FJ Cruiser at SEMA 05 [Archive]

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YotaTaco

11-02-2005, 01:44 PM

Here are some good pictures of the new FJC at SEMA 05.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/toyota/FJ_Cruiser/fj_cruiser_detail.htm

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/toyota/FJ_Cruiser/fj_cruiser_day2.htm

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/FJ.jpg

nauvooguy

11-02-2005, 02:43 PM

Holy CHIT!!!! That is soooo bad, even with the IFS....

trd2001

11-02-2005, 04:29 PM

YotaTaco

11-02-2005, 04:42 PM

Here's some more pics.

http://gallery.dealerrater.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=23&galleryId=30

http://gallery.dealerrater.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=24&galleryId=30

wslytoy

11-02-2005, 05:06 PM

that's actually pretty damn tight.......

wslytoy

11-02-2005, 05:19 PM

Here's some more pics.

http://gallery.dealerrater.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=23&galleryId=30

http://gallery.dealerrater.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=24&galleryId=30

I like this pic the most
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c388/wslytoy/LCwomen.jpg

This was also impressive
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c388/wslytoy/Viper.jpg

adamgil

11-02-2005, 05:22 PM

it is definantly growing on me more and more each time I see it.:kewl:

mikerox

11-02-2005, 08:11 PM

wslytoy

11-03-2005, 08:55 AM

it looks like it sits so low though, and like there wont be much room for bigger tires at all. but i still like it.

That's never been a problem for a Toyota, why do you think God created the solid axle? ;)

mikerox

11-03-2005, 09:24 AM

ya ya ya, all you sac guys are so cool.

YotaTaco

11-03-2005, 03:57 PM

one thing i noticed was the earlier prototype had winches behind the bumpers front and back. i would love that kind of factory option. it looks like it sits so low though, and like there wont be much room for bigger tires at all. but i still like it.

It dousn't look like winches will be an option, that will be left to the aftermarket. The ARB bumper with the winch looks good. The ground clerance is either 9.6" or 9.8" depending on the source which is a little better than the 05 Tacoma, 9.5". As for tire size it comes stock with 265/70/17 A/T's (31.6") and the one at Sema has 285/70/17" BFG A/T's (32.7") with Donahoe coilovers.

ARB1977

11-03-2005, 06:23 PM

mikerox

11-03-2005, 07:05 PM

and the one at Sema has 285/70/17" BFG A/T's (32.7") with Donahue coilovers.

oh that's funny. what kind of drama do they have on the coilover show? looks are deceiving i guess. or maybe the camera takes off some size or something. it just seemed to sit low oin the pictures.

wslytoy

11-04-2005, 02:36 PM

[QUOTE=mikerox]oh that's funny. what kind of drama do they have on the coilover show? [QUOTE]

my exact thoughts :rolleyes:

YotaTaco

11-04-2005, 03:30 PM

oh that's funny. what kind of drama do they have on the coilover show? looks are deceiving i guess. or maybe the camera takes off some size or something. it just seemed to sit low oin the pictures.

I guess since I switched to night shift I've been watching to much daytime TV. I'm starting to hear JERRY...JERRY...JERRY in my sleep, and Steve is my hero.

TaWComA26

11-07-2005, 02:42 AM

does anyone know if the suicide door windows go down?

tbrown

11-07-2005, 10:35 AM

one thing i noticed was the earlier prototype had winches behind the bumpers front and back. i would love that kind of factory option. it looks like it sits so low though, and like there wont be much room for bigger tires at all. but i still like it.
From Scott Brady at Expeditions West.

I had the chance to talk with Mark, the project manager of the FJ Cruiser. Here are a few quick details:
1. No mass marketing. Mostly on the trail promotion, Moab, the Rubicon, etc.
2. Over 60 companies showed up for the measuring session. Bumpers, suspension, etc. will be available.
3. They are shooting (not confirmed) for a factory trail package which will include 33" tires, special gearing and additional protection
4. They designed the truck to support aftermarket equipment installation, including looms to the GPS pocket, rack for light, channels in the frame, etc.
5. A 6-speed manual will be available with a full time transfer case. It will have a center differential lock.
6. January production start, in dealers in March. Pricing will be set in late December to allow for dealer pre-ordering.

As for the winch option did you see this pic, with the Toyota factory options.
http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/toyota/Tues/IMG_1885.JPG http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/toyota/Tues/IMG_1886.JPG

YotaTaco

11-07-2005, 04:38 PM

does anyone know if the suicide door windows go down?

