Archive for December, 2015
Private Fleet Car Review: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser GXL diesel V8.
Every now and then, a legend comes along. That legend may be a film, a person, a car. In this case, A Wheel Thing went one on one with the four wheel drive legend, the 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser LC 200. It really is the kind of car that will, in normal off road situations, be able to do more than what most normal drivers are able to do. This particular press car came fitted with the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, KDSS, of which more information can be found here:Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System
There’s certainly no lack of oomph, with a 200kW diesel V8, thanks to revised injectors and engine mapping, compared to the previous iteration, with torque still a Superman twisting 650Nm. No, it’s not quick off the line, not is it indecently slow. It’s more a load lugger, a crawler, especially with the four wheel drive system engaged in low range. There’s no two wheel drive setting either, stamping the GXL V8 as a dedicated 4WD.
On road it’s not as blunt edged as expected; it’s certainly no ballet dancer but there’s more finesse than one would think in the ride and handling departments. The steering is lighter than anticipated on tarmac, yet shows signs of old school toughness in some off road sections.
As expected, under brakes, the big boofa takes a bit of distance to haul up, but is sure-footed and confident in doing so, with a measurable amount of dive when stamped hard. Off road braking is nicely calibrated, with the drive system working smartly to pull down the near three tonne (2740 kg dry!) mass.
There’s a muted but familiar V8 burble from the exhaust, a subdued chatter from the front under a light foot, a deep inhalation and an impression of implacable confidence when pressed hard. There’s certainly no doubt that this is a driver’s car, as in it might be a smooth shifting six speed auto, but a driver needs to be in control and aware 110% of the time.
Economy for a large engine and a large car (4990 x 1980 x 1945 mm ) with a weight of three tonnes (with passenger) was surprisingly frugal, at around 10.9L of the good stuff consumed per 100 kilometres.
On A Wheel Thing’s test track in Faulconbridge, in the lower Blue Mountains, the choice of fitting the KDSS was an inspired one, with both the varying surfaces (mud, gravel, granite outcrops) providing an ideal mix to test. Throw in some rocky and sandy slopes, some judicious throttle usage (and knowing there’s more electrical backup in the form of Hill Descent Control, for example), the Land Cruiser easily exhibited more ability than most drivers would require.
On one particular slope, the view from the cabin, and eyeballed by a walk, gave the impression that it would be a tricky one to try for a comparitively inexperienced off roader. But, simultaneously, ideal for the kinetic suspension. Low range and centre diff lock were engaged, a gentle prod of the go pedal and a minute later all aboard were wondering what the fuss was about. Yes, there was body roll and some moments where a dry cleaner may have been needed but the ‘Cruiser is more than adept in this kind of country.
It’s clear, when you step up and inside, that Toyota feels the GXL will be driven and used by people that don’t need certain fripperies. There’s no steering wheel mounted controls for audio, a basically trimmed interior, sensible rubber floor mats, a functional infotainment touchscreen, typically good ergonomic but no hint of luxury. The only apparent concession was the addition of a Reverse Parking camera. The dash itself is clean and simple, plus has extra information such as battery charge level whilst aircon controls are oldschool “Press Me, I’m a button” with clearly readable markings.
As you’d expect from a behemoth like a Land Cruiser, there’s plenty of room inside for five adults, complete with rear passenger air vents and two extra folding seats. They’re comfortable enough and supportive enough on and off road to not leave a passenger wanting for more. 
Plastics are are good quality but it’s a functional interior, intended to be hosed out every now and then, one suspects.
The exterior of the LC200 has been given a mild freshen up. The tail light covers have been subtly redone, but it’s the front that’s raised an eyebrow. The design team have extended, horizontally, the chrome from the grille, through the headlights, with the front now looking uncannily like Ford’s new Ranger and Everest. LED driving lights add to the resemblance. The front bumper, guards and bonnet (noticeable for the twin ridges now) have also been updated.
The Wrap.
The Land Cruiser LC200 GXL V8 diesel has more brawn than a chain gang, more subtle on road menace than an angry bull, enough off road ability to make a mountain goat weep and enough lack of luxury to satisfy any cocky that just wants a car to do the job. At around 90K, it’s not cheap and compared to something like a Q7, XC90 and suchlike, lacks the perceived value those cars offer.
But they’re HIGHLY unlikely to come close to being used for what the ‘Cruiser can deliver and that’s the crucial difference to the bloke in the bush or the company in the Outback that needs a solidly built, mud mauling, no bullshit off roader. The Land Cruiser’s heritage has it standing tall for its legions of followers.
