Special Offroad Edition FJ due Summer 06 [Archive]

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YotaTaco

12-20-2005, 12:33 PM

IL EXCLUSIVE: Special-Edition Toyota FJ Cruiser in the Works
Date posted: 12-14-2005

GREENVILLE, S.C. — Toyota is planning a mid-summer launch of a special-edition 2007 FJ Cruiser sport-utility vehicle that is beefed up with off-road performance features, Inside Line has learned.

"Look for things like shocks, tires, wheels, and off-road performance features," said Mark Amstock, Toyota's national truck and SUV market planning manager here at the launch of the FJ Cruiser on Tuesday.

Amstock said Toyota is working with tire manufacturer BFGoodrich on the yet unnamed special-edition FJ Cruiser. He added that Toyota designers are "pushing for traditional FJ colors, including tans and reds."

The Japanese automaker is also considering an FJ model without the signature white roof — a feature which will be standard at the SUV's launch — as well as a convertible version. "We're giving that a lot of thought," Amstock said in regard to a topless FJ Cruiser. "But nothing specific yet."

The FJ Cruiser, priced in the mid-$20Ks, is set to make its debut in late March. It competes against the Hummer H3, the Jeep Wrangler and the Nissan Xterra.

Amstock said Toyota will export a few of the FJ Cruisers to Canada and 183 to the Middle East. He said there are no plans for a right-hand-drive version of the vehicle or a diesel version.

What this means to you: Toyota aims to defy every inch of the Rubicon Trail with its special-edition FJ Cruiser.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=108519#3

Here are some pics pics from the SC event showing some nice factory accessories for the FJ.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/acc.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/skid.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/hella.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/brush.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/gps.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/gps2.jpg

AK98Taco

12-20-2005, 12:50 PM

That's great and all, but Toyota will really be opening a can of worms with all the douchebags coming in and bitching about their truck not being able to handle a weekend playing at The Hammers, or a clogged diff breather from submerging their rig in a mud hole.

CronusTRD

12-20-2005, 01:25 PM

I would be interested in seeing a convertible version.

purity

12-20-2005, 02:20 PM

I would be interested in seeing a convertible version.
x2 for any toyota execs that might be reading.

CronusTRD

12-20-2005, 02:26 PM

x2 for any toyota execs that might be reading.

That's just dreaming there....

If they are reading, please build me a locked front and rear coil sprung retro FJ40 with a 4.0 v6. Tan please.

cb77DEMELLO

12-20-2005, 05:03 PM

A convertable would be awesome! So would a Solid front axle version?

ripkinC

12-21-2005, 12:29 AM

A convertable would be awesome! So would a Solid front axle version?
I think thats the SR5 package option for the FJ... it states Bling, Bling, solid front, dif breathers, and a ragtop. Note all the above is only available together from the factory as an entire package. no exceptions.

BigBro

12-21-2005, 12:34 PM

I'm not sure how it is that Toyota can financially justify making that thing a truly great off-roader. It may have some "bling appeal" (even functional "bling appeal"), but there doesn't seem like a large enough market of serious off-road enthusiasts to make it pay off. While a lot of folks always want the latest and greatest, why would I trade in my modified Taco that I've spent a lot of hours on improving it's offroad capability for something that is more expensive and probably less capable offroad?

Dick Foster

12-21-2005, 12:46 PM

Dick Foster

12-21-2005, 12:47 PM

Somehow Jeep manages to sell Rubicons.

BigBro

12-21-2005, 12:52 PM

You do have a point. I guess I just wasn't expecting to see a similar mentality from Toyota.

purity

12-21-2005, 12:55 PM

I think thats the SR5 package option for the FJ... it states Bling, Bling, solid front, dif breathers, and a ragtop. Note all the above is only available together from the factory as an entire package. no exceptions.
where are you getting your info? :xsmokin1: :xbeer2:

Dick Foster

12-21-2005, 12:55 PM

I don't think you will. I don't see any.

AK98Taco

12-21-2005, 01:09 PM

Somehow Jeep manages to sell Rubicons.

