The refreshed Land Cruiser gets revised styling inside and out; gets added safety technology.

Toyota has unveiled the facelifted Land Cruiser 200 in Japan. The premium luxury SUV gets styling updates to the exterior and interior along with a host of safety features offered as standard across the model range.

At the front, the Land Cruiser facelift gets a large three-bar chrome grille with chrome surround which extends under the headlamps. The headlamps are new LED units while the bumper has been restyled and the fog lamp housing gets chrome inserts. The bonnet has also been redesigned and features dual power bulges, further accentuating the SUV's muscular look. At the rear, the new tail-lamps are joined by a bar of chrome that comes emblazoned with the 'Land Cruiser' name.

Inside, the dashboard and centre console have been revised. The refreshed Land Cruiser gets a new instrument cluster with a larger multi-information display, and the centre console is dominated by
a larger infotainment screen flanked by large air con vents with chrome surround. The control surfaces along the centre console have also been revised, and the steering wheel is also new. The third row gets a centre headrest to accommodate an additional passenger.

The facelifted Land Cruiser also gets a list of safety features. Part of a package known as Toyota Sense P, the new safety features are standard across the model range. Some of the most notable safety technologies available on the Land Cruiser facelift include:

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

The system uses radar and a camera to detect pedestrians and vehicles and alert the driver via audio and visual alerts, in case of a possible impact. The system also features autonomous braking that automatically applies the brakes in case of an imminent impact, from speeds between 10kph and 80kph for pedestrians and 10kph and the vehicle’s top speed in case of other vehicles.

Radar Cruise control

The system uses the radar and a front-facing camera to monitor the traffic around the vehicle and alter the speed of the SUV as per the speed of the vehicle in front.

Lane Departure Alert

The front-facing camera scans for lane markings and alerts the driver if the vehicle deviates from the intended lane.

Automatic High Beam

This technology uses the front camera to scan for approaching headlamps and the tail-lamps of the vehicles in front to switch between high and low beams.

Other safety features offered on the Land Cruiser facelift are: Blind Spot Monitor through the use of radar, Rear Cross Traffic Alert system that makes the driver aware of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot while reversing, tire pressure monitoring and warning system on the multi-information display and automatic hazard light flashing during hard braking.

The refreshed Land Cruiser uses a 4.6-litre V8 petrol engine with power being channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

After the launch in Japan, Toyota is expected to expand the Land Cruiser's availability to other countries also.

Courtesy : Autocar

Lamborghini to reveal Veneno-like one-off supercar at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show

In a recent conference addressing the media, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann announced that they are working on a one-off supercar that will make its debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. This upcoming supercar from the Italian manufacturer will be a unique and will not see the production line like the other models from the Raging Bull brand. 

While details of the upcoming car are still hazy, rumours suggest it to be a hybrid. This ultra limited edition car will be made to compete against the likes of the Ferrari LaFerrari and Porsche 918 Spyder. While the official debut is scheduled for Geneva next year, some potential customers are expected to get a sneak peak of the car later this week. Now whether it's a preview of the car or just some rendering and pictures we can't say for sure. What we can say though is that when it is launched the car will demand a seven figure price tag.

While the launch of this new offering is still a few months away, on a more recent basis, Lamborghini revealed the Aventador SuperVeloce Roadster. Needless to say the cars has the typically Lamborghini razor sharp styling and with it an insanely powerful engine. Under the skin it sports a 6.5-litre V12 that makes an insane 750 horses and tips the scale at just a little over 1,500kg which makes it capable of doing the 0-100 dash in less than 3 seconds. Only 500 units of this car will be manufactured and deliveries of the car will start early next year.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

The Lexus SUV gets revised styling, added features and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Lexus has revealed the facelifted LX570 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. The refreshed SUV gets tweaks inside and out, added features and a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The revisions to the styling include a new single-piece spindle grille with chrome surround, revised front and rear bumpers, LED headlamps, reshaped LED fog lamps, new alloy wheels and new tail-lamps.

On the inside, the infotainment system has been upgraded to a 12.3-inch display. The instrument cluster now uses a larger 4.2-inch display and gets a panoramic view camera as standard. The facelifted LX570 also gets the addition of Drive Mode Select and the option of a heads-up display, LED ambient lighting, a wireless charger and a 11.6-inch display for the rear-seat entertainment system. Also offered as option now are heated and ventilated rear seats.

Mechanically, the 5.7-litre V8 is now mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox in place of the older six-speed automatic unit. The engine develops 384bhp and 55.68kgm of torque.

Courtesy : Autocar

Called Toyota Parts Connect, the facility allows customers to source genuine spare parts and accessories over the internet.

Toyota has announced the launch of its online portal called Toyota Parts Connect that aims to facilitate the distribution of genuine spare parts and accessories for all Toyota models. The facility is currently functional only in Bengaluru, but will expand its reach to other cities in the future.

Currently through Toyota Parts Connect, customers will get access to around 400 genuine spare parts such as brake pads, wiper blades, oil filters, etc along with a choice of around 30 accessories. The list is expected to grow to encompass more spare parts and accessories in the future. Customers will be able to source spare parts online and have them delivered to their nearest Toyota service centre. Certain spares will be offered with instruction manuals as well.

Commenting on the announcement, Shekar Viswanathan, Vice Chairman and Director said, “We are very keen to spearhead this unique initiative of launching the digital platform for our customers, which is the first of its kind in the industry. This additional distribution channel reinforces our commitment towards being the leader in customer satisfaction and safety therefore enhancing our customer delight. In the first phase, customers across Bengaluru will now be able to shop for all their Toyota car and care needs with ease and convenience of the digital platform.  We will be expanding this to the other cities in due course.”

Customers can access these services at www.toyotapartsconnect.in. With this launch, the manufacturer intends to improve the current level of customer service as well as ensure easy access to genuine spare parts and accessories.

Courtesy : Autocar