The Land Cruiser has been regarded as one of the most iconic Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for over 60 years now. Its legendary reputation is seen in how it can tackle uncharted terrain with aplomb. As of late, this is matched with being one of the most luxurious rides on the planet. Now, it is touted to be the fastest SUV out there.
Yes, that’s right, the fastest SUV. Toyota’s Motorsports Technical Center recently got its hands on the cool Toyota Land Speed Cruiser, that was launched at last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA show in Las Vegas. The boys then got down to work and set out to break records with a few mods that made the stock LC way cooler.
These modifications included massaging the stock 5.7-liter V8 motor with sturdier pistons and rods, a custom intake manifold, and a pair of Garrett turbochargers that produce as much as 55 psi of boost pressure. The result is a whopping 2,000hp! To cope with all that juice, the suspension was tweaked and the vehicle lowered by some 3 inches—aiding in aerodynamics. The final touch was a wider seto of Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber.
To help put its money where its mouth is, former Toyota NASCAR driver Carl Edwards and the team took the Toyota Land Speed Cruiser out to the Mojave Air and Space Port in Mojave, California. Its longish two and a half mile runaway was the best and safest place to see just how fast the Cruiser will go. After a “warm up” run of 198mph, Edwards was able to do a 211mph sprint—until he ran out of road.
Fast, right? Apparently, not fast enough for the team. So after more checks and a boost increase, they finally did the ultimate run at a jaw-dropping 230mph!
If that isn’t fast, we don’t know what is?