A lot of the douchbags buying those don't wheel them, or end up replacing everything under the frame anyways, as most Jeep people do.

The FJ is just another product to sell. The offroad community is just another market.

AK98Taco

12-21-2005, 01:10 PM

where are you getting your info? :xsmokin1: :xbeer2:

My sentiments exactly.

I think "solid front" was pulled out of his ass.

AK98Taco

12-21-2005, 01:14 PM

Dick Foster

12-21-2005, 01:16 PM

LOL got me there I guess. Especially the running boards.

AK98Taco

12-21-2005, 01:17 PM

LOL got me there I guess. Especially the running boards.

They do redeem themselves by offering rock rails...

cb77DEMELLO

12-22-2005, 10:16 AM

Where did you see solid front? All I saw was bling bling poser bullshit. Looks like a 100% mall running plastic POS to me. Can you imagine a heavy duty skid that bears a whole whopping 25% of the vehicle weight? LOL

So they plan to take it to the Rubicon, huh. Now I know who was behind blowing up gatekeeper and why. LOL

When we went to Sema I was talking with one of the suspension designers or at least thats what he said he was. He agreed he wanted to do a Solid front axle but it was something to do with the US government and our laws, roll over, blah blah blah. I said well why does jeep get away with it? he shrugged his shoulders and basicly didn't have an answer for that? I would guess because they are american built and can get away with it?
Hell there even having a hard time offering it with BFG AT's! There fighting that hard because the hummer comes with them? why can't toyota's?

I think there is alot of politics that go into this stuff! I also think Toyota's conservative stance on everything makes it really hard for them to move forward with stuff!

It's like the 05 They built a bitchen v6 that hauls ass, a 5 spd tranny that shifts awesome but the rumor is that new motor is not up par with adding a charger? Or the frame? It's obvious that a boxed frame is better, Nissan did it, Ford did it and toyota went backwards with a almost full c channle frame? I love my toyota's and unlike most people I can find something I like about all the years! but just when you think Toyota is lessoning to what people want they pull something like a C frame out of cheap pile! I'm afraid they are heading down the GM road of cheaper prettier products sell more, until people realize that they are cheap? Who knows?

I have also herd it's not really the american counter parts over here as much as it is the Japanese in Japan? I find that hard to believe because it seems like back when the trucks were built in japan things were going the right direction? I know the truck needs to grow and be more mall friendly, which is fine, but leave the tough under the skin stuff we have come to love alone!

Ok I'm done sorry for the long post!

cb77DEMELLO

12-22-2005, 10:40 AM

They do redeem themselves by offering rock rails...

Sure .90 wall single round tubes with 2 supports? Those should hold the weight of anyone useing them as a step..:P

peekay331

12-22-2005, 10:56 AM

When we went to Sema I was talking with one of the suspension designers or at least thats what he said he was. He agreed he wanted to do a Solid front axle but it was something to do with the US government and our laws, roll over, blah blah blah. I said well why does jeep get away with it? he shrugged his shoulders and basicly didn't have an answer for that? I would guess because they are american built and can get away with it?
Hell there even having a hard time offering it with BFG AT's! There fighting that hard because the hummer comes with them? why can't toyota's?

I think there is alot of politics that go into this stuff! I also think Toyota's conservative stance on everything makes it really hard for them to move forward with stuff!

It's like the 05 They built a bitchen v6 that hauls ass, a 5 spd tranny that shifts awesome but the rumor is that new motor is not up par with adding a charger? Or the frame? It's obvious that a boxed frame is better, Nissan did it, Ford did it and toyota went backwards with a almost full c channle frame? I love my toyota's and unlike most people I can find something I like about all the years! but just when you think Toyota is lessoning to what people want they pull something like a C frame out of cheap pile! I'm afraid they are heading down the GM road of cheaper prettier products sell more, until people realize that they are cheap? Who knows?

I have also herd it's not really the american counter parts over here as much as it is the Japanese in Japan? I find that hard to believe because it seems like back when the trucks were built in japan things were going the right direction? I know the truck needs to grow and be more mall friendly, which is fine, but leave the tough under the skin stuff we have come to love alone!

