Toyota unveils all-new Sequoia
Unveiled at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, the second-generation Toyota 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.
In his efforts to be sure he got the 2008 Sequoia right, Chief Engineer Motoharu Araya immersed himself in American culture for two-and-a-half years as he began his design brief for the Sequoia. He even went so far as to live for a time with an American family that owned a fullsize SUV so that he could better understand the way SUV users relate to their vehicles. He also used the Internet to circulate a questionnaire so that he could acquire detailed information about how North Americans use their SUVs and what their preferences are, right down to the side of the vehicle on which drivers prefer their fuel fillers to be located. The result is a class-leading vehicle with the efficiency, performance, comfort and convenience that SUV buyers want.
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.
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 Tier II Bin 5 compliant, uses four valves per cylinder and Dual Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to produce 401 lb.-ft. of torque.
As a result, the 2008 Sequoia provides the acceleration desired by users and an available towing capacity of just over 4,082 kg (9,000 lbs). In addition to the available 5.7L V8 engine, the 4.7L iForce V8 continues to be offered as standard.
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.
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.
On four-wheel-drive models, a two-speed transfer case that contains a lockable Torsen limited-slip differential is used to transmit power to both the front and rear wheels.
To improve ride comfort and overall vehicle dynamics, the 2008 Sequoia was given an all-new platform that features independent suspension front and rear. This new suspension provides unparalleled ride, handling and straight-line stability.
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.
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, callipers 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.
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.
The Sequoia's underside, meanwhile, also is optimized to reduce drag and wind noise, and to help improve directional stability.
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.
Designers took special care to create comfortable, spacious seats in all positions. To help achieve this goal, a new seat framework, with increased seat width, was adopted. The driver's seat is standard-equipped with power lumbar support, and available as an option on the front passenger seat. Seat heaters are available for the driver seat and front passenger seat.
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 14.9 centimetres.
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 on second row seats (including the available captain's seats) 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. Leather seating is standard.
To enhance the travel experience for passengers in the second- and third-row seats, a Rear Seat Entertainment system with a DVD player and nine-inch display is available.
The 2008 Sequoia employs active and passive safety features to help provide protection for vehicle occupants. Sequoia is standard equipped with Toyota's key safety systems, which include VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), A-TRAC (Active-Traction Control), ABS (Antilock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution), and Brake Assist.
Sequoia's collision safety performance is enhanced by standard driver and passenger seat-mounted side- and side- curtain airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags that extend from the front seat to the third-row seat.
The 2008 Sequoia is available in three grades - SR5, Limited and Platinum.
The list of standard items on the SR5 grade, includes the 276 hp 4.7L V8 engine and automatic transmission, Toyota's key safety systems, Electronic Brake Distribution with Brake Assist, side curtain airbag with rollover sensor, engine immobilizer with alarm, direct tire pressure monitoring system, seating for eight passengers, eight-way manually adjustable driver's seat, four-way manually adjustable front passenger's seat, fold-flat feature for second- and third-row seats, auto tri-zone air conditioning, power windows, locks, back window, keyless entry, AM/FM/CD eight-speaker audio system with a mini-plug for iPod compatibility, roof rack, rear wiper and defogger, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cruise control, spare tire and mud guards.
To that, the Limited grade adds the 5.7L V8 engine and six-speed transmission, 20 inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sonar, fog lamps, heated leather-trimmed seats, 10-way-adjustable driver's seat, leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear shift knob, Optitron gauges, multi-information display, electro chromatic rear-view mirror, running boards, rear spoiler, power back door, sunroof, headlamp cleaner, and JBL Synthesis audio system with Bluetooth(R) capability.
The Platinum grade includes all of the above, and also adds rear load-levelling air suspension, power seat memory package, heated and air-conditioned front seats (driver and first-row passenger), second-row heated seats, and navigation system with a backup camera. Laser cruise control is an option exclusive to the Platinum grade.
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