It dousn't look like they go down there is no switch on the door and there is only two power window switches on the drivers door.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/fjdoor.jpg

TaWComA26

11-07-2005, 05:47 PM

It dousn't look like they go down there is no switch on the door and there is only two power window switches on the drivers door.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/fjdoor.jpg

Dam that sucks, I was really hoping that those windows went down. That would've made the rig 10 times better.

mikerox

11-08-2005, 01:29 AM

From Scott Brady at Expeditions West.As for the winch option did you see this pic, with the Toyota factory options.

that looks verry clean. i wonder about the rear winch as well they were showing before. would be a nice option. most people don't use a winch in the back so i doubt there would be demand to make it a factory option.

mikep

11-08-2005, 03:34 AM

looks good :cool: definatly woul kick a!@ one solid color with the off road pkg and the 33 cant wait to see more pciures with new mods :D

WickedOne

11-08-2005, 06:43 AM

They say the pricing for the 07's will come out in December. Any thoughts on what you think the base price will be?

tbrown

11-08-2005, 06:58 AM

Low 20's, is what Toyota has said, and they'll top out at around 30 G's for a fully loaded model.

Dick Foster

11-08-2005, 09:50 AM

YotaTaco

11-08-2005, 01:37 PM

Looks good with all the nice plastic and such and all but it's IFS and IFS aint no damn good off road. Full time transfer case too. I suppose buttons on the dash for transfer case functions. Gee does it even have a low range?
I really wish Toyota would get their heads out of their asses and build a real off road vehicle again. This one looks like it's built to go after the H3 market and that is it's soul purpose in life. i.e. yet another mall runner for soccer moms and urban commandos.
Come on Toyota folks, the Jeep Rubicon has dual lockers a solid axle and a part time transfer case, get a clue will ya. It's so easy to do so just do it already. Tell the marketing weenies to STFU just this one time.

Here's a post from another board about the fight with Toyota Japan over the FJC. It looks like SFA was never even an option, but unlike the 05 Taco it does have a shifter for low range. TMS=Toyota Motor Sales

In talking with one of the FJ team members for about an hour at the party, I was told...

1. Everything retro was a huge battle with Toyota Japan.
a. TOTOYA spelled out on the grille was a major battle and one TMS guy took on Japan to get it. Japan just didn't understand.
b. The white top was an issue.
c. SFA was not even considered by Japan.
d. The offset of the spare tire all the way to one side was wanted by TMS as well but they didn't choose that as a battle to fight too hard about.

From years of talking to my friend Will Carroll, (Master Tech and now Regional Trainer for TMS)....

Toyota Japan is very difficult to deal with trying to get them to understand what we "need" in the US.
Example, after years of TMS asking for a full-size truck they finally said, OK, we'll design one for you. The T100 was the answer. TMS again asks for a real full-sized truck, the Tundra was designed. Again, TMS says we need a REAL FULL-SIZED truck, we'll see what we get here soon.

So what I'm seeing, is that TMS did the best they could to answer our pleas with the constraints of Japan. After experiencing the FJ in person, I'd say they did a good job and I applaud their efforts. If I had the $$, I'd be on the list and buying one ASAP. I've owned several Cruisers (40s, 60s, 80s) and minis/runners for the last 20+ years and I think that the FJ is a quality vehicle that I would not hesitate to take anywhere I'd want to go, including 3rd world expeditions.

Why does anyone want a pre-built "J**P Rubicon" type vehicle anyway? I would rather build my vehicle how I want it, starting with a spartan, rugged, bullet-proof platform (old Cruiser)! Of course I'd love to have a 70 series troopy or pickup, but until the US reverts into a rugged wilderness requiring one, they're just not going to be imported here by Toyota.

Darren Webster
Salt Lake City
TLCA 4061
Wasatch Cruisers 104
93 FZJ80
72 FJ40

Munssey

11-08-2005, 03:07 PM

I really wish Toyota would get their heads out of their asses and build a real off road vehicle again.

It handled the Rubicon just fine... what the hell do you want? They'll build a fully tested urban assault vehicle and you'll have every rich little punk kid in the states wheeling those around killing entire familys on the streets cause they don't know how do drive an off road vehicle with any type of sense.

Geez Dicky, you want everything!

purity

11-08-2005, 03:21 PM

Here's a post form another board about the fight with Japan over the FJC. It looks like SFA was never even an option, but unlike the 05 Taco it does have a shifter for low range. TMS=Toyota Motor Sales
sounds like they dont do much wheeling in japan. :driving:

YotaTaco

11-08-2005, 04:34 PM

It handled the Rubicon just fine...

