Meet the fastest SUV on the planet

MANILA: When we say meet the fastest SUV on the planet, you might think of manufacturers like Bugatti, McLaren, Ferrari, Porsche, or Koenigsegg. But, what if we tell you that this fastest SUV is from the house of an automaker, which deals in mass market cars with a focus on comfort, luxury and efficiency. Yes, the automaker is Toyota and the SUV is none other than the much-acclaimed Land Cruiser. Showcased at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show 2016.

This is a result of Toyota’s 3UR-FE 5.7-litre V8 engine with football-sized Garrett turbochargers, which grants this SUV immense power to stand against some of the fastest wheels across the globe. The engine is capable of churning out 2,000 hp maximum power, yes, you read it right, this is more than the 8.0-litre W16 quad-turbocharged engine equipped in Bugatti Chiron, delivering 1,479 hp maximum power.

Though the SUV weight is more than the hypercar, the Land Speed Cruiser still manages to clock a top speed of 354 kmph. The engine is further coupled to an ATI transmission.

It is not only the engine which has resulted in an improved performance but, the engineers have also worked on better aerodynamics to make this SUV considered " the fastest". The SUV sits lower than the standard SUV and due to this, the off-road potential is compromised for better stability at high speeds. Even the rear view mirrors are replaced with a rear view camera to further achieve better aerodynamics. According to Chuck Wade, motorsports technical center manager, the Land Speed Cruiser looks like any other SUV but it is quite subtle. We don’t know whether this SUV will be offered in the Philippines, just like Toyota TRD Sportivo, we would love to have this masterpiece of Toyota.