Ok I'm done sorry for the long post!
that's why i'm hoping the suv/truck market crashes due to high gas prices. then all the posers/soccer moms can stop buying suv's and start buying their luxury sedans and mini vans. maybe then, truck manufacturers will once again cater to truck users.

Dick Foster

12-22-2005, 11:39 AM

I agree Jason. I think most of the recent bad product decisions, from our stand point anyway, are the fault of Toyota USA. I think they went and hired a bunch of the same assholes that helped to submarine the US auto industry. DUH!!!! You'd think anyone would know better than to do something that stupid. My overall impression of Toyota USA marketing is pretty bad. For anyone in marketing to sit in a room full of enthusiasts and not have the presence of mind to ask questions as to product wants and desires from that group of folks is simply an egregious neglect of their duty to their employer and just plain retarded. IMHO of course. LOL In short, if they worked for me, they wouldn't be working for me. I'd fire their ass in a heartbeat.

Dick Foster

12-22-2005, 11:40 AM

My crystal ball indicates that the station wagon is making coming back.

AK98Taco

12-22-2005, 11:42 AM

Sure .90 wall single round tubes with 2 supports? Those should hold the weight of anyone useing them as a step..:P

At least they are making an attempt... :D

AK98Taco

12-22-2005, 11:45 AM

Or the frame? It's obvious that a boxed frame is better, Nissan did it, Ford did it and toyota went backwards with a almost full c channle frame? I love my toyota's and unlike most people I can find something I like about all the years! but just when you think Toyota is lessoning to what people want they pull something like a C frame out of cheap pile!!

What's strange is that the 4-Runner/GX470 frame is fully boxed and crossmembered all to hell. Way beefy.

CronusTRD

12-22-2005, 11:50 AM

At least they are making an attempt... :D

They are like that b/c Toyota needs to give you some parts to sell, in order to buy real sliders.

Dick Foster

12-22-2005, 11:51 AM

The only attempt I see is for all show but no functionality. It has more to do with marketing hype than anything else.
Oh well like PT Barnum said, "There's a sucker born every minute" and I think they are playing to more to that crowd these days. Gotta hustle for that quick buck and to hell with tomorrow you know. Funny how anything good has always gone to hell in the same damn way. Toyota is now doing just exactly what the US auto industry did to shoot themselves in the foot. The arrogant dipshits seem to think they are somehow immune from what history has to teach. Oh well, I guess that ensures that everyone gets to take a crack and getting it right.

Bryanccfshr

12-22-2005, 11:59 AM

Fuck it Dick I may have to buy Jeep or Nissan if this negativity keeps up. I don't really give a damn about present day Toyota Products myself and you have a point, but if the FJ Cruiser leads to better products then I may reconsider my vow to never buy a new Toyota again. Piece of crap Corporation that hires those that GM didn't want.
Or I may throw principle to the wind and buy one and wheel it till all the plastic falls off.

peekay331

12-22-2005, 12:13 PM

My crystal ball indicates that the station wagon is making coming back.
in that case, i am ahead of the trend, i just bought a matrix 2 months ago! i'm such a trendsetter.

the real sad thing is that matrix has more cargo carrying capacity than my doublecab with a shell and a big tool box/fuel tank. i have about 3 ft of bedspace in my dcab and about 5'9" of bedspace in the matrix.

cb77DEMELLO

12-22-2005, 01:21 PM

that's why i'm hoping the suv/truck market crashes due to high gas prices. then all the posers/soccer moms can stop buying suv's and start buying their luxury sedans and mini vans. maybe then, truck manufacturers will once again cater to truck users.

No that won't happen, but what will happen is what already is, the SUV will become more and more a mini van with all wheel drive! People like big cars, they always have!

I think we will see more manufactors take an interest into purpose built factory trucks and cars like the rubicon and like some of these fast little rice rockets!

cb77DEMELLO

12-22-2005, 01:25 PM

Dick Foster

12-22-2005, 01:34 PM

From the looks of it. You might be better off just getting some tubing and starting from scratch.