Here's some screen grabs from the Rubicon video at SEMA.

Not to bad for stock
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/FJcon2.jpg

You gotta like those approach and departure angles.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/FJcon1.jpg

See the rest here:
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=37&galleryId=30

http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/shows.asp?manu=&cat=&thisPage=38&galleryId=30

tbrown

11-08-2005, 06:49 PM

Don't forget these.
http://www.4wdtoyotaowner.com/images/FJRubicon1.jpg
http://www.4wdtoyotaowner.com/images/FJRubicon2.jpg
http://www.toyota.com/images/swfs/future/fjcruiser/gallery/image_selector/wallpaper/fj_wallpaper_01_800.jpg
http://www.tlca.org/promo/FJ/fj_1781.jpg
http://www.tlca.org/promo/FJ/fj_1751_68_90.jpg
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/auto-show-photos.asp?imageId=16751&galleryId=30
http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/auto-show-photos.asp?imageId=16750&galleryId=30 http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/auto-show-photos.asp?imageId=16754&galleryId=30 http://shows.autospies.com/gallery/auto-show-photos.asp?imageId=16756&galleryId=30

After testing the new FJ out on the Rubicon 4-wheeling America’s Bill Burke had this to say.

The new FJ has all the attributes and heritage of the proven Land Cruiser line—strong skid plate protection; strong flexible and supporting suspension, and a reliable and efficient engine and drivetrain. And the attention to details of the approach; departure and break-over angles, that follow the tradition of the FJ line. I would personally own one of these rigs!”

Bill Burke
4-wheeling America

For those that don’t know who Bill Burke is here is a brief synopsis.

Bill Burke is an internationally recognized 4x4 trainer who teaches back country driving techniques, winching and extrication methods, vehicle preparation and maintenance, land navigation and woods' skills through classes, private training, trainer courses and back country trips to individuals, families, groups, clubs, vehicle manufacturers and dealers, tour operators, government and all companies that use 4WD vehicles in their operations. Environmental awareness and trail etiquette are taught on every outing.
He is a permitted outfitter guide through the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management who plans and leads experiential back country vacation trips for individuals, families, clubs, and businesses.
Bill also travels the globe to consult and to lead back country expeditions, and serves as a technical consultant in the areas of 4-wheeling expertise and environmental concerns to various businesses, the media, 4-wheel drive manufacturers, dealerships and government organizations.

I don't know Dick, If it's good enough for the Rubicon, it's good enough for me. Not to mention it's more civilized for daily driving than a Jeep. JMHO.

Dick Foster

11-09-2005, 10:40 AM

Japanese stubbornness and arrogance spells their ultimate downfall. It has already started and will continue with the pace quickening.

Dick Foster

11-09-2005, 10:41 AM

I think I said what I wanted.

tbrown

11-09-2005, 11:40 AM

Japanese stubbornness and arrogance spells their ultimate downfall. It has already started and will continue with the pace quickening.
Hey Dick would mind explaining yourself? Last time I look the Japanese were turning huge profits and had increased they're market share where the domestic's like Chevy and Ford have continued to stumble and lose ground. So what is it that's started, and what downfall are you talking about? All I've seen is growth. Obviously they know more than you. Here's a little reading material for you to brush up on the topic, so you'll stop talking out your ass. ;)

Toyota's earnings rise 2%

Growing sales help boost its results
November 5, 2005

BY YURI KAGEYAMA
ASSOCIATED PRESS

TOKYO -- Toyota Motor Corp.'s profit rose 2% in the July-through-September quarter, lifted by growing sales around the world -- in sharp contrast with the dismal results at U.S. counterparts General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.

Japan's No. 1 automaker on Friday reported its group net profit for the fiscal second quarter rose to 303.7 billion yen, or $2.6 billion, from 297.4 billion yen in the same period a year ago.

Sales for the quarter rose about 10.4% to 4.97 trillion yen, $42 billion, from 4.5 trillion yen.

The results put Toyota on pace to set a record net profit for the full fiscal year through March 2006 for the fourth straight year.

Toyota, maker of the best-selling Camry sedan and Prius gas-and-electric hybrid cars, does not give consolidated forecasts, but it said Friday it expected to sell 8.03 million vehicles for the current fiscal year, up 60,000 vehicles from its August forecast, and above the 7.4 million vehicles sold the previous year.

That annual figure for fiscal 2005 is still fewer than General Motors' yearly sales, but if trends continue, Toyota will overtake GM in the next few years, some analysts say. GM produced 9.1 million vehicles last year.

