Whats with the 3 winshield wipers?

 

No one has mentioned anything about a sunroof. Or better yet, a rag-top? I wouldn't buy one without it! That C-pillar has got to go... just wrap that glass around another 6 inches for better visibility and safety.
Too bad the integrated tailpipes in the bumper didn't carry over- it looked great on the concept. I thought the V8 would be the most logical choice for off-road use/low-end torque. Does anybody else agree?

It sort of reminds me of this jacked-up VW THING .

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ufez/114725/

 

I thought the concept had the tailpipe come out in front of the rear wheels? The V8 would be cool, but would totally put it out of reach ($$$) for the demographic they are going for. Though it is conceivable that one could swap a V8 since it will share the same drivetrain as the 4r.

 

I would buy one over the new tacoma.At least its made in Japan.I think they will tone it down a bit.I dont think the tires will make it though.I hope they dont put the longtrails on it to.Those things are made for the street.

 

On the Toyota web site it looked like there were two pipes- coming out just below the rear winch (great idea- hopefully avail. as an option). Side exit would be cool too...
Kudos to toyota for the locker!

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/futur...ser/index.html

 

The 'production' FJC that was shown today had 17" wheels w/BFG A/T's, the press release says the tire size will be 275/70/17, so I think it's safe to say the 20" tires are gone.

 

I'm not sure which is getting more requests, the FJ or Sabre's avatar.

Back on topic, the only thing that I don't care for is the C pillar as others have mentioned. That needs to be trimmed down. It's bad for aesthetics & safety. I was hoping for a more toned down model from the concept, but I still like it.

I would have loved an updated version of the original FJ w/ a ragtop option. I wish they were building a vehicle to go head to head with the Jeeps (Wranglers) and not targeting the Xterra/Liberty segment. There is a picture with a roof rack fairing w/ integrated lights that screams Liberty knockoff. Some of the other comments I have heard is it looks like the ugly offspring of a H2 and Mini sexual encounter. The downside to its timing will be the inevitable H2 knockoff comments. C’est la vie.

It does look like they are including sliders or look-alike nerf bars; hopefully it is the former.

Since they are targeting Xterra & Liberty (maybe Honda Element?) buyers I hope that they will offer 4 doors and a trimmed down C pillar. If it is based off the 4runner frame they should be able to do it. But something tells me that won't happen as they kept using ‘image’ as a selling point. I’m not of the generation that knows nothing of a belt and think the only time you should be walking with your pants that low is when you are looking for toilet paper. Maybe use of a belt takes me out of the targeted demographic. <shrug> Pity.

 

The FJ Cruiser is a 4 door, it has rear doors like the element and extra cab pickups, which I like (wife has an Element), they allow huge back seat legroom, since the back seats are not "tied" to the back doors, and without the B-pillar you have a cavernous opening, but you do want to make sure you have plenty of room on the sides when you park in order to really use the rear doors.

 

LOL...so true


For those who want the picture go to the computer talk forum and look at the desktop thread. Its in there.

 

Very cool. Thanks for the clarification & first hand explanation. A friend has an RX8 with similar doors & that is how he sold it to his wife.

Maybe there is a chance I can sneak this into my garage

 

Few will miss a V-8 in the FJ application. Toyota surveys showed that 80% of mid-size SUV segment buyers prefer a 6 cylinder engine over an 8. So Toyota went out and built one of the stronger, stouter V-6's that became a family of new engines (GR Series) for future cars and trucks.

From a durability standpoint, the 1GR actually has more going for it than the 2UZ V-8. It's a stroker motor designed for high torque at low rpm. It has chain driven cams, piston crowns cooled by oil jets in the main galley, cross-bolted main caps, VVT-i and ACIS variable intake. Best of all, it's 130 lbs. lighter than the V-8. Maybe given current materials, manufacturing techniques and lubricants, an alloy block can last as long as an iron block.

The Tacoma truck reviews I've read show D-Cab automatics doing 0-60 in mid-7's. The lighter FJ with the 6 M/T should be close to 7 flat, maybe even high 6's at sea level with a flyweight driver and low fuel! If that isn't enough, the upcoming TRD S/C should fill the bill, especially after URD tweaks it.

I know it's not built for quickness or speed, but FJ will likely be better balanced than any Tacoma or 'Runner, lighter, more nimble with it's shorter wheelbase and wider track, four-wheel discs, and could wind up being a fun to drive back roader on mountain roads, paved or not.

It's already growing on me. It's so ugly I like it, similar to and as specialized as my MR2 Spyder was. Besides, nobody ever called any FJ-40 stylish. I'm still amazed they're making 40,000 per year. By 2008 we'll be seeing these everywhere, and even some of the FJ-40 crowd may come around.

 

I have been following this for quite a while and I am very excited! I have owned an FJ-40 and am a current owner of a '97 4Runner. I can't tell you how many times I have thought of ways to put the 4Runner stuff into an FJ-40. To me that is what this is, almost an updated FJ-40. I know it will not be anywhere near the offroader the FJ-40 was, but it will be a daily driver with pretty capable off roading capabilities. I can't wait until this comes out so I can see it first hand.

 

I'm already planning a solid axle swap for it....

 

hahahaha... i can't wait two years into the production, seeing the insane offroaders that'll be built from the new cruiser.

 

I think I still prefer the original more, but it might prove to be an interesting alternative to buying a jeep for a few people.

 

Yeah, like 40,000! I think Toyota learned from Scion xB sales. The more uniquely styled the vehicle, the more attention and buyers show up. The xB surprised the product planners when geezers started snapping them up. Quite a few flew cross-country to CA at intro.

It's looking like FJ Cruiser will appeal to demographics across the board, and might wind up being the cult truck of 2006. Like I wrote, these things will be seen everywhere and in some unlikely places. I ordered one Saturday, a 6M/T in Flint Pearl (if available) with locker, side curtain airbags and standard black steel wheels.

 

I agree with the comments that it's just ugly enough to be interesting.

Someone said it ought to offerred in a conventional 4 door. I think there are enough station wagons already - the whole point is that it's NOT a 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, LuxoLandcruiser, Exploder, SnailBlazer, etc. The same with leather and a fancy interior (although I do like that stuff!) if it were 4 doors and luxurious (and therefore $40k+) it won't sell, it will then be competing with every other cookie-cutter SUV out there.

I agree that a removeable top would have been great.

Hopefully the stability control and traction control and stuff will be an option and not standard. I hate that stuff and it makes it harder and more expensive to modify.

BT17R's comments were spot on.

Anybody wanna buy the Flamed Truck?....

 

TRAC is an extra cost option that I passed on. That and the availability of a rear locker iced the deal for me. I hope VSC and all the rest of the Star Safety nanny systems disable in 4Lo. But, just the TRAC delete alone will make FJ Cruiser a much more desirable all-rounder' on and off pavement. I also gave priority to sunroof over roof rack should SR become available.

In a shameless suck up to the Canadians, Trevor Hoffman once again produces the most thoughtful North American FJ preview.

 

The dealer has no clue, they don't know what is going to be optioned, etc. According to the Toyota press release it looks like VSC, TRAC, ABS etc. will be standard. Dealers like that piss me off, acting like they know what they're talking about when they obviously don't. I especially doubt that you can delete TRAC and still have VSC. Personally I wouldn't put any stock in the what the dealer says except you have a place in line for whatever may get built. Be careful as they will probably not let you deal on it at all when it does come out.

 

Where is the straight axle???

I bet they would sell more if equiped with a solid front axle.. Then it would be worthy of the FJ40 name.