Speed record

The Toyota Land Cruiser has surpassed the record of "World's Fastest SUV" and Cruiser, at the Mojave Air and Space Port in California. The four-wheel drive sport-utility vehicle travelled at a record speed of over 230 miles per hour, with Toyota NASCAR driver, Carl Edwards at the helm. The record was broken by more than 19mph, reaching a GPS-verified and video-documented 230.02 mph before running out of usable pavement. “At Toyota, we like to say ‘Let’s Go Places,’ and the Land Speed Cruiser goes places faster than any SUV before it. This was an aspirational goal that inspired us all,” said Steve Appelbaum, Toyota motor sales national engagement marketing manager. The record was attained with a custom 2000hp version called the Land Speed Cruiser.The World's Fastest SUV record was at 211 mph (339.572kmh). But engineers took a production 5.7-litre V8 and added huge Garrett turbochargers, sturdier pistons and rods and a custom-made intake manifold. The record-breaking vehicle sits lower, reducing the amount of turbulent air allowed to pass underneath. And it was narrowed 7.6 centimetres to accommodate wider Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres. "At 225 mph, the thing was wandering a little bit. All I could think was that (test driver) Craig Stanton said, 'No matter what, just keep your foot in it,' and we got 230 mph," Edwards said. The Land Cruiser 200 series continues to push the world's boundaries of 4WD comfort, luxury and performance. It is currently available in NZ, brand new from $123,490 plus on road costs.