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The images published by the CIA on its official account following the visit of its director, John Ratcliffe, to Havana on Thursday allow for the high probability identification of the vehicle that transported the American delegation through the streets of the Cuban capital: a white, apparently armored Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series GX-R.
The key lies in a detail visible on the rear gate of the SUV: the "GX.R" emblem that appears in the photos released by the CIA. This detail is complemented by the unmistakable silhouette of the Land Cruiser 300, the horizontal LED taillights, the wide rear pillar, the overall size, and the high-profile tires compatible with the 265/65 R18 wheels specified by Toyota for this variant.
The GX-R is the most functional and robust version of the latest generation of the large Land Cruiser, introduced by Toyota in 2021 as the successor to the series 200. It adopts the GA-F platform with a 20% stiffer frame than its predecessor, a weight reduction of up to 200 kg, and a repositioned powertrain to lower the center of gravity. Toyota presented it as an SUV capable of driving "on any type of road in the world" without tiring the driver.
The designation GX-R is used in international markets—Africa, the Middle East, and exports—for the more robust variant. In its diesel version, the 3.3-liter V6 twin-turbo engine produces 225 kW and 700 Nm, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 traction with a rear differential lock. The vehicle measures nearly five meters in length and features a dual fuel tank with a total capacity of 110 liters.
The SUV shown in the images displays visual signs consistent with an apparently armored unit: robust-looking doors, dark and visually thick windows, and very thick door frames. There is no official confirmation that the unit is armored, but the Land Cruiser 300 is indeed one of the most commonly used platforms for that purpose in diplomatic and governmental contexts.
Specialized companies like INKAS offer armored versions of the Land Cruiser 300 up to CEN 1063 BR6 level, featuring 360-degree perimeter protection, multilayer ballistic glass, and a run-flat system, capable of withstanding 7.62 mm ammunition and explosions from up to two grenades. The armor also maintains a discreet appearance that is close to the vehicle's original design.
That discretion is precisely one of the reasons that explain the choice. During a high-profile visit like Ratcliffe’s —only the second by a CIA director to Cuba since the 1959 revolution— a white Land Cruiser 300 GX-R is much less conspicuous than a limousine or a caravan of large American-made SUVs, but it offers reliability, 4x4 capability, durability, and full compatibility with high-level armor.
The U.S. government's institutional preference for this model is documented: the State Department acquired 229 armored Toyota Land Cruisers in 2021 for use abroad, confirming that the Japanese SUV is the vehicle of choice for high-risk diplomatic missions.
Ratcliffe met in Havana with the Cuban Minister of the Interior, Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, and with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" and grandson of Raúl Castro, in addition to being received by Ambassador Mike Hammer at the U.S. diplomatic mission in Havana. He brought a message from President Donald Trump: Washington will only engage in discussions about economy and security if Cuba makes fundamental changes.
On a visit marked by secrecy, a reserved agenda, and diplomatic tension, the vehicle chosen for the transfers also sent a message: discretion, solidity, and maximum protection, without fanfare.
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