Land Topic Hub

2020 Toyota Land Cruiser – Off-Road Test Review – By Matt Barnes

What can be said about the 200 series Land Cruiser that hasn’t already been said? It’s been around since 2008 and has only had a few meaningful changes since then. For 2020, there is an all new Heritage Edition that removes the rear seats and center armrest cooler and adds a roof rack, BBS forged wheels, and special badges. Other than that, little has changed from the 2019 model year. For our review, Toyota sent us a base model Land Cruiser for a week. Keep in mind the base model Land Cruiser starts at over $85,000 and there is only …

Jun 25, 2020 Read more

2018 Toyota Land Cruiser – Off-Road & Towing Review – By Matt Barnes

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a loyal global following, and for good reason. It is one of the most reliable, longest lasting vehicles in automotive history. Cruisers are lauded as the ultimate overlanding vehicle. There are many different variants sold throughout the world, but here in the United States, we get one model with one trim level, and only one available option package. Unless you account for the Lexus LX570, which offers a few more features and a more luxurious interior. To test the capability of the Land Cruiser, we decided to head into the desert hills to see what …

Feb 20, 2019 Read more

ECD Auto Design Shows New Defender 110 Azure Custom w/ Lux Upgrades + 430HP V8

This latest custom Defender 110 from ECD Automotive Design pushes alot of my buttons. First off, it is already completely finished, is in the USA, and has a huge list of mods and design tweaks. Most exciting is the engine swap to a GM crate LS3 making more than 400 ponies and sent to the wheels via a six-speed automatic. No word on pricing for this one-off but links below for more info! ECD Auto Design Defender 110 Azure ECD Automotive Design – Project Azure Specifications Model – Custom Defender 110 Engine – 6.2L LS3 V8 with 430 hp Transmission – 6-speed automatic Exhaust – Borla Performance …

Jan 31, 2019 Read more

Buying a car? Top tips for the best buying strategies

Buying a new car, whether it’s straight from the factory or something second-hand, is always going to be a large expense. With the right planning in place though, you could reduce your costs and make the process much easier on your wallet. There are some tried and tested strategies and tips when it comes to finding the bargain car of your dreams, and you don’t need to put in a lot of work either. Take a little extra time over your car purchase, and you could soon be on the open road with a little extra money in your pocket …

Aug 17, 2018 Read more

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCOVERY is Hottest Disco Since 54

In the flesh, the 2018 Land Rover Discovery has an unforgettably futuristic look. The design is incredibly stunning but is a challenge to capture in photos. Trust me. So when StarTech launches their bodykit and tuning mods, it takes a sexy truck even further into the future. Deep and chiseled new nose details and lower splitter, dark contrast hood and mirror caps and side sills make up the big changes up front. All is gloss black with not a touch of chrome to interrupt the look. Around back is where things go particularly bonkers: huge square pipes at each corner …

Sep 07, 2017 Read more

Own the 007 Spectre 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX!

A Defender pro-mod by Q himself! Or was this the villain car in that Alpine chase. Oh yes. Bond is actually driving a crashed plane at the time. This SVX machine will let its new owner be a Bond hero daily. 2014 Land Rover Defender SVX “Spectre”

Aug 17, 2017 Read more

2018 Land Rover DISCOVERY – Off-Road First Drive

When the truck that gets stuck — metal to rock — in front of you on an offroad course is a 2017 Raptor, you start to wonder if your truck will make it through the same obstacle. Except when it is a Land Rover? We found out just how incredible the 2018 Disco was offroad the other week. And documented the experience thoroughly! Not totally fair to call this a review of any sort. Seat time was less than an hour, while we never touched pavement. So these observations are nearly static impressions. But here goes. WOW! The most ultramodern …

Jul 26, 2017 Read more

2017 Toyota LAND CRUISER – HD Road Test Review + 3 Videos

Driving the incredible Land Cruiser for a week is a major dream-come-true for any car reviewer. So legendary! So rare! Practically speaking, Land Cruiser is also a test of skills to describe – and do this unique machine justice. But all the while? A huge grin on my face and a major thrill to accept this challenge. What makes Land Cruiser so special? For one, it sits proudly atop the Toyota hierarchy in terms of pricing. This is the most expensive Big T by far. Continuous production since 1951 is evidence of enduring appeal. And sure, Land Cruiser’s worldwide acclaim …

