On the first run down the track , the professional driver turned Tow Assist off , so there was no equipment to mitigate the intentional sway and braking manoeuvre the driver would instigate . At around 40km / h , as we drove across a special lowfriction surface set out on the track , the driver slammed the brakes and gave the Land Cruiser tow vehicle a little steering input , as if he was swerving for a kangaroo , and it immediately felt like the van was pushing the rear of the vehicle to the side . I could only imagine what the result would ’ ve been had we been travelling faster than 40km / h .
For the second run , the driver turned the Tow Assist package on , picked up a little more speed , and braked and steered in a very similar way to the first run . The anti-lock braking system kicked in , pulling the van up quickly and confidently . The van tracked directly behind the tow vehicle – I personally detected no sway – and it was immediately apparent that this technology will save lives .
TOW ASSIST FEATURES
During an emergency braking situation , the wheels of the van can lock up . The result is a loss of traction and control . Tow Assist ’ s ABS function can ‘ pulse ’ the brakes up to 40 times a second , preventing ‘ lock up ’ and providing the best stopping power and stability possible .
Tow Assist was extensively tested before being released to the public .
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