"We attained a high level of profit while expanding production capacity and developing advanced technology and future products in response to strong demand worldwide," Toyota Executive Vice President Mitsuo Kinoshita said at a news conference.

GM and Ford are seeing their U.S. market share dwindle at the expense of Toyota and other Asian automakers. GM and Ford have also been offering huge incentive discounts to sell their cars, which have slammed earnings.

For the fiscal first half, Toyota's profit dipped 2% to 570.5 billion yen ($4.9 billion) from 584 billion yen the same period the previous year. But first half sales surged 10.6% to 9.95 trillion yen ($85 billion) from 9 trillion yen the previous year.

Vehicle sales for the six months climbed 9.4% to 3.83 million vehicles from 3.5 million vehicles.

Operating profit fell nearly 7% compared to the same period a year ago as higher material costs and the shift in demand to smaller cars with lower profit margins squeezed earnings.

Tankota

11-09-2005, 01:46 PM

The whole Rubicon thing with 4x4's these days is no measure at all.. Heck, they have advertised taking the Jeep Liberty and both the H2 and H3's through it too, all stock..

tbrown

11-09-2005, 01:58 PM

The whole Rubicon thing with 4x4's these days is no measure at all.. Heck, they have advertised taking the Jeep Liberty and both the H2 and H3's through it too, all stock..
That's because guys have over built their rigs to the point that the Rubicon is no longer a challenge. If you were to ride the rubi in a stock 70's FJ it would still be a challenge. I don't ever remember Toyota building a truck with 15-20 inches of ground clearance and 35's. When you have rigs like that running the trail it's no wonder people don't think it's a challenge. The fact a stock anything can run the rubicon is a tribute to the progress auto makers have made over time.

Tankota

11-09-2005, 10:21 PM

My point was more to that I have my doubts as to what they realy mean when they say their stock vehicals off the show room floor are running the Rubicon.. Is the the same complete trail that most other 4x4's know as the Rubicon, or are they only running a small part, for all the photo ops', with easy by-passes, just so they can take pictures to publish and also claim and advertise that their vehical did the trail.. I've seen lifted and locked IFS vehicals with 33inch off-road tires have a very hard time of it, and they want me to belive an unlifted stock unlocked street tire from the factory IFS is making a cake walk of that same trail?? They only way I see that is with a very seasoned driver, a support crew, and damage to the vehical that they don't advertise (I don't see any picts of the damged skid plates and rockers that would be at least a minimum after running it stock).

Give it to their average target buyer that this advertising is for, let them loose the the Rubicon, and let's see how many vehicals make it back.

WallyP226

11-10-2005, 05:31 AM

The Rubicon as it was in its original state is really only true for bits and pieces, if you read the history of the Rubicon it has been changed and adapted to fit the current "sport" of off roading.

Even as soon as 15 years ago, 33 inch tires were considered "huge", today they are a dime a dozen. A limited slip or Detroit Locker in the rear was considered the "ultimate" in capability 15 years ago, now its air lockers front and rear.

My point is, the Rubicon was run in stock running gear for 50+ years in Dodge Power wagons, Toyota Landcruisers, Jeeps and even back in the day horses and wagons. Horses don't climb 4 foot verticals with wagons, not unless there are 20 of them and they are Clydsdales or similar type work horses.

The Rubicon has changed and so has the vehicles that drive it.

By no means do I mean this negative, but for some its about pushing the envelope. If a vehicle comes with IFS, then they design and fabricate a SAC for theirs. If 33 inch tires are the norm, then 37s+ is what will be used, if a locker is standard in the rear, then lockers on both ends is the next modification. If one transfercase with a 70:1 is standard then the next modification will be a doubler for a ratio of 150:1+.

So Toyota puts out a more capible Landcruiser, BUT it has IFS, 33 inch tires, one locker, when viewed from the perspective above, yeah its crap and so is everything else produced, with the exception of a couple that are marginal at best.

For me, the average Joe consumer, I think, if I wanted a tractor I would have bought a Kubota, cheap, very capible, tight turning radius, can use to mow your yard as well as drive over rocks, mud, pull a plow and yank most vehicles out of just about anything. Even on the small ones the ground clearence starts at 13 inches and goes on up to over 2 feet. They come in two and four wheel drive, hydrolics, etc etc etc.

Don't get me wrong, I undestand the physics and utility of a solid axle and why it works so well in regards to traction, durability, articulation, but for the most part only on the most extreme trails do these things start to really make the difference between success and failure. And in these cases, nothing stock is going to work, period wether it has a solid axle or not.