May 29, 2017 Read more

Best of NYIAS – 2017 Toyota FT-4X Concept

Welcome to Toyota getting hip with the kids! Since Scion was politely folded into the Big T proper, there are many products in the pipeline that still embody that wacky Scion spirit. The FT-4X is one of those, and looks set for arrival to showrooms within about a year at the most. This machine is a heavily redesigned and off-road-optimized version of the sexy new C-HR subcompact crossover. The FT-4X is far more than just a tall-roof variant. (Although that is its core nature). From a tread perspective, the FT-4X rides far higher, with grippier rubber and longer-travel suspension. Likely-standard …

Apr 12, 2017 Read more

Launch Gallery – 2017 Land Rover DISCOVERY

Ahhh-roooo-bahhh! Definitely lives up to its One Happy Island tagline. The hilly island is the perfect backdrop for the all-new Discovery. Just kidding! Many of these pics were labelled Aruba… but that is the name of the color. =] Photos from Utah. Aruba does have awsome cliffs and red rock… but much more ocean and flora all around. Our real clue was seeing snow in one of the photos. The 2017 Discovery arrives around April/May to US showrooms with pricing from $50k to $74k. Two engines: the supercharged gas six or a turbodiesel that adds about $8k to the base price. …

Feb 22, 2017 Read more

2017 Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet – Ragtop V12TT G-Wagen!?

HOLY ****! You are not going to believe the latest G-Class mutant from Mercedes-Maybach. It is dubbed the G650 Landauletand incorporates the hardcore suspension and chassis mods from the 4×4-squared, a monster V12TT powerplant… and an open-roofed limo cockpit! So much to take in. Soak up the official details and 25 photos of this incredibly fun new way to spend $750 large. Love it! 2017 Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet The new Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet: Strictly limited: open-air luxury both on- and off-road 13. February 2017 Stuttgart *Fuel consumption combined: 17.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined: 397 g/km Stuttgart. A …

Feb 12, 2017 Read more

Concept Debrief – 2007 Land Rover LRX

THe LRX today is kindof a non-event to view — simply because we are all so familiar with the production Range Rover EVOQUE’s design. They are dead ringers for one another. But in 2007 when this stunning design vision rolled onstage, it was unlike any green oval truck ever before. Simply magnificent in its chunky, low and sporty proportions…. the LRX also evolved the tech-intense appeal of the LR and RR brands. Monoblock surfacing all looks milled from solid billet steel — broken up only for ultra-slim and advanced LEDs and a blacked-out, low-roof glasshouse. The production Evoque would appear …

Feb 23, 2016 Read more

1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic with White FRP TOP

Not clear what kind of strange mood your snapper was in during the Mecum walkthrough. Whatever it was, we came home with some curious finds! This certainly fits the bill! Freshly restored to as-new condition outside, the truck looks stellar with its white details over shiny blue-black metallic paint. The cabin is a delightful throwback — also looking absolutely crisp and clean. 1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser RHD TURBO Automatic Mecum Auctions Lot S168.1 // Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1987 Toyota BJ-74 Land Cruiser Trans Automatic HIGHLIGHTS – From the Unique Collectibles Collection – Turbo Diesel engine – …

Jan 23, 2016 Read more

HD Road Test Review – 2016 Land Rover LR4 HSE Black Pack

Wheel time in the 2016 LR4 with its sexy new Black Package has turned my frown upside down. We really thought the car was outflanked in 2016 by the exploding market for seven seat crossovers, let alone the new three-row varieties of Range Rover Sport and Discovery Sport also in the American lineup. The LR4’s familiar silhouette hides an all-new — and SUPERB — standard powertrain, all-new LEDs all around and even the dripping-wet hotness of dark 20s and a full blackout of every exterior detail. All this is either new since 2015 or fresh for the new model …

Dec 21, 2015 Read more

Land Rover DEFENDER CHALLENGE Race Series Wraps Epic 2015 Season, Crowns Winner!

