re-evaluation and upgrade.

TOYOTA PURSUES SPORTS TRUCK MARKET

Toyota is to use its level two SR5 HiLux to actively pursue the growing sports truck market.

Market interest has been spurred by aggressive marketing campaigns undertaken by both local utility manufacturers.

Toyota is to field luxury pack SR5 HiLux models in the 4x2 and 4x4 markets.

Four wheel drive SR5s will be available in cab chassis, pick-up and double cab versions.

They will use the 2.7 litre Twin Cam Multi-valve petrol engine, the 3.0 litre naturally aspirated diesel engine and the new 3.0 litre EFI turbo-diesel engine.

Two wheel drive SR5 availability will be exclusive to a top end double cab version with the twin cam petrol engine with the choice of manual or automatic transmission.

All but one of the SR5 grade models have come on stream in the last quarter.

"SR5 demand makes up more than 25 percent of four wheel drive petrol HiLux deliveries," Toyota senior executive vice president John Conomos said.

"And it comprises more than 10 percent of diesel 4x4 take up.

"It is reasonable to expect a similar, or even better, acceptance of SR5 in the two wheel drive market.

"Market demand for an SUV style vehicle has increased fourfold in the past two years.

"Australians have shown nowhere near the propensity of Americans to adopt the sports truck phenomenon," Mr Conomos said.

"The majority of sports truck activity has been confined to the second hand market and then they are largely modifications to locally made utilities.

"There is now however sign of movement amongst traditional customers to seek better optioned work vehicles with a sports flavour.

"Toyota's two wheel drive HiLux SR5 petrol double cab carries a recommended retail price of $28,680 - directly competitive with the sports versions of both locally manufactured utilities.

"Most SR5s bought in the four wheel drive market are still used as working vehicles and we would expect similar use patterns in the two wheel drive segment," Mr Conomos said.

Vehicles broadly classified as sports utilities now comprise approximately 13 percent of the 4x2 pick-up market.

TOYOTA CONTINUES MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN LOCAL FACILITIES

Toyota has commissioned more than $16 million of infrastructure improvements in the last two months.

And it is poised to open phase one of a benchmark $40 million undercover showroom complex in Sydney in February.

TMC director Kazuo Okamoto in early December opened Toyota's new purpose-built three kilometre test facility at Anglesea in Victoria.

The new circuit, which replicates horror road conditions from throughout Australia, is claimed as a breakthrough in test track design.

The eight engineers from Toyota's Vehicle Engineering Evaluation department can conduct quantifiable repetitious testing at speed and in safety on the $1.8 million circuit.

The test track provides Toyota in Japan for the first time with known-quantity test data from Australia - a boon to speeding local vehicle development.

The test track follows the theme of all Toyota test tracks including the massive Shibetsu Proving Ground in northern Japan which contains elements of the most dynamically demanding road conditions in the world.

Replication of real road situations is now considered a more contemporary and worthwhile test condition than a reliance solely on the high speed bowls built and still used by most automakers.

Toyota in November commissioned a new $14.7 million export distribution centre adjacent to its Altona manufacturing plant.

The centre adopts for the first time the Toyota Production System widely regarded as the world's most efficient manufacturing technique.

Integration of TPS into parts supply is likely to be a boon to Toyota's 93 first tier suppliers in Australia as well as to dealers and their customers.

Faster and more efficient supply of replacement components with significantly less holding and processing time is already being realised.

Toyota will open phase one of its company-owned Sydney City Toyota site at Waterloo in February.

The site is claimed to be the largest fully undercover dealership in the world.

Elements of the design will be available to Toyota's 270-strong dealer network to integrate into their own facilities.

"Change is occurring at an exponential rate," Toyota senior executive vice president John Conomos said.

HILUX TURBO HAS CLASS-LEADING TORQUE

Toyota's new HiLux turbo-diesel has the most torque in the one-tonne diesel utility class.

The new 3.0 litre Toyota 1KZ-TE turbo-diesel engine delivers 85kW of power at 3600rpm and 295Nm of torque at 2400rpm.

It has 15Nm more torque than its nearest one-tonne turbo-diesel utility competitor.

Advanced features in the Toyota 1KZ-TE include electronic fuel injection and twin counter-rotating balance shafts to reduce NVH.