Although there’s been price rises across the range, in the order of a couple to a few thousand, this model comes in at around $89600 driveaway. Given that this particular specification level isn’t aimed at the finger lifting, latte sipping, dahling set, but good, solid, dependable farmers and such like, it’s a performance bargain, especially with that suspension system. No, not performance as in how quick down a quarter mile but how it’ll clamber up hill and down dale with more ability than a normal driver needs. Naturally you’ll get Toyota’s three year/one hundred thousand kilometre warranty as well, check with your local dealer in regards to servicing costs.
Toyota Land Cruiser GXL. Big diesel V8. Big car. Big winner.
For A Wheel Thing TV’s video review, click here: 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser GXL V8 diesel
For details on the Land Cruiser: 2016 Land Cruiser range
Private Fleet Car Review: 2016 Tesla Model S P90D
What a stupendous car. A Wheel Thing could almost leave the review at that, except there are a couple of things…
Earlier in 2015, A Wheel Thing had the opportunity to spend a few hours in the Model S Tesla. Late November, an email from Heath Walker initially offered a two night stay, which became a weekend.
Friday morning, a brief with Will at Tesla’s St Leonard’s, Sydney, HQ, before being set free with the dual motored P90D, complete with V7 software, which included Tesla’s much touted “Ludicrous” mode.
Suffice to say that the claimed zero to one hundred kmh time of three seconds is truly achievable, as are speeds that will leave many, many, many cars in its wake.
But, in order to drive such a car, you need those batteries charged. Tesla supply buyers of their vehicles with a home supercharger unit, or there’s a charger that is household ten amp compatible.
A sidenote: driving a Tesla of this capacity (no pun intended), is akin to driving a V8 engined car. The harder it’s driven, the quicker the “tank” will empty. Tesla say their Model S cars can achieve something like 500 klicks from full charge. A Wheel Thing saw nothing that would raise any doubts about that figure, under normal driving circumstances. Punted enthusiastically, expect that range to drop quickly.
The car itself is quite secure: the driver needs the keyfob in order to access the P90D, as a presence sensor reads the fun and slides out four door handles, which are buried into the doors. Walk away from the car and they will slide back in shortly after.
On one occasion, the key was left inside the car and the doors had locked. This is where, for A Wheel Thing, that this became a security issue; one, for the fact the car locked up and, two, for the fact the car read my presence upon approach and unlocked. Sure, the car couldn’t tell who it was that had approached, however it left the car open to anybody approaching it and gaining access. Thankfully this was at home and in the driveway.
As you’d expect, the Tesla is packed full of technology, operated via a seventeen inch touchscreen, located centrally in the dash console. There’s an AM/FM/app audio system (no digital tuner in Aussie spec cars, oddly), access to web based applications via the built in 3G mobile sum, which begs the question of why not the latest 4G spec? The driver is greeted by a LCD screen, with push and hold buttons on the steering wheel spokes to customise the look they can see.
Navigation is via Google Maps, there’s suspension adjustment, a built in update information manual, describing the V7 update, charging and drive options including the aforementioned “Ludicrous” mode (which also flashes a warp starfield on the screen). This is a tongue in cheek nod, apparently, to the cult classic Mel Brooks film, Spaceballs.
V7 also brings parking assistance and, crucially, autonomous driving. Cameras and radar combine with the cruise control to track the car’s progress on the road, reading both the traffic ahead and roadside line markings. There’s also a form of AI on board, helping the car learn a route and lessening the time required for the car to drive itself. A grey steering wheel icon appears on the dash display and turns blue when the onboard system feels all is OK to go autonomous.
There’s no Start/Stop button; once you’ve entered the car, it’s on. There’s a lever on the right hand side of the steering column which is moved to access Reverse and Drive, with Park a button on the end.
Once Drive is selected, it’s simple, press the go pedal and enjoy the serenity.
There’s a hint of whine from the twin powerplants, wind noise at speed…otherwise, nothing.
It’s a truly unique experience, being able to harness the full might of the 90 kilowatt-hour engines, with that robotic whine and that never ending wave of acceleration, coupled with the surefooted handling and three mode steering. Massive 21 inch diameter wheels and licorice thin rubber grip and grip hard but don’t detract from the ride quality. The brakes are superb and add to the range with adjustable regeneration of kinetic energy back into the system.
The touchscreen also provides access to the charge port, sunroof (steplessly adjustable) and the front trunk or “frunk” as it’s called stateside. Integration is one thing but sometimes a simple button, such as that provided for the glove box, would be easier.
