Toyota USA has issued the following press release:
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A, Inc., unveiled the second-generation Sequoia full-size sport utility vehicle at a press conference today at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show. Sequoia is completely new for 2008, with a new body, a new interior, a new chassis, an available new 5.7L V8 engine/six-speed transmission combination and an increased focus on efficiency, performance and driver/passenger comfort.
Since the Sequoia was introduced in 2000, the world has changed. With both gasoline prices and environmental concerns on the rise, Toyota’s engineers and designers have taken steps to increase not just the 2008 Sequoia’s performance and comfort, but also its efficiency and environmental awareness.
To that end, the Sequoia is equipped with an available powerful new 5.7L V8 engine that generates excellent fuel efficiency and very low emissions.
An all-new platform now provides exterior dimensions that are competitive with other vehicles in the Sequoia’s class. Inside, highly efficient packaging gives the new Sequoia a very roomy cabin and a capacious luggage space.
Engines and Transmissions
An available new DOHC 5.7L V8 engine enables the 2008 Sequoia to provide acceleration performance that is among the leaders in its class, especially while towing. Sequoia engineers developed the new engine to produce 381 hp, one of the highest outputs in this vehicle class. This engine, which is ULEV-II compliant, uses four valves per cylinder and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce 401 lb-ft of torque.
Dual VVT-i continually alters the phase of each camshaft by operating the oil-control valve and controlling oil pressure on the advance/retard chamber of the VVT-i cam pulley through signals from the engine control computer. It produces optimized valve timing, contributing to higher output and increased efficiency.
Compact pentroof combustion chambers and high-strength pistons that are resin-coated to reduce friction, low-tension piston rings and a low-friction valve train that uses roller rocker arms also are important features of this engine, as is an Acoustic Control Induction System that changes the length of the intake manifold runners based on engine speed and throttle opening. The exhaust system, constructed of stainless steel, uses a valve in the main muffler to alter exhaust flow, reduce exhaust noise and improve performance. It also employs four catalytic converters ’ two for cold starts and two main.
As a result, the 2008 Sequoia provides the acceleration desired by users and an available towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. In addition to the available 5.7L V8 engine, the 4.7L iForce V8 continues to be offered as standard. — Suzuki Makai concept also debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
A smooth-shifting electronically controlled five-speed automatic ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) is mated to the standard 4.7L V8, while a new six-speed ECT automatic is part of the powertrain package when the available 5.7L V8 is selected.
This transmission benefits from hydraulic pressures that are very carefully controlled for smoother shifts, and from highly accurate gear-tooth surfaces that help ensure low noise levels. A Tow/Haul mode that extends use of the lower gear ratios also is part of this transmission’s package.
Both transmissions are controlled by floor-mounted shifters and are equipped with torque converters that use Toyota’s flexible lock-up control for enhanced fuel efficiency, and both transmissions can be shifted sequentially.
Additionally, the six-speed transmission’s torque converter will lock up in fourth and fifth gear, as well as in sixth gear.
Chassis and Suspension
To improve ride comfort and overall vehicle dynamics, the 2008 Sequoia was given an all-new platform that features independent suspension at both front and rear.
To provide a vehicle that will not fatigue its driver or passengers even on very long trips, Sequoia engineers focused on improved ride comfort and quietness, and on enhanced straight-line stability.
The new independent suspension employs upper and lower A-arms at each wheel, tubular shock absorbers, coil springs and a hollow tubular antiroll bar. It provides not only improved chassis dynamics thanks to reduced unsprung weight, but also a turning radius of about 19 feet, the tightest in Sequoia’s class. Additionally, increased suspension travel and a newly developed upper front shock-absorber support and lower bushing help enhance ride quality. — all-new Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
An available air suspension package and Active Variable Suspension (AVS), with settings for comfort, normal and sport, improves the ride comfort and augments the Sequoia’s ability to tow and haul heavy loads while maintaining an appropriate ride height and chassis attitude.
Larger tires and wheels were adopted to complete the chassis equation. Standard are 275/65R18 tires and 18-inch aluminum wheels, while 275/55R20 tires and specially designed 20-inch aluminum wheels are available.
Inside those wheels, Sequoia uses 13.9-inch ventilated disc brakes up front and 13.6-inch ventilated disc brakes at the rear. To improve braking performance and fade resistance, calipers with four opposed pistons ’ two per side ’ are used for the front brakes. The Anti-lock Braking System is equipped with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution) and Brake Assist.
Design and Styling
Working from a design theme articulated as ’Rugged and Advanced,’ engineers gave the 2008 Sequoia a new, larger body size and a tough new look.
Sequoia’s overall length, width and height are increased, its wheelbase lengthened and its front and rear track is widened. Front and rear overhang, meanwhile, is reduced.
Larger headlamps, with available headlamp washers, were adopted, as were large side-view mirrors that are available with power retraction, automatic glare-resistance, puddle lamps, turn-signal lamps, position memory and reverse-linked tilt functions.
This new design achieves a drag coefficient of 0.35, which means the vehicle offers exceptional aerodynamic characteristics and low wind-noise. The vehicle’s mirrors, wipers, A-pillar and roof header are shaped to maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize wind noise. — Toyota's sustainability concepts showcased at the Tokyo Show.
Interior and Comfort/b>
A primary design goal was to ensure that the 2008 Sequoia is useful and user-friendly and its driver and passengers, regardless of size and build, have sufficient space to ride in comfort. To that end, the Sequoia’s cabin interior is longer, wider and taller than the previous Sequoia. Indeed, space sufficient to comfortably accommodate people well above normal height is available in each of Sequoia’s eight seats.
Additionally, the second-row seat is equipped with a sliding-type seat adjuster that allows the seat to be adjusted for added comfort when the number of passengers is limited. For the third-row seat, an advanced seat-cushion linkage reclining mechanism is adopted that elevates rear passenger comfort to new levels.
The second-row seats are split 40:20:40, and separate captain’s seats are available. The second-row seat is equipped with a seat-slide mechanism that offers an adjustment range of 5.9 inches.
This seat can also be folded down flat and uses an easy-slide action to allow passenger access to the third-row seat. A seat heater is standard with the Platinum grade, and child-seat restraints for the second row are standard on all grades.
The third-row seat is split 60:40, and it also has a seatback reclining mechanism. It too can be easily folded flat.
The interior surrounding these seats is a model of comfort, safety and efficiency and is filled with thoughtful details.