The new turbo-diesel engine is offered in three HiLux 4x4 models - Double Cab SR-5, Single Cab SR-5 and Single Cab Cab/Chassis SR-5.

It is matched to a proven LandCruiser 100 Series R151F manual transmission.

HILUX HAS FIRST EFI-EQUIPPED DIESEL

The new HiLux turbo is the first electronically injected diesel engine in the one- tonne 4x4 utility class and Toyota's first EFI-equipped diesel in Australia.

The 2982cm3 single-overhead camshaft Toyota 1KZ-TE engine is the most advanced turbocharged diesel in the class.

The new Toyota engine has a lightweight, compact, water-cooled turbocharger for a balance of performance, fuel economy and durability.

Advanced features also include ceramic glow plugs, a vane-type fuel pump, cross-flow alloy cylinder head and twin counter-rotating balance shafts.

Toyota designed the 1KZ-TE engine for a combination of performance, economy, package efficiency, reliability and low NVH.

The Toyota 1KZ-TE engine has a deep-skirt, externally ribbed, linerless construction cylinder block for maximum rigidity and low noise.

The block material is wear-resistant alloy cast iron and the bores have been plateau honed for more efficient piston ring sealing.

The fully balanced steel crankshaft has five journals and runs in aluminium alloy bearings.

Special attention has been paid to minimising reciprocating mass.

Connecting rods are lightweight carbon steel to suit high engine speeds and high engine torque.

Each connecting rod has an internal oil passage, which feeds an oil gallery in the piston.

The small-end bearings are tapered to reduce weight and the big-ends have plastic region tightening bolts to maximise clamping force for the size of the bolt.

The pistons are aluminium alloy to maximise high-temperature strength and reduce weight.

The pistons have a FRM (fibre reinforced metal) top ring groove to improve wear resistance and an oil gallery inside the ring land to improve piston cooling.

Bore and stroke dimensions are under-square at 96mm by 103mm, to maximise torque.

Cross-Flow Head: HiLux turbo-diesel has an aluminium alloy cylinder head for high thermal conductivity and light weight.

The cylinder head has a cross-flow configuration, to improve intake and exhaust efficiency. The shape of the combustion chamber and the injection nozzle location have been optimised to increase engine performance and reduce exhaust emissions.

Plastic region tightening cylinder head bolts are used to maximise clamping force. Cylinder head gasket pressure resistance and sealing performance have been optimised by adopting a steel laminate type gasket.

Gasket thickness is tailored to each engine to ensure correct compression ratio and avoid any protrusion of the pistons above the cylinder block deck.

The 1KZ-TE's single overhead camshaft acts directly on the valves, to ensure the valve actuation more accurately follows camshaft profiles.

Camshaft drive is by timing gears to the injection pump gear, then a toothed rubber belt with an automatic tensioner and a belt idler.

The compact fuel injection nozzles have a double-cut needle.

The needle clearance has been optimised to reduce exhaust emissions and noise during idling.

The glow plugs have ceramic tips, to improve reliability.

A baffle plate and a camshaft cover inside the cylinder head cover reduce consumption of engine oil by reducing gas blow-by.

Twin Balance Shafts:

Toyota's 1KZ-TE engine has twin balance shafts to reduce engine vibration.

The two counter-rotating balance shafts are gear driven to rotate at twice crankshaft speed.

The timing gear train also drives the oil pump, vacuum pump and fuel injection pump.

The combination of EFI and Toyota's vane-type injection pump provides optimum fuel injection timing and volume.

Features of the fuel pump include a spill control valve, timing control valve, fuel temperature sensor, engine speed sensor and correction resistors.

Low Noise & Weight: The HiLux turbo-diesel engine's NVH counter measures include its twin balance shafts, high-rigidity cylinder block, and scissors gears on both the back and front of the timing gear idler gear.

The cylinder head cover is made of resin to reduce weight and noise.

A two-valve type venturi reduces vibration on engine shutdown.

Engine service weight has been reduced by adopting an aluminium cylinder head, gear and belt camshaft drive, resin cylinder head cover and an aluminium radiator core.

HILUX TURBO HAS LOW EMISSIONS

Toyota's new HiLux turbo-diesel engine has low emissions, in some cases many times lower than the maximum allowable under Australian Design Rules.

The 3.0 litre HiLux turbo-diesel's CO emissions are one 20th of the level specified by the Australian Design Rules.

