Blasting away the previous speed record for the fastest SUV in the world, Toyota Land Speed Cruiser hit 230mph with ease and made its way to the record books. The record-breaking lap was completed on a 2.5-mile runway in California’s Mojave Air and Space Port and the Land Speed Cruiser by Toyota raced through the track to prove itself worthy of the title “the fastest SUV in the world.”
Also read: 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser – The World’s Fastest SUV Revealed
Which SUV held the Previous Record for Fastest SUV in the World?
Toyota’s Land Speed Cruiser, which is a faster version of the regular Land Cruiser, left everyone shell-shocked when it broke the speed barrier of 211mph, previously set by Brabus Bi-Turbo V12 GLK. Brabus Bi-Turbo V12 GLK, however, had hit the 211mph speed with its production version while the Toyota Land Speed Cruiser was a highly modified version of its production model.
How Did the Toyota Land Speed Cruiser Manage to Break the Speed Record?
The Toyota Land Speed Cruiser was launched in 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Toyota introduced it as the first ever SUV in the world with as much as 2,000hp. Even with such amazing power attributes, no one could have imagined that it could break the world record for the “fastest SUV in the world” as horsepower is not the only factor that can help such a large SUV to reach such an astonishing speed.
Now as we know that the Land Cruiser has actually made it real and the world record for the fastest SUV is now with this fast-machine by Toyota, it’s time to explore what specs, features and modifications were brought into use while constructing this beast of an SUV.
The Major Adjustments
According to Toyota, a number of adjustments were made to the Land Speed Cruiser in order to enhance its performance and take its speed and power to an enthralling new level. Many adjustments were made to improve smoothness in gear shifts and acceleration, while the stability of the SUV was also fine-tuned to make sure that it could keep its balance at such extreme speeds.
Design and Performance Modifications
Toyota Land Cruiser was turned into a beast with the help of some significant design and performance modifications. The geometry of the suspension was improved by tapering and tuning the frame of the vehicle which also helped in housing the high-quality Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres.
The front fascia of the SUV was also lowered in order to minimize wind resistance, thus improving the overall aerodynamics of the SUV. Along with all these attributes, the most highlighting factor that actually made it possible for Land Speed Cruiser to blast away the speed record was its colossal engine that produced a massive 2000 horsepower.
The V8 5.7-Litre engine received a significant power boost with two volleyball sized turbochargers, advanced pistons, rods and a transmission that was customized for racing. These incredible modifications made the Land Speed Cruiser achieve an unparalleled performance which turned out to be sufficient for breaking the speed record for the fastest SUV in the world.
Who Drove the Toyota’s Beast that Broke the Speed Record?
Toyota needed an expert driver to first handle its beast of an SUV and then to hit the extreme speeds in order to break the record. For this, Toyota chose its very own former famous NASCAR driver Carl Edwards. Already famous for having driven some of the most insane Ford and Toyota vehicles throughout his career as a NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards had his work cut out when he was given the task of breaking the speed record for the fastest SUV with a Toyota Land Speed Cruiser and he did it by registering 230mph on the speed meter.
SUVs are not meant for racing but are in fact categorized as large and sturdy vehicles designed to deliver consistent performance through toughest of terrains. This is why, whenever a speed record is associated with a giant vehicle like an SUV, it raises the levels of thrill and excitement among the car and SUV enthusiasts even more.
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