The Land Rover Defender might be concluding series production after more than 50 years, but its loyal following around the world is still burning bright. Nowhere more so than in rainy, chilly Britain! Land Rover enlisted the rally experts at Bowler Motorsport to launch an all-Defender rally series in the UK this year, with dozens of race teams bringing their semi-pro skills up to scratch with their race-prepped Bowler Defenders. The final stage sounds like it was a thrilling conclusion to a season full of adrenaline, sweaty helmets and wet race shoes. Crashes were common but typically bruised egos more …

Nov 24, 2015 Read more

2016 Land Rover LR4 Discovery Scores New Graphite and Landmark Editions

The Land Rover LR4 might look older than Madonna’s b00bs, but actually drives really nicely. Worth recalling is the air suspension and overall shared platform with the Range Rover Sport’s first-generation truck. The legacy looks do the LR4 Disco no favors moving into 2016, so these two new special editions for the UK are a great stopgap before the next-gen model arrives for the ~2018 modelyear. The Graphite package seems like the sexier, meaner look thanks to its evolved Black Pack detailing, special wheels, and unique trims all around. Landmark is also classy and fresh from the nose thanks to …

Nov 11, 2015 Read more

Brabus STARTECH Land Rover DISCO SPORT Meets Glam Squad

Brabus’s English-focused StarTech division is having a very busy month! At least a dozen reveals at the Frankfurt IAA include this sexy and chic new Discovery Sport. One might question the motives for balling-out the entry-level Landie, but that is not really the point. For those wanting some SVR panache with their mid-size seven-seater…. these mods certainly do the trick! Brabus STARTECH Land Rover Discovery Sport Land Rover Discovery Sport from 2015 exterior Aerodynamics STARTECH Front skirt attachment element STARTECH Front skirt attachment element, PUR R-RIM 980.00 € Prices ex works (DE-Bottrop) Article no.: LC-200-00 Aerodynamics STARTECH LED …

Sep 23, 2015 Read more

2016 Land Rover Discovery Sport DYNAMIC Makes Sexy Debut in Frankfurt

The Land Rover Discover Sport is not on US roads yet, but there is already a very sexy special edition for European shoppers: the new Dynamic package. An exterior sportification via body-color bumpers, body kit and special details… the makeover is very convincing — and helps the new Disco Sport share some of the curb appeal of its sexier RRS and Evoque siblings. The Disco Sport already wears a great deal of gloss black for its trims and grilles, but this Dynamic upgrade takes the lower bodywork to the same standard. Everywhere there was previously grey plastic, now there is …

Sep 19, 2015 Read more

2016 Toyota LAND CRUISER Sports Fresh Design and Big Tech Upgrades

Toyota’s loveable Land Cruiser is fresh for 2016 with a variety of cool updates to the style, performance and luxury inside! The Land Cruiser is all new from the A-pillars forward, with a much larger and truckier grille than the current model. The two-piece intake element now includes thick chrome bars extending into the headlamps. It is clearly a much more butch appearance all around, thanks to that grille and the new domed hood. The upper hood now wears a deep rounded edge between the engine cover and the fenders. A dip in the middle of the hood flows …

Aug 18, 2015 Read more

BRABUS STARTECH SIXTY8 Is Land Rover Defender 110 Sendoff Special

StarTech Refinement just revealed its honorary salute to the Land Rover Defender in its last year on the market: the SIXTY8 Defender 110. Offered as a five-seater or seven, the Sixty8 is a gorgeous upgrade of the 100 Station Wagon body style. A small turbodiesel is the only letdown in an otherwise very thorough upgrade package. The interior is absolutely stellar – a massive improvement. But the exterior is more subjective. This Sixty8 is based on the StarTech Series 3.1 styling, which runs a vertical grille in a retro flowing shape. It’s certainly distinctive, especially in contrast Santorini Black …

Jul 27, 2015 Read more

KAHN Design Works Magic on New 2015 Land Rover DISCOVERY SPORT

Before the all-new Disco Sport even arrives in the USA, the style gurus at KAHN Design have already worked their magic on the seven-seater inside and out! The cabin is possibly more impressive than the metal outside on this first tuner upgrade of the hotly-anticipated new Land Rover — with a full wrap in natty red alcantara for the touch points of steering wheel, door cards and dash console. A matching tomato-red leather refitting brings quality and panache to this cabin that the family-oriented factory truck can’t dream of matching. Outside, the tweaks for the KAHN Design Disco Sport are …

Jun 18, 2015 Read more

Geneva 2015 Galleries – The ENGLISH! McLaren, Jaguar, Land Rover, Aston Martin, Lotus and MINI