The vehicle's hydrocarbon emissions and oxides of nitrogen are one fifth of the levels specified by Australian Design Rules.

HILUX TURBO TESTED IN AUSTRALIAN HEAT

Toyota's new HiLux 3.0 litre turbo-diesel was extensively tested in Australia.

Local testing resulted in significantly improved cooling performance for towing.

Toyota Australia engineers and testers from Toyota Japan drove a fully laden prototype HiLux turbo-diesel with 1800kg trailer around Alice Springs in scorching summer conditions.

Lessons from the GCM (gross combination mass) test saw Toyota make several key changes for the production model.

Changes included a new, larger radiator, new fan shroud, a change to long-life coolant and relocation of one air conditioner pipe.

Fuel consumption data from the evaluation showed the turbo-diesel vehicle was 16 percent more fuel efficient over the full length of the test program than the naturally aspirated model.

LANDCRUISER TRANSMISSION FOR HILUX TURBO

Toyota's new HiLux turbo-diesel 4x4 has a proven LandCruiser transmission.

HiLux's 1KZ-TE turbo-diesel engine is matched to Toyota's R151F five-speed overdrive manual transmission and a two-speed transfer.

The R151F transmission has ratios of: 1st, 4.313; 2nd, 2.330; 3rd, 1.436; 4th, 1.000; 5th, 0.838 and reverse, 4.220.

Final drive ratio is 3.727:1.

HILUX 4X2 RANGE HAS NEW SPORTS-TRUCK MODELS

Toyota has launched two new HiLux 4x2 models, aimed at the emerging sports truck market.

The new HiLux 4x2 Double Cab SR-5 has many added features.

Two models are offered: 2.7 litre petrol 5 speed manual transmission and 2.7 litre petrol 4 speed automatic transmission.

The SR-5 grade added features include:
* smooth-sided rear deck
* 5.5J steel wheels
* chrome-plated front bumper
* chrome-plated rear bumper with step
* chrome-plated radiator grille, exterior mirrors and windscreen moulding
* power windows
* power mirrors
* power door locks
* tachometer and digital clock
* high-grade seat trim and door trim inserts
* floor carpet
* lockable glovebox
* headlamps-on reminder
* door-ajar warning lamp
* laminated windscreen with green top shade
* remote fuel-lid opener
* front mudflaps and
* cigarette lighter illumination.

TRACTION CONTROL FOR HIGH-GRADE 4X4s

Toyota's new top-of-the-range LandCruiser and LandCruiser Prado wagons have increased off-road active safety.

Four-wheel-drive traction control (4WD-TRC) is standard equipment on new LandCruiser GXV, LandCruiser Prado VX and LandCruiser Prado Grande.

The new 4WD-TRC is Toyota's first traction control system for production 4x4 vehicles in Australia.

It has dedicated strategies for on-road and low-range off-road conditions.

The concept is to provide stability in on-road (H4 - high range) applications and maximum traction for rugged off-road driving.

In addition to increased active safety, the Toyota 4WD-TRC system is a significant driving aid should the vehicle become stuck in mud.

System Operation: Toyota's 4WD-TRC system controls the rotation speed of each wheel independently (using the brake system if required), to provide improved off-road capability and acceleration on slippery surfaces.

For example, if diagonally opposite wheels lose traction, 4WD-TRC will apply the brakes to these wheels.

Driving force will be transmitted to the other wheels via the vehicle's differentials - allowing the vehicle to continue moving.

The system does not require differential locks, so in extreme 4WD conditions the vehicle can still be steered around a corner or clear of an obstacle.

(A locked front differential dramatically reduces steering ability.)

The 4WD-TRC operates using much of the ABS hardware and software.

On LandCruiser GXV, it uses the electronic throttle to control engine power if required.

On LandCruiser Prado V6, the system includes a secondary butterfly in the throttle body.

On-Road Traction:
When the vehicle is in H4 range, Toyota's 4WD-TRC system operates like the traction control system in a rear-drive passenger car.

The H4 philosophy is to prevent the rear end of the vehicle stepping out.

The 4WD-TRC therefore offers improved driving feel and active safety when the vehicle is on two surfaces with different traction levels, a low-traction surface (such as a gravel road) or in general driving.

