Toyota's 2024 Land Cruiser: A Hybrid Adventure at a Surprising Price

 Toyota's iconic Land Cruiser is making a grand return in 2024, marking its first significant revamp since 2021. The big news? It's embracing a hybrid powertrain and boasting a remarkable $30,000 price reduction compared to its predecessor. Set to hit US dealerships in spring 2024, the new Land Cruiser aims to uphold its off-road legacy while becoming more accessible to a broader range of adventurous enthusiasts.

Since its debut in the US market in 1958, the Land Cruiser has undergone various transformations. Toyota emphasizes that the 2024 model stays true to its heritage, positioning itself as a top-tier off-roader now available at a more budget-friendly price point. Toyota plans to unveil the exact pricing, projected to be in the mid-$50,000 range, closer to the on-sale date.

Distinguishing itself from the 2021 luxury-oriented model, the 2024 Land Cruiser is slightly smaller, emphasizing increased off-road capabilities with a 4.4-inch reduction in width and a 1.2-inch decrease in length. The seating capacity has been adjusted to accommodate up to five passengers, a departure from the 2021 version's capacity for eight, as reported by Kelley Blue Book.

Technological upgrades are on display in the 2024 model, featuring Toyota's revamped dash screen with enhanced connectivity, including over-the-air updates. The vehicle will incorporate a suite of self-driving assists, providing light braking and steering as needed for a safer driving experience.

One of the most significant changes is the adoption of a hybrid powertrain, a move aimed at addressing the 2021 model's fuel efficiency challenges, which stood at a modest 14 mpg. While the exact miles-per-gallon for the 2024 Land Cruiser remains undisclosed until closer to the launch date, the shift to a hybrid system is expected to significantly improve fuel efficiency.

Despite the growing trend towards electric vehicles (EVs), Toyota has chosen a hybrid approach for the 2024 Land Cruiser, sparking potential criticism from those advocating for a quicker transition to EVs. Notably, Toyota's current EV lineup is limited to the bZ4X, and the company has not provided details about future electric models, even after a company-wide restructuring in February 2023 to prioritize EV development.

The 2024 Land Cruiser will proudly bear the "beyond zero" badge, aligning with Toyota's commitment to eco-friendly initiatives. While some may yearn for a faster EV transition, Toyota appears to be balancing its commitment to hybrids with a touch of retro design, catering to fans who appreciate the Land Cruiser's timeless appeal.

In summary, Toyota's 2024 Land Cruiser promises a thrilling hybrid off-road adventure at a significantly reduced price, inviting a wider audience to join the journey. The blend of technological upgrades, a more compact design tailored for off-road prowess, and the unexpected price drop make the upcoming Land Cruiser a noteworthy addition to Toyota's lineup.

Largest Combine Harvester Ever New Holland Unveils CR11 2025

Machinery manufacturer New Holland dedicated a decade to the development of its groundbreaking CR11 combine harvester, officially unveiled to the public on November 12 at the Agritechnica 2023 trade fair in Hanover, Germany.

Distinguished by its striking golden color, a tribute to the prestigious golden Agritechnica medal (innovation prize) received by New Holland, the CR11 will be marketed in the brand's signature yellow. The combine harvester boasts an impressive increase in threshing capacity, with a range of 20% (grain) to 40% (corn) higher than the existing flagship model, the CR10.90. This enhancement is achieved through the introduction of wider and longer threshing rotors.

The CR11's threshing system retains the two longitudinally positioned threshing rotors, but nearly every component is redesigned. The rotors, measuring 61 cm in diameter (up from 56 cm) and extending 3.5 meters in length (up from 2.9 meters), are driven by a continuously variable transmission (CVT) at the rear, supplemented by a 3-speed gearbox. With a maximum power output of 775 hp, the longitudinally oriented engine block ensures optimal weight distribution.

Efficient material distribution on the sieves is facilitated by sensors, allowing the sieves to shake not only forward and backward but also left and right. This automatic adjustment is particularly beneficial on slopes or when using only one side of the cutter bar.

The enlarged ejection drum, now throwing straw through the straw chopper, incorporates radar sensors to monitor distribution, automatically adjusting in the presence of side wind. A sensor at the rear measures straw length, enabling automatic adjustments to the counter knives.

The grain tank, boasting a 20,000-liter capacity, features a rear door for convenient access. Unloading at a rate of 210 liters per second, the CR11 demonstrated its efficiency during a UK barley test where the 20,000-liter bunker unloaded in just 80 seconds.

Equipped with VF900/65 R46 tires, the CR11 is approximately 4 meters wide. Alternatively, the machine is available with tracks, maintaining a width of 3.5 meters with a 66-centimeter track. Weighing around 26 tons, the CR11 is slightly larger than its predecessor, the CR10.90.

The CR11 offers flexibility with a cutter bar ranging from 12.5 to 18.3 meters wide. This model introduces innovative technology exclusive to the CR11, while the smaller CR combine harvesters receive a refreshed appearance and the new MY2025 cabin, featuring two 12-inch screens from New Holland's current tractor generation.