Although the Model S body is big, at five metres in length, a full two metres in width and providing enough room for a full five seated configuration, plus a huge boot thanks to the battery pack being the floor, it never feels heavy, unwieldy. Rather, it’s nimble, responsive, belying the two tonnes plus weight.
The Wrap
Although the purchase price might seem excessive to some, a buyer gets a large, roomy, car, with eye watering performance. It’s not perfect, perhaps being over technologied for some simple things, but what it promises and embodies is one of two potential options for the automotive industry, the other being fuel cell powered cars.
It’s also quick; insanely, devastatingly, pants wettingly quick. Overtaking is a blink, acceleration a thought, and hauling in the mass a sneeze. But, is there really a need for everything to be buried in sub menus? Is there something wrong with the plain and simple, the humble button?
Is it worth the money, for Australia? A Wheel Thing says yes. For info on this truly astonishing vehicle, click here: Tesla Cars Australia
Dunny Doors, Beemers, Pugs And Fezzas
The conversation didn’t go quite like this:
“Oh, is that black BMW yours? I didn’t recognize it at first and thought it was my brother’s Subaru. Is it new? I thought the only one of us with a BMW was Annie.”
“Annie doesn’t have a BMW. That’s her daughter’s car. Annie’s got the Mercedes-Benz.”
“How long have you had the BMW?”
“Actually, it’s my husband’s little baby. I usually use the little Peugeot – it doesn’t use as much petrol.”
“Still a European car, though!”
The conversation actually went like this:
“Oh, is that black beemer yours? I didn’t recognize it at first and thought it was my brother’s Subie. Is it new? I thought the only one of us with a beemer was Annie.”
“Annie doesn’t have a beemer. That’s her daughter’s car. Annie’s got the Murk.”
“How long have you had the beemer?”
“Actually, it’s my husband’s little baby. I usually use the little Pug – it doesn’t use as much juice.”
“Still a European car, though!”
They say that Australians are notorious for giving nicknames to everything up to and including God Almighty (Well, who do you think the Hughie is in in the traditional “Send her down, Hughie!” response to a shower of rain on an Outback farm?). So it’s not all that surprising that we nickname our cars as well. Here, I’m not talking about the nicknames for the individual cars (that’s been covered in another post ) Instead, I’m talking about nicknames for entire marks.
This is a ute. Not a pickup. Not a truck. Ute. Got it?
The most widespread nickname for a type of car is one that we use so often that we don’t realise that it’s a nickname: ute . This is short for “utility vehicle”, known to drivers outside the Antipodes as a pickup truck or just a pickup. Mention utes to an outsider and you’ll get a blank look that often puzzles you. It’s as if that foreigner doesn’t know a basic English word like “banana”.
Of course it doesn’t stop there. Everything from a high-end Lambo to a humble Dunny Door gets a nickname. There are no rules. Except the possible rule that the more upmarket the car, the more likely it is to get a nickname.
For the benefit of those who are new to Aussie roads, here is a quick glossary so you can make sense of what your co-workers are talking about when one of them starts to skite (brag) about their new wheels (car).
Beemer (also spelled Bimmer by those with a broader accent): BMW
Bomb-a-Door: Holden Commodore
Bug: VW Beetle (OK, this nickname is international, like the Beetle itself.)
Commode: Holden Commodore (you might actually start to think that Holdens are rather common over here for some reason!)
Disco: Landrover Discovery
Dunny Door: Holden Commodore. (I see that brow crinkling in bewilderment Do I need to explain what a dunny is? Apparently, I do. It’s a toilet, especially one that lives in its own little shed.)
Evo: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Fezza: Ferrarri
Fridge: Any large white van.
Henry: Ford (as in Henry Ford)
Lambo: Lamborghini
Landy: Land Rover
Lanky: Toyota Landcruiser
Murk: Mercedes-Benz
Pug: Peugeot
Rex: Subaru WRX
Roller: Rolls-Royce
Scoobie: Subaru
Subie: Subaru
Veedub: VW
Other nicknames have slightly less currency. They also don’t need much explanation, as most of them are wry variations on recognizable names, such as Ford Exploder or Fungus for Ford Explorer and Focus respectively. Anyone can make these up whenever the like. The rule here is that you have to take the name and turn it into something derogatory, so the Mitsubishi Sigma you’re actually quite fond of becomes a Bits-are-missing Stigma.
It’s the way we show affection without sounding like a bunch of wusses, after all.
If I’ve missed any of the good ones that you’ve heard – either in Australia or overseas – let us know.
Catch ya later and stay out of dings,
Megz
Level 2, 9 Help Street