The system's target wheel speed in H4 range is the average speed of the four wheels.

It allows a small degree of acceleration slippage, for optimum traction.

Any application of the brakes to reduce wheel speed is relatively gentle.

Off-Road Traction:

Toyota's 4WD-TRC provides maximum engine braking for off-road descents, to ensure individual wheels do not lock/stop.

A locked wheel can cause the vehicle to accelerate and/or slide out of control.

The target wheel speed in L4 range is the slowest possible speed.

The 4WD-TRC L4 system also provides traction and controllability for driving through or out of extremely slippery conditions, such as mud.

The system operates in forward or reverse gear, to provide added safety whether driving forward or reversing down a hill.

There is a target control speed when the transmission is in L4 first gear, for extremely steep descents. Driver Warning: Toyota's 4WD-TRC has a dashboard indicator lamp, which flashes when the traction control is in operation.

There is a warning buzzer to alert the driver if the temperature of the ABS actuator rises excessively due to prolonged 4WD-TRC operation.

VEHICLE SWERVE CONTROL FOR LANDCRUISER GXV

Toyota's new flagship LandCruiser GXV has vehicle swerve control (VSC) as standard equipment.

Toyota developed vehicle swerve control (VSC) to increase active safety.

VSC provides optimal traction in cornering, to complement the way in which ABS provides optimal traction and stability under braking.

Traction control also provides optimal traction under acceleration.

It dampens strong understeer or oversteer, to ensure vehicle stability.

The VSC system includes a new electronic control unit, which controls VSC, ABS and LandCruiser GXV's new 4WD traction control (4WD-TRC). VSC utilises much of the existing ABS and electronic throttle hardware and software.

The sensors used in the VSC system include wheel speed sensors for all four wheels, a throttle position sensor, a bi-directional deceleration sensor, steering wheel angle sensor and Yaw-rate sensor.

The wheel speed sensors provide information regarding vehicle speed, while the steering wheel sensor determines the amount of steering wheel input at any given time.

The bi-directional acceleration sensor detects the vehicle's lateral and longitudinal acceleration and the yaw sensor detects angular velocity of the vehicle's rotation around the perpendicular axis.

The VSC system can identify an understeer or oversteer situation by analysing the vehicle's rate of yaw, which is a factor of the steering wheel angle and vehicle speed.

By analysing the actual vehicle speed and steering wheel input, the computer can identify the appropriate curve or line the vehicle should be travelling along, which is called the target yaw rate.

The yaw and deceleration G-sensors on the other hand analyse the actual yaw rate or line of travel.

And if the actual yaw rate is different to the target rate, the VSC's ECU recognises a potential understeer or oversteer situation.

If the car is understeering (loss of front wheel grip), the VSC reduces throttle opening, to reduce engine output.

It also applies the rear brakes in varying degrees.

If the VSC system detects an oversteer situation (loss of rear-wheel grip), it throttles back the engine and applies the brake on the outside front wheel.

It also applies a small braking force to the other wheels.

VSC assumes priority over ABS and 4WD-TRC.

A beeping noise is heard in the cabin when the VSC is activated.

The VSC switches off when the centre differential is locked, to provide full drive in off-road four-wheel drive situations.

It has a fail-safe "off" function to ensure the vehicle can be still be driven in the unlikely event of a system problem.

Toyota designed vehicle swerve control as a driver's aid.

VSC works most dramatically in snow and on unsealed roads, but will also work on sealed roads.

It is definitely not intended as a cure-all for reckless driving.

LOCAL VSC TESTING VITAL TO SUCCESS

Australian testing was vital to the introduction of Toyota's new four-wheel drive vehicle swerve control (VSC) system.

The 4WD VSC has a similar operational strategy to the system offered on Lexus passenger cars.

It has been configured and extensively tested to operate with constant four-wheel drive.

The local test program included on-road testing and computer simulation for a number of load conditions including towing.

Key changes for four-wheel drive operation included a centre diff lock "OFF" inter-lock.

Locking the centre differential cancels the VSC, which requires variable front/rear drive split.

The Toyota VSC has everyday applications as well as suitability for more extreme conditions such as mud, ice and snow.

It widens the vehicle's potential field of operations - without the need for differential locks.

For example, the addition of VSC and 4WD-TRC to LandCruiser GXV negates the need to fit chains for mild snow conditions, even though you may still be required, by law, to carry them.