YotaTaco

12-24-2005, 04:43 PM

Sure .90 wall single round tubes with 2 supports? Those should hold the weight of anyone useing them as a step..:P

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y74/yotataco/slider1.jpg

Bryanccfshr

12-24-2005, 06:24 PM

That's interesting. Do the brackets have an arm above the frame and why not finish welding up as much as possible to the tubes?

skimtbca

03-01-2006, 08:00 AM

Is there any more info about the special 'off-road' edition - like what it'll have on it, etc.?

YotaTaco

03-01-2006, 11:29 AM

I don't know about the welding but you can't see them in the photo but there are top arms just like the bottom arms on each mounting point bolted to the frame.

No new info yet on the offroad edition, there will probably be more after the intial rush is over. There's a guy on the Hummer forum that said he is picking up his FJ between the 6th-13th of March so there almost here.

drabnor

03-01-2006, 11:38 AM

That's interesting. Do the brackets have an arm above the frame and why not finish welding up as much as possible to the tubes?

since when does toyota ever fully complete a weld? lol

ive got so many 1/2 welds on my truck its scary :rolleyes:

Backwoodsboy

03-09-2006, 01:58 PM

i think this is the new off road edtion they were releasing
http://fourwheeler.com/featuredvehicles/129_0510_modt/ :lmao:

Valkyrie

03-09-2006, 02:12 PM

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

purity

03-09-2006, 03:41 PM

i think this is the new off road edtion they were releasing
http://fourwheeler.com/featuredvehicles/129_0510_modt/ :lmao:
hey at least it has a solid front axle! :p

Backwoodsboy

03-09-2006, 04:09 PM

haha yeah and the other one has skis and tracks too, they need to make one like that

pullnshoot25

03-09-2006, 10:46 PM

My crystal ball indicates that the station wagon is making coming back.

Haha, think honda element. That is the modern station wagon.

Here is what I would like to see, but alas! it never will happen.

-Bring back the chassis of the older trucks
-Put on a newer body OR (even better!) bust out the old Hilux body for doublecabs (sweet! what screams cool retro like this truck:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a276/pullnshoot25/13c0.jpg
-ALL models will come with 5spd unless requested (I know, that is redundant, but so many models come without it!)
-Give an option of SFA or IFS
-Get some DECENT offroad packages (hey, why not hook it up with Demello or Donahoe to make stuff for them? They make the stuff that works!)
-Give it a good motor (diesel, 5vz, 22re, 3rz options would be nice)
-OR, BYPASS THE WHOLE DAMNED PROBLEM AND GIVE US LEFT HAND DRIVE VERSIONS OF THE OVERSEAS VEHICLES!!!

Yes, fellow TTORA members, I am what one might term to be an Idealist... but until Toyota snips off the suckers and goes back to their roots, no real growth can be made, and all that will come out of such a stout heritage will be pussy soccer mom vehicles and mall queens.

topless4runner

03-19-2006, 03:02 AM

Here is what I would like to see, but alas! it never will happen.
...
-OR, BYPASS THE WHOLE DAMNED PROBLEM AND GIVE US LEFT HAND DRIVE VERSIONS OF THE OVERSEAS VEHICLES!!!
I Agree, it would be nice not to get screwed out of all the really good vehicles because Toyota can make more $$$ selling blinged-out mall cruisers to soccer-moms with too much money and not enough sense. i dont see it changing any time soon though, toyota has too much money invested in pushing all this crap on us.

CuriousJ0N

03-19-2006, 03:23 AM

the SUV will become more and more a mini van with all wheel drive! People like big cars, they always have!
just look at the dodge durango and the new chevy tahoe and suburban. those are the so-called minivans with all wheel drive. i think the durango looks most like it though

sixspeed

03-19-2006, 11:55 AM

Is there any more info about the special 'off-road' edition - like what it'll have on it, etc.?

If it's like anything else they do nowadays it will be shocks, a hood scoop, skid plate and a decal or badge... No real hardparts and nothing that costs big bucks to retool for...

Toyota's modern profit/greed-based marketing management is more like GM in the "paint/stripes/decals" performance package department than Chrysler with the SRT10, Rubicon and Power Wagon.

Which sucks.