Geneva? Wasn’t that huge swarm of media intros and press conferences almost 10 days ago? Yes, yes it was. The Geneva Motor Show is currently open to the public and the Palexpo center is packed wall-to-wall with the world’s hottest exotica. Here is why we are revisiting this mega-show: there are 400 photos in our Geneva 2015 file folder that have not been published yet. Some of the cars are cool, some are curious, and some are normal economy hatchbacks. A dozen of the big reveals are in individual articles — viewable at the Geneva category page over here. But …

Mar 18, 2015 Read more

Jaguar Land Rover Reveals its 007 SPECTRE Cars: C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Defender Big Foot

The irony of Jaguar Land Rover partnering with the ultimate secret agent is deep. First off, the entire script of SPECTRE was stolen in the Sony hack in late 2014. Then, a garage full of Range Rovers was also pinched from a garage somewhere in Europe ahead of production. So … not exactly a secret that JLR would be a strong player in the next Bond film. But we had yet to get confirmation that the C-X75 would be the baddie’s car of choice, nor seen the RRS and Defenders that will be used alongside the Aston Martin DB10. Just …

Feb 09, 2015 Read more

Mecum Florida 2015 Favorites – Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser With Matching Trolley!

We’re back from some epic adventures last week, and eager to share the wealth of 3000-plus photos taken along the way. We counted at least four FJ40 Land Cruisers at the Mecum 2015 Auctions in Kissimmee Florida, but this sunkissed red example with knobby off-road tires and matching trailer stole our vote. It sold for $35,000. It is interesting to note that the new TRD Pro Tundra echoes this Toyota grille script almost exactly for 2015. Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

Jan 27, 2015 Read more

Land Rover Honors 2015 Defender Retirement with Trio of Special Editions

Heading back to the start 65 years ago, Land Rover has created a fantastic Earthen honor to its founding model: the Series I. The legend of this truck actually started in the sand. The salty ocean fringe medium was actually where the first engineering sketches were drawn. Long after the waves washed the shape away, the product of those ideas is now a global icon in off-roading. This brief video shows the latest Defender sand drawing on the English coast – as etched by three new 2015 special-editions in a 1-kilometer-wide shape. Among the new Heritage, Adventure …

Jan 07, 2015 Read more

KAHN Design Range Rover RS600 Is Private Haven in Snow White/Gloss Black

KAHN Design will make you turn-key stunner like this or help you upgrade your Rangie a la carte via Kahn wheels, grilles, trims and styling pieces over time. Either way, the results are definitely unique and striking. The level of vulgarity and hints of criminals behind the wheel goes up dramatically with any kind of matte or monochrome paintwork, so this white/black stunner is a great balance. Flashy and classy in all the right ways. There are widebody flares on this car, and totally unique front and rear bumpers as well. The design of these pieces is so well-integrated and …

Dec 17, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – Part Two – 2011 Land Rover DC100 Sport

PART TWO: The DC 100 Sport Let’s start this one off with a look back – at the Defender’s roots as the Land Rover Series I and later the Series II. Here is Winston Churchill with his. PREVIOUS In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble …

Nov 07, 2014 Read more

Concept Flashback – 2011 Land Rover DC100 in 5 Colors and 67 Photos

In Land Rover’s medium-term product plans, the lineup is broken apart into three main groups: Range Rovers, Discoveries and Defenders. Each will bloom into a sub-brand into its own right, as we have seen with the Range Rover, RRS and RR Evoque so far, and the current Discovery Sport replacement for the LR2 in 2015. This leaves the rough-and-tumble Defender family as the main unseen item in production form. The best idea of where Land Rover is heading is shown in the DC100 and DC100 Sport cabrio concepts from 2011. As image-builders, the Defenders at present are terrific at bringing …

Nov 07, 2014 Read more

2015 Land Rover Discover Sport Enters Production With Uniquely British Launch Art and Events

Giant flowing art installations in red and blue outside a brutal banking building in London? Check. Off-road course made in astroturf on a river barge up and down the Seine in Paris? Check. Collaboration with Virgin Galactic to shuttle passengers from Spaceport America out to their intergalactic spacecraft idling on the runways? Check. All good stuff to launch the Discovery Sport in style and with memorable flair. This seven-seat Discovery Sport is now in production for first UK customers before arriving in the US market in Spring 2015 as a 2016 model. Check out the details on the Nino Mustica …

Oct 17, 2014 Read more