LANDCRUISER GXV HAS BRAKE ASSIST

Toyota has increased primary safety on its flagship LandCruiser model by adopting a brake assist system.

Toyota Brake Assist is standard equipment on new LandCruiser GXV.

It is designed to assist the driver in an emergency braking situation - where the driver cannot apply the high pedal force required to obtain the shortest possible braking distance.

Brake Assist interprets a quick, hard push of the brake pedal as emergency braking and supplements the braking power applied if the driver has not pushed hard enough on the brake pedal.

The Toyota system measures the speed and the force with which the pedal is pushed to determine whether the driver is attempting to brake rapidly.

The system then applies additional hydraulic pressure, to maximise braking performance.

The timing and degree of braking assistance are designed to ensure the driver does not discern anything unusual in the braking operation.

The system reduces the amount of assistance it provides when the driver intentionally eases the pressure on the pedal.

In this way, Brake Assist allows the driver to modulate braking forces.

The Toyota system means the driver can tailor the duration and severity of hard braking to suit the demands of sports driving or a potential accident situation.

The upgraded LandCruiser GXV also has a range of additional features, including vehicle swerve control (VSC), electronic brake distribution (EBD) and 4WD traction control (4WD-TRC).

VSC FOR FLAGSHIP LANDCRUISER

Flagship LandCruiser GXV is the first Toyota in Australia with vehicle swerve control (VSC) .

Toyota has significantly upgraded active safety equipment on its Quad Cam V8 4WD wagon.

The new LandCruiser GXV has vehicle swerve control (VSC), 4WD traction control (4WD-TRC), brake assist and ABS with electronic force brake distribution (EBD).

Toyota's VSC provides optimal traction in cornering, complementing the way in which ABS anti-skid brakes maximise traction and stability under braking.

It also dampens strong understeer or oversteer, assisting stability in cornering.

Four-wheel-drive traction control helps provide optimum traction under acceleration.

Brake Assist is designed to assist the driver in an emergency braking situation where the driver cannot apply the high pedal force required to obtain the shortest possible braking distance.

LandCruiser GXV's new brake system has ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBD).

EBD is a sophisticated electronic replacement for the brake system's load-sensing, proportioning and by-pass valve.

The EBD control uses the ABS control unit to achieve a more ideal brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels, according to road conditions (available traction) and vehicle load.

It allows front and rear braking force to more closely match the ideal curve under all vehicle load conditions.

Toyota also adopted 4WD-TRC (four wheel drive traction control) on LandCruiser GXV.

The electronically controlled 4WD-TRC system supersedes the need for a rear differential lock on GXV.

It provides added safety in off-road 4WD conditions, particularly hill climbs and descents.

In a conventional vehicle, if a tyre slips (spins) while the vehicle is being driven on a snow-covered road or off-road, the differential gear causes a large amount of torque to be applied to the wheel that is slipping.

The 4WD-TRC system helps restrain potential wheel slippage by controlling the engine's power output and by applying brake pressure to the wheel that has broken traction.

It also distributes the driving force, which would have been lost through the wheel slippage, to the remaining wheels.

This redistribution of driving force achieves a similar effect to a differential lock.

Toyota's 4WD-TRC system can independently control brake pressure to the four wheels according to the extent of slippage detected by the ABS system's four wheel-speed sensors.

Additional features on the new LandCruiser GXV include dual auto air conditioning, with separate controls for second-row seat passengers, overhead rear cool air vents and rear hot-air vents at floor level.

The new system allows occupants to climate control their zone within the vehicle.

Toyota has also specified front foglamps on the new LandCruiser GXV.

UPGRADED PRADO IS SAFER

Toyota this year launched a new, more comfortable LandCruiser Prado range.

Improvements in upgraded Prado increase its convenience and safety in city, highway and 4x4 driving.

The new-look LandCruiser Prado is certified to Australian Design Rule 69 on frontal occupant protection, which will be compulsory for all off-road passenger vehicles from January 2000.

Key comfort and convenience improvements for new Prado include the adoption of a 60:40 split fold second-row seat with three head restraints.

To improve comfort the new second-row seat has a 40mm increase in cushion length.

The Prado's 60:40 split fold second-row seat with the kerb side 40 percent seat split improves access to the third-row seat.

