The new Toyota LandCruiser employs Tenneco's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System

The 2008 Toyota LandCruiser is the seventh generation and continues to carry its incomparable reputation for quality, durability and reliability. This Land Cruiser, known as the 200 Series, adds significantly to the quality, dependability and reliability (QDR) equation by including new components, and more comfort, sophistication and value than ever before. Combining the capability of a four-wheel drive vehicle with the comfort and convenience of a luxury sedan, the 2008 LandCruiser receives a new electro-mechanical system, CRAWL Control, which improves its excellent off-road capabilities and allows the driver to further concentrate on choosing a line without also having to manage momentum. A sophisticated new frame and suspension further help enhance Land Cruiser safety.

Tenneco Inc. is the supplier of suspension to the LandCruiser. A breakthrough suspension technology, according to sources at Tenneco, It is called Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and is standard on all five LandCruiser models except on the GXL turbo-diesel where it is offered as an option. The KDSS system is designed to provide outstanding vehicle stability for the LandCruiser SUV, for both on- and off-road performance. Developed by Kinetic Pty Ltd, a small R&D company based in Dunsborough, South Western Australia, the technology enables optimal adjusting of front and rear stabilizers based on movement of the hydraulic cylinders, assuring safer driving. It improves on-road ride, handling and steering feel by creating a flat operating stance during cornering and lane changing. For challenging off-road maneuvers, the LandCruiser maintains control, balance and an even keel, while helping the driver maintain a comfortable ride.

The system does not rely on the use of wires or electronics, but rather operates through the use of hydraulic pistons, which control the front and rear stabilizer bars. Conventional roll stabiliser bars fitted to most modern vehicles work well to reduce vehicle body roll during cornering but also greatly increase single wheel and articulation stiffness, which reduce ride comfort and the vehicles ability to maintain equal wheel loading on uneven surfaces. Suspension designers struggle to find a balance between these ride parameters as each compromises the other. The Kinetic Reverse Function Stabiliser System or RFS can retain conventional bounce and damping methods and works by splitting the roll stabiliser bars using a simple cradle device incorporating double acting hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are connected using kinetics unique proprietary RFS arrangement. This arrangement passively frees the bars to allow articulation and single wheel type movements but will not permit vehicle body roll. This roll stiffness and "articulation looseness" are achieved simultaneously with neither mode effecting the other. This system requires no computers, pumps or motors.

While Toyota sources say that the KDSS enables the new LandCruiser 200 to enjoy two previously contradictory benefits - longer wheel articulation for the most challenging off-road driving and the roll control needed for confident on-road driving, Gregg Sherrill, chairman and CEO of Tenneco opines, "The growth in our ride control business is driven by customers who want improved handling and stability and unique ride characteristics that help differentiate their vehicles. "Our Kinetic technology is an excellent example of such differentiation, and we were proud to work with Toyota on this important launch."

The LandCruiser is the second Toyota sport utility vehicle to feature the KDSS suspension. Tenneco debuted its Kinetic technology on the 2004 Lexus GX470 sport utility vehicle.