A RIDE WITH THE BEAST

My good friend Mike is the proud owner of a classic 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado V6 VVT-i.

Today's post is about a nice trip with this "beast" in the snow.

A LITTLE BIT OF TOYOTA HISTORY

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 4.0 V6 4WD J120

The third generation of the Land Cruiser Prado was released in October 2002. The newly designed high-rigidity chassis offered improved maneuverability, vehicle stability and quiet operation. The newly-developed Torsen LSD transfer unit in the centre differential enhanced performance both on and off-road. The Active Traction Control (TRC) system can perform complex uphill/downhill driving adjustments to improve off-road handling, while the H∞-TEMS system and electronically controlled rear air suspension enhanced on-road agility, vehicle stability and ride comfort.

The engine choice included 3.4- and 2.7-litre V6 petrol units and a 3.0-litre intercooled turbo diesel unit.

Mike's particular one is a 4 litre V6, 2006 version.

"Prado" is Portuguese for "meadow" or "field", which seems perfectly fitting.

CLIMATE CHANGE IS HERE

The somewhat sad part of the trip was that we passed through large areas of burnt forest, a tragic reminder of climate change and the increasingly destructive fires that are happening more and more often nowadays. A new reality, which unfortunately is here and we will probably have to get used to it.

RUMORS

An acquaintance told us that in Dubai everyone drives a Cayenne, but when it comes to the desert, they get a Land Cruiser. True or false, I don't know, but it looks legit.

Personally I was impressed with the comfort inside the vehicle, but also the confidence you feel in every situation. This, in fact, helped in how much fun we had.

Except maybe the time I took a mud bath along with the cameras. As much as I expected this, the attack of water and dirt was overwhelming.