The new arrangement allows for third-row seat access while a child seat/baby capsule is in place in the second-row seat.

Toyota has made fitment of child seat/baby capsules more convenient by providing three child restraint anchorage points for the second-row seat.

Prado owners can now carry three small children in the second-row seat and still have a large luggage area.

Toyota offers the eight-seat LandCruiser Prado with the choice of two engines and four equipment levels.

The engines are a 2.7 litre EFI-equipped Twin Cam Multi-valve four-cylinder engine with balance shafts and a Quad Cam Multi-valve 3.4 litre V6.

Prado's model grades are: RV, volume-selling GXL, VX and Grande.

The full eight-model line-up is:
* RV four-cylinder manual and automatic
* RV Quad Cam V6 manual and automatic
* GXL V6 manual and automatic
* VX V6 automatic and
* Grande V6 automatic.

Exterior changes introduced this year included three new paint colours, a new and deeper front bumper with wider openings, and new radiator grilles which increase grade differentiation.

The new colours are Simpson Red, Pacific Blue and Storm Grey.

Prado RV and GXL have retained a vertical black grille, with minor changes while the Grande and VX models have a horizontal-bar chrome grille.

Prado GXL, VX and Grande have front foglamps as standard equipment. VX and Grande have an attractive new three-spoke alloy wheel design. Prado's exterior changes at the rear include new clear combination lamp lenses and a black-on-white rear name badge. All Prado models have a new, stylish, easier-to-read three-dial instrument layout with electronic odometer, new seat material and improved door trims.

Prado GXL, VX and Grande models have a more integrated and contoured door grip handle. The luxury grade VX and Grande's additional features are six-speaker audio, increased use of woodgrain-look (with a change in pattern and colours) and illuminated vanity mirrors.

The new six-speaker audio system has tweeters mounted on the dashboard, for improved high-range reproduction. Oak interior trim is now optionally available on VX model.

TOYOTA EXPANDS HIACE SBV RANGE

Toyota has expanded its HiAce range to include a long-wheelbase version of its acclaimed walk-through HiAce semi-bonneted van (SBV).

Introduction of the new vehicle expands the HiAce range to 12 forward control and two SBV models.

The new HiAce SBV LWB has a payload of 1341 kilograms and a cargo-room length of three metres at floor level.

Barn-type (swing-out) rear doors have been adopted on all HiAce SBV models to allow for forklift rear loading.

The easy-to-use rear doors allow for 180-degree opening and have a detent at 90 degrees.

The doors have an interior door lock/handle for added convenience when entering or exiting the cargo area from the front seats.

Toyota has also made improvements to HiAce SBV's seat comfort, safety, cabin storage space, exterior colours, ride, handling and steering.

Toyota SBV's 2.4 litre EFI-equipped engine has been retuned to achieve improved driveability.

It has 200Nm of torque and is matched to a five-speed manual transmission for optimum gradability and towing performance.

Toyota has improved driver comfort by adopting a four-way driver's seat cushion height adjustment, increasing cushion length by 20mm to 490mm, and enhancing the ride comfort and holding performance of the seat.

Passenger-seat comfort has also been reinforced by changing the profile of the front edge of the seat and introducing a softer seat back.

Toyota has improved HiAce SBV's occupant comfort and active safety with new front spring and front damper rates, a new ball joint-type front stabiliser bar link to improve roll control during cornering, and an increase in rear suspension travel by 22mm.

The new SBV has significantly improved ride when lightly loaded, reduced pitch when laden to near maximum payload and improved steering.

Toyota has improved HiAce SBV passive safety by extending the height of the head restraints. Storage space and useability has been enhanced with the introduction of a dual cup holder, a mesh-type driver's seat-back pocket and an overhead tray capable of storing small documents, pens and spectacles.

Development of the new LWB model sees the wheelbase increased by 445mm to 3430mm and GVM increased to 2950kg - providing a 100kg increase in payload.

Effective payload length at seat level in HiAce SBV LWB is longer than the forward-control HiAce, because SBV's engine is located ahead of the driver's seat.

Load space between the wheel arches is 1225mm. Toyota offers HiAce SBV in a range of six exterior colours, including the two new colours Magnetic Silver and Silver Metallic.

HILUX SPECIFICATIONS

Toyota Technology Press Kit
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