Dick Foster

11-10-2005, 08:31 AM

China and Korea are going to slaughter Japan in the marketplace. In the world of consumer electronics their only significant market share is in the low volume high cost high end items where there are very small numbers produced. They are getting their heads handed to them on a plate in markets like cell phone hand sets and they never got any significant share of things like PCs because Taiwan beat them out of the market early on. As soon as something goes truly high volume, Japan just can't compete. The chickens of years and years of unfair trade practices and buying market share then hiding the losses under the carpet are coming home to roost so to speak. They have no creative ability due to their culture, after all what has Japan ever invented. Hell even their language and righting are imported in large part. Just ask yourself what they ever invented from the onset. In short there culture has never had an original thought. They have no natural resources to draw on so will remain a net importer for basics like food and fuel. They did manage to achieve post war success in manufacturing and adding value to imported raw materials with the help of the US and protections trade practices. However, now that the rest of Asia is doing that manufacturing thing so they can no longer compete. The overall cost of their standard of living is too high. They make lousy business men too as no one on the rest of the globe trusts them. In the 70's Japanese companies arrogantly pronounced that none of their workers would ever be laid off and they would have a job for life. That has pretty died out now along with the staunch work ethic of the country's populace, there’s that socialist union thing. All they really have left is their arrogance and it's killing them because it's keeping them from adapting to changing conditions. Basically, what are killing them are the same things that are killing us. Those are arrogance, complacency and sloth. Historically speaking, no one ever wakes up to the sad facts until it's already too late to do anything about it. It's a foregone conclusion in my mind, they are pretty much doomed and it just has to play the rest of the way out now. It’s not longer a question of if, it's when because that slippery slope process is already underway and it began several years ago. Their 15 minutes of fame is over so to speak.

tbrown

11-10-2005, 10:44 AM

Holy Shit Dick, I didn't think this was going to turn into an economics debate. While much of what you said is true, it is a little dated. Japan has seen renewed economic growth since 2003, despite that fact though I agree they do have an up hill battle, but this is no different then the struggles the U.S, or any major economy faces. Whenever you have strong economies competing with developing countries, and your import needs exceed the need from others for your exports there is going to be economic struggle. The thing is though that companies like Toyota have expanded into these emerging markets strengthening their foothold in a global economy. Toyota is no longer solely a Japanese company they are a global company, with commitments and investments in those developing countries. As those countries economies grow so will Toyota's growth as a company. That is the difference I'm talking about. Toyota has been far more innovative in the global economic development of their company then G.M, or Ford. An example of this creativity is Toyota's global IMV project. I've not seen anything like that from G.M or Ford, and it's not surprising that they are losing ground. Another creative development is Toyota's synergy hybrid system. Both Ford and G.M now buy rights from Toyota to use their system. So while Japan may have peaked in there economic growth Toyota is on the fast track for further growth and economic stability.

Now what any of this has to with the New FJ is beyond me. As far as I’m concerned the new truck is a good solid capable truck, that with time, just like every Toyota truck in the past will be built up and moded to suit the needs of the individual wheeler. The truck has a solid platform and drivetrain so there is no need to doubt the future wheeling potential of the truck.

YotaTaco

11-10-2005, 04:02 PM

The FJ is really moving up in the world, now it has its very own folder.

Moving on up, to the top...
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/jeffersonst.jpg

Dick Foster

11-11-2005, 09:37 AM

We will see on Japan. I find that they are stubborn, arrogant and inflexible so will sink. I would never point to GM or even Ford for that matter as models of innovation. Management in Detroit is so inbred that it not funny. GM would be about the last place I'd risk investment capital but Toyota is not all that innovative either IMHO. Before you go totally off the deep end though I'd point out that GM and Ford have major if not all interest in Subaru, Saab, Opel and others while Ford has Mazda, Jaguar, Volvo etc so they are insulated to some minor extent from Detroit and the UAW. Toyota also has some ties with GM. Don't forget that the Tacoma is built in a plant that is a cooperative venture between Toyota and GM. I have even seen common models that share both Toyota and GM badges produced there.

Dick Foster

11-11-2005, 09:39 AM

The FJ folder has been here from the start I think but it was meant for the real FJs not this piece of plastic IFS bull shit.

YotaTaco

11-14-2005, 04:29 PM

The FJ folder has been here from the start I think but it was meant for the real FJs not this piece of plastic IFS bull shit.

No, all the FJ Cruiser threads were moved from the "Land Cruiser Tech" folder to the new "FJ Cruiser Tech" folder last week.

Resistance is Futile

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/borgface.jpg